Khamara Wright, the 2019 Miss St Catherine Festival Queen, is an aspiring nutritionist who wants to guide Jamaicans to healthy eating. She was crowned last Sunday at Eltham High School in Spanish Town.

“Currently, Jamaicans are eating themselves to death. I want them to cut down their intakes of sugar and salts. I want to teach them how to plan and prepare meals that are healthy,” the 23-year-old said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Wright has a Bachelor of Science in food Services Management from the University of Technology, Jamaica. She succeeds Stacy Ann Nelson as cultural ambassador for St Catherine.

She was presented with the top prize of $50,000 from Jamaica Energy Partners, along with sectional cash awards of $10,000 from Press Box Printers for Most Culturally Aware and $5,000 from Playtex for Most Popular on Social Media.

Wearing the sash of Delmay Distributors Ltd, Wright, who is from Portmore, topped eight competitors to represent the parish at national level.

First runner-up was Shaqkeera Douglas of Spanish Town who wore the sash of Robert’s Funeral Home. She was presented with $30,000 by the St Catherine Municipal Corporation, $10,000 by Church of God of Prophecy for Most Active in Community and $10,000 for Most Poised Contestant.

Second runner-up was Sherika Kenesha Paul, also from Portmore. Wearing the Curves Lasco Distributors sash, she received the National House Trust Cash Award of $20,000; and $10,000 for Most Congenial.

The top three contestants were presented with trophies courtesy of Print Big, and gift baskets.

Nelson expressed satisfaction with her reign, saying it was an opportunity to serve and inspire young people.

“It was very inspirational. I have had a year filled with growth as a young woman both culturally and socially. I’ll still continue my leadership project …I also want to be a role model to other young women,” she told the Observer.

Entertainment was provided by Blazing Genesis Band with saxophonist Michael Brown serenading contestants with a rendition of Sam Smith’s Stay With Me. Singer D Burns stirred attendees with energetic performances of Untold Story, Push Come To Shove and Rocksteady.