10 questions for Terri-Karelle…

She’s bright, she’s beautiful, and 23-year-old Miss Jamaica World 2005 Terri-Karelle Griffith has already captured the hearts of thousands of Jamaicans. all woman is happy to report, too, that this young lady is all that and more.

1. What’s in your cd player right now?

Now, I don’t even know, but normally I have a cultural mix with the latest from artistes like Richie Spice, Fanton Mojah and Jah Cure.

2. What’s your passion?

Animals. I currently study veterinary medicine in Cuba, and this year as Miss Jamaica I want to try to get more attention paid to the plight and care of animals.

3. Who are your favourite writers?

Maya Angelou, Iyanla Vanzant, and John Grisham. In fact, right now I’m about halfway through I know Why The Caged Bird Sings, Maya Angelou’s autobiography.

4. What are the qualities you look for in a man?

Sincerity. Confidence. Intelligence. A sense of humour. I’ve been with my boyfriend Evon Reid Jr for 4 years and seven months, and I think he has them all.

5. What makes you angry?

I almost never get angry; but disrespect in all forms. I don’t take kindly to that.

6. What makes you happy?

So many things! I’m a happy person naturally. But family and friends bring a special happiness to my life because they’re always there for you and they know you better than anyone else.

7. What would you say is your greatest strength?

Wow! I think that would be my capacity to love. People always tell me I bring warmth, and I think that’s one of the things that makes me. well, me.

8. How do you de-stresss?

I sleep. I tend to pray a lot, too, but mostly I get a good sleep, wake up refreshed and tackle whatever it is.

9. What’s the last thing you do at night?

Talk to Evon! Just kidding… I talk to Evon, then I pray.

10. Do you think as a beauty queen you can make a memorable impact on the country?

Oh certainly! I’ve started already. It’s been barely two weeks since the competition, and already I’ve spoken to so many girls and their mothers – dark-skinned girls, like me, with natural hair, that aren’t aware of how beautiful they are.

I think just winning the competition has given a lot of other young ladies the strength to realise that we dark-skinned girls can enter a competition like Miss Jamaica and win, and that we are beautiful without trying to look like anyone but ourselves.

But the year has just started… I know I have lots to contribute to my country in many other areas, even though I’m just one person!