It was a case of the "wright" young lady taking home the title of Miss Jamaica Universe 2005 on Sunday night inside the ballroom of the Hilton Kingston Hotel.

Miss Jamaica Universe 2005 Raquel Wright

Administrative and reservations manager at a luxury tour company, Raquel Wright (Miss Carimed Antiseptic Mouthwash) emerged as the winner in what many pageant observers say was one of the closest contests to call in many years.

"I worked very hard for this moment, and was prepared mentally for anything to happen, win lose or draw," the delighted Wright told the Observer after her victory.

Describing the moments after third and second places were announced and only two contestants were left from the top five, Wright said: "I am not normally a nervous person but when it reached to that stage in the competition I was on my knees holding the hands of Kimberly (Kimberly Hitchins, another contestant) for dear life as I realised that it was now down to two, Natalia de Lisser and myself.

I can't really describe how happy I felt when my name was announced as the winner. It was really a moment to savour"

Miss Jamaica Universe contestants showing off their dancing skills at the start of the coronation show on Sunday night at the Hilton Kingston Hotel. Eventual winner raquel is second from left. (Photos: Bryan Cummings)

Wright was also voted Most Congenial by her fellow contestants. Shemille Blake (Miss Lux Skincare) placed second and won the sectional prizes for Most Photogenic and Most Aware.

For the first time in the history of the competition, there was a tie of any kind, as Chavoy Gordon (Miss First Union Insurance) and Carolyn Yapp (Miss Captain's Bakery) together placed third.

The newly crowned queen said she was looking forward to represent Jamaica with distinction at the Miss Universe finals in Thailand in May.

"I am really, really looking forward to representing Jamaica in Thailand. I know I have to continue working hard to be at my best when the Miss Universe coronation comes around and I am ready for the rigours of training that will begin soon. My parents and my brother will be in Thailand also to give me support," Wright said.

She also debunked the mental stereotype attached to beauty contest, saying the experience of participating in the Pulse-organised event is one she will always remember.
"All the girls in the competition this year challenged the bitchy, catty stereotypes usually associated with girls in a beauty contest.

The queen Raquel Wright (second left) flanked by her runners-up Shemille Blake (second place - left), Carolyn Yapp (tied third), second right, and Chavoy Gordon (tied third).

Instead we all had a good time, we worked hard and, importantly, we all supported each other. I was particularly happy when all the girls in the contest came on stage to offer their congratulations after I was announced as the winner," Wright said.

The 2005 Miss Jamaica Universe coronation show opened with dancers from the Company Dance Theatre dressed in black, going through an energetic dance piece.

They were joined on stage by the 13 contestants in the competition. Donning black hats, red feathers and black bustier tops, the girls were greeted with loud cheers as they hit the stage.

During the swimwear segment (which was won by Chavoy Gordon), the girls strutted down the runway in swimwear by Mushroom.

Designers Uzuri International again outdid themselves as their creations were eye-catching and elaborate. They dressed all of the contestants in the evening wear segment. Yapp's aqua blue glittering body-hugging outfit won the prize for the Best Evening Wear.

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'

Cheeky's World