I carried Portland with me - Hall

“When this journey began, I carried Portland with me. Every time I stepped onto that national stage with Portland big and bold across my chest, I understood that I was not standing there alone,” Miss Universe Jamaica Celene Hall stated during a civic function held as part of her homecoming celebration in Portland.

“On August 23rd, when my name was called as Miss Universe Jamaica, we made history together. Today, I stand before you as the first woman from Portland to wear the Miss Jamaica Universe crown. I hope there is a young girl somewhere in Portland who now believes that her dreams do not have to be limited by where she begins. I hope she understands that she can come from a small community, carry an enormous dream, and work relentlessly. Because I am living proof of that,” she added as she thanked her sponsors, charges, the people of Portland, along with her Miss Universe Jamaica Portland Parish Director, Shanique Rogers, for the overwhelming support.

Hall returned to her native Portland on Friday for an official homecoming celebration, where hundreds turned out to celebrate, meet and greet the hometown girl. The homecoming celebration was of significant importance to the people of Portland as it was their way of celebrating Hall’s historic milestone and achievement.

Among those applauding Hall for her historic achievement was Anthony ‘Penny Head’ Nelson, a past student of Titchfield High School, who flew to Jamaica to witness the celebration while shouting, “Portlanders are the greatest,” at the top of his lungs.

“We are emerging and showcasing our real talent. It started with the Schools’ Challenge victory, followed by eastern championship success, and now a past student of Titchfield has won the Miss Jamaica Universe crown. She has created history, and I wish her every success in her quest,” he said.

One of the organisers of the homecoming event, Paul Thompson, chairman of the Portland Municipal Corporation, which hosted the function at the Errol Flynn Marina, heaped praise on Hall for what he described as her hard work, commitment, determination and high self-esteem in a hotly contested competition. “I will remember this for a long time to come, and I am happy to be a part of this celebration,” commented Paul Thompson, mayor of Port Antonio.

Member of Parliament for Eastern Portland Isat Buchanan, also hailed Hall’s achievement, claiming that she represented not only herself well, but also the people of the parish. He also urged other women to step out of their comfort zone and pursue their dreams.

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