Kalea Roman the brightest Star of the East

While the stars in the night-time sky were hidden behind an outpouring of rain and lightning, the contestants of the Miss Jamaica World East competition, aptly themed ‘The Stars of the East’, were preparing for what would be a challenging night ahead of them.

It was clear the inclement weather contributed to a smaller turnout. However, this did not stop those who were in attendance from sounding their vuvuzuelas as if they were at the National Stadium watching the 100m dash.

Stepping out in a plethora of shimmering dresses were 16 contestants from various walks of life, all aimed at taking the crown. But when all was said and done, the star that shone the brightest was 21-year-old UTech student Kalea Roman.

In an interview with The Gleaner, Roman shared that her secret weapon to winning was her support system.

“My mom is a huge supporter in this process. She helps with every training, she helps to drop me off to school, she puts up a lot of herself to help me, and I’m so grateful for that. And I am also so grateful for my father and his support,” she said.

“There were also persons who couldn’t be able to be here, but through phone calls they were helping me through the process. Some persons helped me with my public speaking and so, that really helped me to shine today,” Roman added.

That support followed the university student even up until the last few moments before the big announcement, in the form of thoughtful text messages from her mother, Simone Ormsby.

“I spoke with her right before the competition started, and we’ve been talking right through the process. I was just trying to encourage her by telling her she was doing well and that I’m so proud of her,” Ormsby explained.

As for her father, Terry Roman, he had no doubt that his Kalea would take home the crown. “I had no doubts that she would win. Kalea full a confidence from day one! This is what she’s always wanted to do; from she was a young girl coming up she always talk about Miss Jamaica. So, she dreamed about it, and now she is living it,” the excited Roman said.

Kalea advances to the nationals of the Miss Jamaica World, which will be held on November 2. The newly minted regional queen says she is looking forward to showcase all she’s learnt. “It’s gonna be lots of hard work in that one-month period, and a lot of dedication. But I am really looking forward to going all out,” Roman said.