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Should demand by advertisers, product manufacturers, producers and public relations firms be a yardstick of ones beauty and demand, then Cornelia Parchment is the most beautiful of all Miss Jamaica World’s. In just a few short months after being crowned Miss Jamaica World 1982 Cornelia was already on several calendars, done numerous commercial advertisements and was ‘Special Guest’ at several public functions.
Despite her popularity and fame, Cornelia still remains an enigma to the majority of the Country’s population since she made her initial impact last year in the Miss Jamaica (World) Contest. Who is this beautiful Jamaican Beauty Queen, where did she suddenly appear from? Why did so few know of her when she entered? The answers give an interesting insight into this fascinating personality.
About the only thing that was common knowledge of Cornelia was the fact that she is the only daughter of actor and farmer Don Parchment of Sligoville, St. Catherine. He played a leading role in the successful Jamaican production, “Children of Babylon.”
Cornelia actually received her early education in Jamaica but went to England at the age of ten. She was uncomfortable at school there so after one year, her parents decided to send her to Montreal where she attended the Queen of Angels Academy high school. After graduating from high school, she did one and a half years at the John Abbot College where she studied social sciences, majoring in physcology. Then at 19 it was time to return home for good – so in March of last year she did exactly that and within a couple of months she had zoomed to fame in the Miss Jamaica World Contest – the rest is history.
The impetus to enter came from Cornelia’s mother, Jo Parchment. “It was my mother’s suggestion, the Contest was a goal to lose weight and of course to try and win although at first that was not the priority.” Cornelia’s approach was total and positive. She trained hard, lost weight and grew in confidence and soon she was one of the clear favourites.
Of the highlights during her reign, Cornelia first recognizes the Miss World Contest, “The main highlight was the Miss World in London for two weeks, the opportunity to take part in such a glamorous event and to meet all those beautiful girls from so many countries. All the functions during my year’s reign were a highlight to me and the year in general will also be the big highlight of my life.”
Cornelia also mentions meeting the famous movie stars, Roger Moore and Louis Jordan (French actor), as well as a number of influential politicians and personalities locally.
The Miss Jamaica (World) Contest she considered very challenging and competitive but she has had a very rewarding year and would definitely encourage any young girl to enter it for the experience and exposure. “I will always remember it until the day I die.”
Now that she is coming to the end of her reign, she understandably has mixed feelings – “It was a very good year and it is time somebody else enjoys the benefits and rewards of the title but on the other hand, I know I am going to miss it.”
And what of Cornelia’s future? She definitely intends to go back to school and says, “I have to decide on a career and I am leaning towards something with children or else in the fashion world. I would definitely also like to keep doing commercials and advertisements as I enjoy them so much.” As Cornelia makes her final appearance as the reigning Miss Jamaica World on September 3rd, the admiring audience will also be wishing the best for Cornelia’s future plans so that she may continue the impact on Jamaica which began approximately one year ago…
Source: 1983 Miss Jamaica World Souvenir Magazine
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