Seventeen-year-old Judy Verity was overcome with emotion as she was crowned “Miss Jamaica 1954” at the Myrtle Bank Hotel. Bursting into tears of joy at the announcement, she quickly regained her poise, dazzling the crowd in a white lace and tulle gown that highlighted her elegance. The coronation, performed by last year’s winner, Evelyn Andrade, was met with thunderous applause as Verity received her sash, prizes, and the coveted Goya Cup, marking the high point of a festive week of celebrations.

Published Monday, October 25, 1954

Judy Verity Crowned ‘Miss Jamaica 1954’

Seventeen-year-old Judy Verity was crowned “Miss Jamaica 1954” at the Myrtle Bank Hotel to the cheers of a huge crowd.

This was the grand climax of “Beauty Contest Week,” which featured a float parade, tea parties at the Women’s Club, rum punch parties at Hotel Flamingo, a bathing suit parade, also at the Flamingo, a dance at the Glass Bucket Club, and dinner at the Manor House Hotel.

Tears of joy
Runners-up were Caroline Sowley and Dorothy DeLisser, who were also favourites with the public.

Judy Verity burst into tears of joy at the announcement but soon recovered her poise. Wearing an evening gown of white lace and nylon tulle, she presented a regal appearance. An Issa creation, it was fashioned with a strapless bodice of lace, which fitted tightly down to the hips, where it merged into a wide circular skirt sweeping the gown.

A tulle stole topped this creation, which showed off her well-proportioned figure to perfection. Her measurements are 35”, 23”, 35”.

The big moment of the contest – the “coronation” – was performed by last year’s titleholder, Evelyn Andrade, who herself wore white.

The Hon. R. W. Youngman, chairman of the contest committee, congratulated and kissed the new “queen” and placed on her the regal purple sash inscribed with gold lettering, “Miss Jamaica 1954.”

Prizes won by Miss Verity included a two-week trip to London and Paris, given by Martin’s Travel Service; a screen test by the J. Arthur Rank Organisation; the Goya Cup, given by Distributors Ltd.; a bedside radio given by Levy Bros.; a modelling course with Gertrude Sherman’s Mannequin Club; one year’s Rediffusion service by Radio Jamaica; a negligee and gown by NuWear Garments; native handicraft by Jamaica Welfare Ltd.; a travelling clock by the Jamaica Furnishing Co. Ltd.; and a Jamaican wood picture frame by Stanley Motta.

The second- and third-prize winners, as well as the other contestants, also received prizes. During the prize-giving, there were some impromptu donations.

Mr. Christopher B. Hills donated 2,500 francs for “Miss Jamaica” to spend in Paris. Mr. L. J. Taylor of the National Dry Cleaning Company donated one year’s dry-cleaning service to both runners-up.
To the third prize-winner, Mr. David Lyons of Lyons Ltd. gave a Pye bedside radio, and Mr. Peter Waeckerlin of Coruba House gave two bottles of Mumms Gordon Rouge 47 champagne.
Prizes in the Float Parade, awarded to Esso Standard Oil, Goya (Distributors) Ltd., and B.W.I.A., were also distributed.
Reva Webb received the Esso prize, and the Goya prize was handed to Sheila and Joyce Nasralla and Shirley Galan. Mrs. Lucy Radcliffe received the prize on behalf of B.W.I.A.
After the prize-giving, the gathering broke into gay informality for a few minutes, during which the other participants – all of whom looked lovely in their evening gowns – included Audrey Leon, Yvonne Byles, Greta Rodriques, Reva Webb, Jean Forrester, Sheila Nasralla, Elizabeth Flowers, Shirley Galan, Glenda D’Oyen, Jennifer Campbell, Joyce Nasralla, Patricia Alford, and Norma Stanley.
Judges of the contest were Mr. McLurg, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Powell, Mrs. V. Keating, Mr. George Desnoes, and Mr. Edgar Stewart.

Parade tonight
Michael Howells, who did a good job as “emcee” throughout, congratulated the contest committee on “a fine show.” He said it had been sponsored by the Jamaica Amateur Body Building Association for the second year in succession and that the association aimed to make it an annual event.

He also announced that “Miss Jamaica” and the other contestants would parade at Carib Theatre tonight, where the Hon. R. W. Youngman, Mr. Harry Vendryes, Mr. Ken Rhino (who is also president of the Jamaica Amateur Body Building Association), Mr. Donald Bernard, Mrs. Gertrude Sherman, Mr. Pat Byles, Mrs. Winston Lyon, Mr. Ivan Levy, Lady Allan, Mrs. Elias Ammar, Mrs. Harold Brodhurst, Mrs. Ronald Bengry, Mrs. Owen Plant, and Mr. Sam Levy would be present.

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