PORT ANTONIO, Portland — Portlanders turned out in their numbers last Friday, to show their appreciation for Celene Hall who was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica three weeks ago, a historic first for a beauty queen from the parish.

National director of Miss Universe Jamaica Karl Williams makes a presentation to Miss Universe Jamaica Portland Director Shanique Rogers. (Photo: Everard Owen)

The celebrations began at Buff Bay Primary School and residents lined the streets of their communities as she journeyed to Port Antonio. Hall’s stop at her childhood alma mater — where years ago she was crowned Miss Boundbrook Primary — was a tear-jerker.

Member of Parliament for Portland Eastern Isat Buchanan and Miss Universe Jamaica Celene Hall. (Photo: Everard Owen)

“That was so heart-touching. They had a photograph of me and I looked into the faces of the teachers who raised me into the woman that I am today. They supported me in my earlier times and it just filled my heart with so much pride and gratefulness,” she shared.

During a reception ceremony at Errol Flynn Marina, she expressed thanks for the show of support, telling those gathered that she is looking forward to the challenge of taking the Miss Universe crown to Jamaica in November. It would be the first time a queen from the country has accomplished that feat.

Miss Jamaica Universe Celene Hall (second left) with her mother Sonia (left), sister Nadine (second right) and father Victor. (Photo: Everard Owen)

“I understand the magnitude of the responsibility before me but when I step onto that international stage, I will not try to become someone else’s idea of Miss Universe. I will bring Celene. I will bring Jamaica, and Portland, I will bring it with me,” said Hall.

Miss Universe Jamaica Celene Hall (Photo: Everard Owen)

“On August 23rd, I carried Portland to Jamaica. This November, I have the extraordinary honour of carrying Jamaica to the universe. We made history once and with faith, preparation, and the support of an entire nation, I believe we can create history again. Thank you, Portland, for bringing me home” she added.

Principal of Boundbrook Primary Lola Palmer holds a photograph of a younger Celene Hall after she won Miss Boundbrook Primary. Hall, who is now Miss Universe Jamaica, is at second right while Boundbrook Primary teacher Tamra Bryan-Pitters is at right in the front row. They are surrounded by proud students and staff of the school, during last Friday celebration of Hall’s win at the national level.Everard Owen

— Everard Owen