CHANTAL ZAKY CROWNED MISS UNIVERSE JAMAICA 2012

Chantal Zaky was crowned,  Miss Universe Jamaica, this weekend at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St Andrew .

Via Examiner

After coming up just short of her goal in 2011, Chantal Zaky can now call herself a Queen as the 24-year-old beauty was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2012 on Saturday night.

The Portland native emerged from a pool of 16 contestants during this year’s staging of the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St. Andrew. As a result, Zaky will represent Jamaica at the Miss Universe pageant this December, which will reportedly take place in South Africa.  

This was sweet redemption for Zaky, who placed third in last year’s edition of the beauty competition but pointed to her renewed focus and positivity as sources for her triumph this time round. Model and art student, Racquel Jones copped the runner-up spot, Sherece Cowan earned second runner-up while Danisha Scott and rounded out the top five.

Compared to last year’s shambolic mishaps which led to a very late start for Miss Jamaica Universe 2011, this year’s edition of the pageant went along fairly smoothly with a decent turnout, despite the arena not being filled to capacity. Despite some production issues, the night did provide good spells of entertainment as prominent Dancehall stars such as Yendi Phillipps performed their string of hit songs to the approval of patrons.

Meanwhile, owner of the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant franchise, Dimitri Kosvogannis addressed patrons during the show; relenting that though the business was not profitable, there was great gratification in using the franchise to promote Brand Jamaica. 

Also present on the night was reigning Miss Universe, Leila Lopes who made her debut on stage after the top five contestants were announced. The Angolan beauty won the 61st edition of Miss Universe last year, becoming only the fourth black woman in history to win the coveted crown.

Additionally, last year’s Miss Universe Jamaica, Shakira Martin was on hand to crown her successor as she received her title while also making her final walk as pageant title holder.