AMIDST cheers of approval, student Deanna Robbins was crowned Miss Jamaica World 50 inside the ballroom of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in St Andrew on Saturday night.

A crowd favourite throughout the evening’s presentation, the 21-year-old seemed shocked when her name was called as the new queen edging out 19 other beauties. Robbins will be representing Jamaica at Miss World in Inner Mongolia, China, on August 18.

In her first media interview as Miss Jamaica World 50, Robbins, still sitting on the coronation throne, struggled to find the words to describe the moment.

“I’m speechless,” she told the Jamaica Observer, still shaking from the mix of nervousness and joy.

“This has been such a great journey and I can see so much growth in myself… I am truly proud of this win,” she continued.

Robbins said she is looking forward to representing Jamaica at Miss World and hopes to add to the Jamaica 50 celebrations.

Earlier in the evening, it was a tight race to the finish as all the contestants took to the stage with poise during the swimwear and evening wear segments. They all held their own during the dreaded interview segment.

At the end of the night, second place went to the immensely-popular 24-year-old registered nurse Trishauna Clarke, while the statuesque Rashida Beckford took the third spot. Shona Bewley was fourth and Lauren McKay completed the top 5.

The Top 10 finalists were completed by Adrianna Bryan, Kelly-Ann Diedrick, Chevell Powell, Claudiann Berry and Lauren McClure.

The winner of the fast-track mini competitions, which guaranteed them a placing in the Top 10 were: Trishauna Clarke — beach beauty and sports; Adianna Bryan — model and talent; and Rashida Beckford — beauty with a purpose.

The four sectional prizes went to Deanna Robbins — Best Smile; Adrianna Bryan — Best Skin Tone; Trishauna Clarke — Best Legs; and Rashida Beckford —Most Aware. Robbins would also take the top spot in the Planning Institute of Jamaica’s essay competition.

This year’s presentation showed thought and planning, with a smooth-running production, for the most part. The one area in which it was found wanting was in the choice of hosts. Broadcasters Regina Beavers and Michael Anthony Cuffe Jr proved almost to be the undoing of the show. They lacked the chemistry required of effective hosts and this led to their delivery being flat and disconnected.

The organisers were clearly going for young, fresh faces, and this is understandable. However, the pair lacked the authority required to pull the proceedings together.

This year’s coronation show paid tribute to Jamaica 50 as well as the past queens who have done the country proud at Miss World.

As a result three past queens were honoured during the show. They are Dr Allison Barnett-Cross — Miss Jamaica 1985; Imani Duncan-Pryce — Miss Jamaica 1995; and, Dr Tonoya Toyloy-Williams, the 2004 queen.