ORGANISERS of last Saturday’s Miss Jamaica World Pageant held at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston said the event exceeded their expectations.

In speaking with Jamaica Observer, pageant director Kandi King said the Grand Coronation was a huge success.

“We had a very huge turnout. The place was oversold. The venue was packed and everyone had a great time,” she told the Observer.

The 2017 Miss Jamaica World title went to 24-year-old marketing and advertising exec Solange Sinclair. Sinclair is cousin of 2014 Miss Universe Jamaica title-holder Kaci Fennell, and granddaughter of late Jamaican Hollywood actress Madge Sinclair. She is also niece of Cable & Wireless Caribbean president Garry Sinclair.

Finishing in second place was Miss Eyeland Eyewear Diedre McKenzie. McKenzie had made the top ten of the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant in 2014. Third place went to Jeneque Pinnock (Miss Maxie’s Department Store).

Sinclair will represent the country at the international final scheduled for the Crown of Beauty Theatre, Sanya in China, on November 18.

The occasion saw reggae singers Nesbeth and Romain Virgo as well as dancers from the Edna Manley College for the Visual and Performing Arts entertaining the audience.

Organised by Spartan Health Club, this year’s competition was however, not without controversy. A finalist, Shaneke Williams, had to withdraw due to mounting pressure from the public. In March, she was freed of aiding and abetting rape and sexual touching charges of a 15-year-old girl. The alleged incident took place in November 2013 and involved popular businessman Don Creary, who was charged with rape. The matter, however, was dismissed after the complainant indicated she did not wish to proceed with the case.

Both parties have expressed their innocence.

Former Miss Jamaica World and parliamentarian Lisa Hanna was very vocal against Williams’ inclusion. Hanna, who was crowned Miss World in 1993, chided organisers for the “oversight”.

Quizzed as to whether changes were coming for the vetting process and whether Williams’ initial inclusion damaged the brand, the pageant director was measured in her response.

“I’m not allowed to speak on that topic, sorry!” King added.