afrol News, 25 April - A 20-year-old Ghanaian law student at the Univesity of Kent (Medway Towns), Shirley De Lawrence, has kept the title in West Africa by winning the 19th Miss Caribbean & Commonwealth contest, in succession to Uchenna Obika of Nigeria, at the Polish Centre in Hammersmith, West London.

Shirley was recommended to the competition by Ben Black Photography. She is the third Ghanaian to win the crown. Jacqueline Baker and Michelle Supersad, the two representatives from Trinidad & Tobago, were second and third respectively.

The judging panel, which comprised former holders of the title Margarette Alcindor and Theresa de Roche, journalist Isaac Tschando, Anne Rose Mordi of Jewellery by Anne, Patsy White – promoter of Miss Elegance and Miss Asia World, former commere of the show Shyraine Mubiana, and representative of the public JoAnn Gosine, debated their decision long and hard, and it proved to be very popular with the public. There were 18 contestants representing 14 countries.

Former title-holders Uchenna Obika and Natalie Latan introduced and interviewed the contestants. The accompanying entertainment comprised singer Angel J and the Manic Boyz dancers, Ecology dancers and Tabot Mix, the United Christian Harmony Group and a hairstyling display by Rougz Hair & Beauty Salon.

Alafair Celestine, a former deputy holder of the title, interviewed the several guest beauty queens. The show was opened by Archbishop Dr Bancroft McCarthy. Moneygram sponsored the Cups and crowns, and the winner received further prizes from Jewellery by Anne, Evoke luxury leatherware, Cockspur rum, and Windies Cove restaurant.

Shirley Dee would like to take her prize holiday in Ghana, to which her predecessors, Natalie and Shaherah Williams, have already made very enjoyable and well-publicised tours.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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