While growing up in Bath, St Thomas, Toni-Ann Singh began a love affair with singing and classical music that continued when she migrated to the United States 14 years ago.

Singh’s musical chops helped her win the Talent fast track segment of the Miss Jamaica World (MJW) contest. On Saturday at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, she was crowned Miss Jamaica Word 2019.

Roselle McKinley was second and Alanna Wanliss third.

“I left it all in God’s hands and right now this is just a surreal moment for me. I am so overwhelmed and excited to hug my mom, but grateful,” said Singh, moments after she was crowned.

Family support is important to 23-year-old Singh, a recent Florida State University graduate. And even though her father Bradshaw knocked the crown off her head when he attempted to greet her on stage, she laughed it off.

“My family being here was very important and their support motivated me to do my utmost best. When Dad came on stage to hug me, he accidentally knocked the crown off, but that’s just Dad,” she joked.

Singh beat 15 rivals to represent Jamaica at the Miss World finals, which takes place in London in December. She was encouraged to enter the pageant by Terri-Karelle Reid, who won in 2005.

“I had a platform working on, so I entered the Florida Caribbean Association pageant and Terri was one of the judges and she asked me if I would enter Miss Jamaica World and I decided to give it a try,” said Singh.

After graduating from university, she returned home almost three months ago.

“I studied psychology and women studies.  I have now taken a year off before embarking on studies at medical school because I want to become a doctor,” Singh disclosed.

The coronation took place in the Jamaica Pegasus hotel’s ballroom before a capacity audience. Held under the theme, ‘Jamaica Jamboree’, tribute was paid to Aston Cooke, co-franchisee of the Miss Jamaica World pageant who died this year.

The finalists first appeared in casual wear courtesy of Heather Layne and Mushroom before moving onto the evening wear segment, in outfits from 20/20, C&C Bride Clothing and Uzuri International.

The fast track winners were announced and each advanced to the Top 10. They were Singh (Talent), McKinley (Beach Beauty), Thalia Malcolm (Fitness), Euricka Brown (Top Model), and Soyini Phillips (Beauty With A Purpose).

Others making the Top 10 were Wanliss, Danevia Powell, Kadijah McIntosh, Brianna Knight and Mariann Knight. Wanliss, Knight, McKinley, Singh, Phillips, and McIntosh made the Top six.

Sectional prize winners were:

Best Personality – Toni- Ann Singh;

Most Photogenic – Toni-Ann Singh;

Most Congenial – Haquika Greaves;

Most Improved Contestant – Danevia Powell;

Public Vote – Brianna Knight.

Actor/comedian Christopher “Johnny” Daley provided humour which kept patrons entertained, while singer Dimaro McDowell performed a medley of reggae and rocksteady songs.