REIGNING Miss Jamaica World Dr Sanneta Myrie is back home following her fourth-place finish at the 65th Miss World pageant in Sanya, China. The dreadlocked beauty placed fourth, joining a string of Jamaican queens to capture the Miss World Caribbean title.

The dreadlocked beauty placed fourth, joining a string of Jamaican queens to capture the Miss World Caribbean title.

Myrie told a media reception at the Norman Manley International Airport last Thursday that she was pleased with her performance in China. She noted that her participation in the talent segment is an experience that will be forever etched in her memory.

“My most cherished memory will be performing my talent piece at the Crown Theatre. I just let it out, dancing to showcase the history and culture of the Jamaican people, from slavery to freedom,” she said.

Myrie also put to rest issues which have swirled regarding her participation at Miss World, including her choice of the pale blue Uzuri-designed evening gown.

“I am confident in the choice I made. I had to take several factors into consideration. Miss World has a criteria for the evening gown, so I consulted with my team leader. It also had to be something that could work the stage and also it was an outdoor event,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

The 24-year-old — who is a graduate of the University of the West Indies — also cleared the air regarding about being ‘stranded’ in China following the finals.

“The thing is, I had a 30-day visa and I was in China for 31 days. I should have, therefore, been at the airport an extra two hours. I was not made aware of this, so when I got to the airport with this additional two hours, I missed my flight. However, there is a really great Jamaican community in Beijing and they came to my rescue. I was on the next flight. I was just unfortunate,” said Myrie.

Since Myrie’s departure for China, social media has been abuzz with allegations of lack of support for her campaign from local franchise holder Laura Butler.

On Thursday night, Myrie admitted there were challenges, but she has put them behind her.

“There were some challenges, but I am not dwelling on that. I went to China and did my best… I may not have won the crown but I am proud of what I achieved,” she told the Sunday Observer.