A wonderfully vibrant ambassador
Dear Editor,
There is no doubt that the entire Jamaica will be abuzz with talk this week of Yendi’s historic number two placement in the highly publicised Miss Universe pageant. While we have repeatedly reigned supreme in the Miss World competition, the top spot at Miss Universe has remained elusive. Yendi came within just under three million heartbeats of winning and in doing so she silenced her critics. Our queen simply neutralised the negative ions with her spark, her regal aplomb, her poise and charisma.
As a Jamaican, Monday night was a proud moment for me, not just for Yendi. In what will certainly be labelled as “the moment of truth” she stayed true to herself. This vibrant ambassador who has been relentlessly maligned for her motives in entering a second competition and been the subject of “so-so bad mind and wutless” banter, chose to face a panel of judges in the grand ol’ USA and give an honest, decidedly non-political answer. She said, “Life is a gift…given by one ultimate Creator, therefore we as mere humans have no right to take life.”
Naturally, the question of whether she lost the crown with that answer will consume us and echo in our collective consciousness for years to come. My humble take on it is that it was the universe’s loss, not ours. At the end of the day, I am positive Yendi will be one of the most remembered contestants in the 2010 competition.
Many might not have liked Yendi’s answer, but she gave a strong one. For me, her evening gown didn’t seem right. As a good friend rightly stated, “That dreadful cross between a 1980s prom frock and a dolly’s dress was very likely to be the real reason she was edged out.”
Whatever your thoughts on it, and they are bound to differ from mine, one thing is certain: Yendi did us proud.
Lesley-Ann Thompson
lesleyann.thompson@gmail.com