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The final minutes of Jackie’s reign are ticking away, ending what was 365 glorious days as Miss Jamaica (World) 1984.
Jacqueline Crichton. Demure – but with a personality that is pleasantly infectious. She wore her crown gracefully – always adding that extra illumination to those functions which were graced by her presence. And they were many, although most of them were not publicized.
Nevertheless, Jackie was one of the busiest, if not the busiest queen in the contest’s seven year history…..and you don’t have to take our word for it. The facts are there to prove it. Jackie had no less than 100 engagements in the year, sometimes two in one day, and that is saying it all.
PRESENTATION FUNCTIONS
The presentation functions were numerous, there were fashion shows here and abroad. She opened this bank here and this building there – the opening ceremonies were all over the country. She participated in a walk-a-thon in aid of Big Brother’s Week and then took time out for prayers and thanksgiving in church. Today, Jackie’s precious blood is flowing through the veins of some fortunate person. Yes. She did not think it too precious to donate to the blood bank.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE YEAR
Highlight of the year, she says, are the three contests she participated in - Miss Jamaica World, Miss World in London, and Miss Caribbean Carnival Queen which was held in St. Vincent.
“Miss Jamaica was good; all of us (the contestants) became very good friends. We were all out to have a good time and we did”.
“Miss World Beauty was so very formal – and a touch of class. Being around 72 other girls was simply great. You would not believe it. Caribbean Carnival Queen, on the other hand, was more of an open thing…and warm. There were not so many of us – only seven contestants but it was fun. We had a fantastic time. It was carnival time so you can imagine there was a lot of calypso”.
Jackie was second best in this contest. And the item she did for the talent show was tops. It was placed first. It was a skit that the Honourable Louise Bennett (Miss Lou) chose from among her work, for her and she performed it well.
Jackie will always have lasting and pleasant memories of these trips, also those made to Miami. She was in Florida’s main county for the Miss Jamaica/Miami Beauty Contest. She was special guest. She was special guest too at a fashion show also in Miami, put on by a top Ethiopian model for the starving people of Ethiopia.
“It was another posh event – everything was first class”, Jackie says. First class indeed. We are talking about a US$50 per ticket function.
TRIPS TO CAYMAN
Our outgoing queen remembers too, her trip to Cayman where she opened that country’s “Pirates Week”, a celebration which she says is similar to Jamaica’s Independence celebrations. A sort of carnival spirit – with fishing in the harbour, parties…the works. “It was one week of total partying and I don’t think I am going to miss it this year”.
LOS ANGELES
The Jamaica Tourist Board’s promotion of Jamaica in Los Angeles…all the other engagements…local and overseas will leave indelible impressions on her mind. She says the year was a good one although, like everything else in life, it had its ups and downs. Nevertheless she has not regretted anything she has done in the year.
And what has she gained from it personally? “I have learnt to be tolerant …a tolerance that was not there a year ago. I am able to exercise more patience. I have built self confidence and I am more aware of certain things”.
Source: 1985 Miss Jamaica World Souvenir Magazine
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