The coronation of Mr and Miss CMU (Caribbean Maritime University) took place on Saturday, March 22, at the school’s courtyard off the Palisadoes main road.

The event saw 22-year-old Nickoy Davis and Ashley Richards taking the top titles respectively.

Richards, who beat nine other females for the coveted crown, is from St Ann and a past student of Ocho Rios High School.

“I am feeling extremely grateful, and I am still in shock… My favourite part of the journey was the interaction with different persons from the different faculties and coming together as one; I gained a lot of friendships,” the bachelor of logistics and supply chain management student told the Jamaica Observer.

Davis, who hails from Caanan Heights in May Pen, won 5 of the sectional prizes, including Best Talent Male, Best Swimwear Male and Macho Man Award.

“I was not expecting this. I’m still in the wind of not believing, right now…” said Davis, who is studying Customs processing, freight forwarding, and immigration.

The finalists in both competitions first appeared in formal wear then raised temperatures when they hit the stage in swimwear. They later appeared in evening wear.

For the males, Akeema Willis, Alex James, Myles Grant, and Joel Trowers joined Davis in the top 5.

Joining Richards in the top 5 females were Gladenique Bennett, Shanna James, Rehanna Jardenier, and Gabrielle Davis.

Sectional prize winners include People’s Choice Female (Rehanna Jardenier); Best Swimwear Female, Most Poised, and Most Aware Female (Gladenique Bennett); People’s Choice Male (Christopher Levy).

The ultimate winners were announced after the gruelling question and answer segment.

The first runner-up in the male competition was Akeema Willis, while Myles Grant finished in third place.

For the females, Gabrielle Davis, who performed a stunning rendition of Etta James’ At Last, finished in second place and Gladenique Bennett was third.

— Kevin Jackson