NEWLY CROWNED MISS JAMAICA WORLD, ASHLIE BARRETT, SAYS SHE IS READY TO REPRESENT!

NEWLY crowned Miss Jamaica World Ashlie White Barrett is pumped and ready to represent the country on the international stage. She said she intends to bring home the Miss World crown, which is “long overdue”.

The leggy 20-year-old, who stands five feet 11 inches, was ecstatic when Jamaica Observer caught up with her minutes after the coronation at Iberostar Resort in St James on Sunday night.

“I am elated. This is an amazing feeling. I am so excited at being given the opportunity to represent Jamaica at Miss World in Washington DC this year. I am in awe. The journey has been filled with so many exciting activities and I have learned so much over the past weeks. The life lessons we have learned can never be replaced. I am really thankful for the judges and the Miss Jamaica World organisation for giving me this opportunity,” said White Barrett.

She said she had always wanted to represent Jamaica internationally, and therefore sees the win as being an opportunity of a lifetime. The first runner-up spot went to Miss S&G Road Servicing, Whitney Levy; while third place went to Milinda Smith, Miss Deja Resorts.

White Barrett, who wore the sash Miss French Connections Events, also copped the sectional prizes for Best Legs and Most Aware. She also won the Miss Jamaica World model fast-track mini competition. Best Smile, Best Figure, and the Beach Beauty fast-track competition went to Smith, while Levy took the Best Skin Tone award. Soyini Phillips was deemed Most Adventurous, with Kimberly McDowell Most Sociable.

The other fast-track winners were Allison Johnson — Beauty With a Purpose; Renae Wilson — Sports and Shanique Singh — Talent.

A past student of Manchester High, Hampton, and St Andrew High schools, White Barrett is currently a student at the University of the West Indies where she majors in Entertainment and Cultural Management.

Jamaica has won three Miss World titles: Carole Joan Crawford in 1963; Cindy Breakespeare in 1976; and and Lisa Hanna in 1983. The island has also placed in the Top 10 on numerous occasions. Last year’s winner, Dr Sanetta Myrie, placed in the Top 5 at Miss World and came home with the title Miss World Caribbean.