Jacqueline Strong, a 21-year-old student known as "Miss Liberty Car Rental," was crowned the new "Miss City of Montego Bay" in a lavish ceremony at the Holiday Inn, Montego Bay. Not only did Strong win hearts, but also a staggering $84,000 in cash and prizes, solidifying her position as one of Jamaica's wealthiest beauty queens. Among her winnings was a scholarship valued at $10,000, along with a luxurious trip for two to Atlanta, Georgia, USA, complete with a week's stay at the prestigious Grand Regency Hyatt hotel.

Published Monday, May 14, 1990

Jacqueline Strong is Miss MoBay City '90

By Ian Spencer

JACQUELINE Strong, "Miss Liberty Car Rental", a 21-year-old student, is the new "Miss City of Montego Bay".

The 5-feet 6-inches tall, 122lb beauty, with vital statistics of 35- 25-37, was crowned in a glittering affair at the Holiday Inn, Montego Bay, on Saturday night. She received more than $84,000 in cash and prizes, becoming one of the richest beauty queens in Jamaica's history.

She won a scholarship valued at $10,000, a return trip for two to Atlanta, Georgia, USA, with weeklong accommodations at the Grand Regency Hyatt hotel, along with a host of other prizes.

Second place went to Annette White, "Miss Appleton Estate Ex- press", a 20-year-old, 5' 9" student, weighing 118lb, with vital statistics of 36-26-38. She was voted the contestant with the "Best Personality". Third, was 18- year-old Tara Hanna, "Miss Video Express". Tara is 5 feet 3 inches, 104lb and curves at 32-25-34.

Jacqueline, who also won the sectional prize for "Best Deportment", wants to be a communications consultant and a lawyer. She loves reading, swimming, singing, dancing, collecting stamps, listening to music, and writing. She is also a former Miss Jamaica Hal Jackson Talented Teens" and placed in the top 10 at the international finals.

Favourite

She was a strong favourite from her first appearance and wowed the audience with her confidence and grace..

Jacqueline Strong, the new "Miss City of Montego Bay", in an Interview with The Gleaner before the start of the contest, said that if she won, she would be a queen not so much concerned with social activities, but would try to make a tangible impact on the city.

The coronation show, under the theme: "A thing of beauty is a joy forever", was produced and directed by Weston Haughton. The Holiday Inn ballroom was jam-packed minutes before the start of the show, and many paying patrons had to stand outside unable to witness the proceedings.

However, the show went smoothly, with cabaret singer Dennis Malcolm singing the Jamaican National Anthem followed by the contestants appearing individually and as a group in swimwear as well as evening wear.

Sectional prizes

Apart from the top three, other sectional prizewinners were:

Racquel Bolton, "Miss Sun Holi- day Tours" "Most Aware"; Georgia Welds, "Miss Sandals Montego Bay" "Best Figure"; Marjan Shadman, "Miss Facey Commodity Ltd." "Most Congenial"; Cheryl Barrett, "Miss Wyndham Rose Hall" "Most Improved" and Carlene Moran, "Miss Reflections Bridal" -"Most Attractive" contestant.

Also in the top seven were Barrett, Bolton, Joan Pennicott, "Miss Morewood Ltd", and Pinsque Green, "Miss House of Shamora", a Rastafarian contestant.

Green was a crowd favourite and received rousing applause during the interview section, where she eloquently spoke of her faith and why she became a Rastafarian.

Avril Graham, "Miss Royal Shop", although not placing in the top seven, was much liked by the audience, and Linda Lawrence, "Miss Nature Way", a pretty and intelligent young lady, displayed great potential and could make the transfer to the national beauty contest.

Jacqueline was crowned by last year's winner, Marcia Smith, and Dennis Malcolm, who gave a lively guest performance, serenaded the queen.

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