MONTEGO BAY, St James — MARTINIQUE contestant Anne-Sophie Ribesois, who was on the weekend crowned Miss Global International 2014 in Montego Bay, says she plans to return to Jamaica in the near future to discover the island’s rich culture and heritage.

“It was my first visit to Jamaica and it was a great experience, one that I will never forget. I am really looking forward to returning to Jamaica very soon. I want to come back to discover the island and its culture, and to continue my duties and role as Miss Global International 2014,” the 18-year-old student told the Jamaica Observer West, shortly after she was crowned by Roshelle McKinley, Miss Jamaica Global 2013, at the Hotel RIU in Montego Bay on Saturday night.

Ribesois also copped the prizes for being the most aware contestant and for having the best figure in the pageant, which saw 17 beautiful ladies from across the globe competing for the coveted title.

“It is a delightful surprise, it is a dream that has just become a reality,” said an elated Ribesois.

She added that winning the crown will enable her to continue a raft of educational projects that she has been involved with over the past few years.

Her prizes include US$1,000; a four-day stay at Hotel RIU; and a five-night stay at Tabacon Grand Spa and Thermal Resort in Costa Rica.

First runner-up was 19-year-old political science student Keasy Myrie of Panama, who won the sectional prize for best costume, while 25-year-old nurse, Syndia Saint Jour of Haiti copped the second runner-up spot.

The Jamaican in the competition, Shavrine Wilson, got the prize for being the most talented contestant, while Myrie was awarded the ‘Best Costume’ title; Miss Guyana, Onesha Hutson, got ‘Best Smile’ title, while Laura Bradley, Miss Australia, was named the ‘Most Congenial’ contestant.

Ribesois, who was the crowd’s favourite, thanked the organisers of the pageant for giving her the opportunity to participate in the contest, as well as the other contestants for their support during the staging of the event, which was in its 10th year.

Chief Judge Joe Hylton said Ribesois was a cut above the rest of the other contestants.

“Based on her beauty, how she answered the questions and her presentations, there was no doubt in our minds that she was way ahead of the field,” he told the Observer West.

The coronation show was interspersed with top-class entertainment which went over well with the audience.

Pageant director Lachu Ramchandani said he was pleased with this year’s staging of the event.

“I think it was excellent; the production was fabulous. I am very, very happy with the selection [the winner]. The judges did a fantastic job, and I am sure that she [Ribesois] will represent us very, very well at the international level,” said Ramchandani.