Contestants and entertainers arrived in the afternoon to acquaint themselves with the stage and auditorium. MoneyGram, who sponsored the cups, tiaras and sash, and the hospitality to contestants and judges, provided T-shirts so that all contestants started the proceedings on an equal footing at the opening ceremony. Ben Black, the official photographer, took his position to record the occasion, and as the minute-hand on the promoter’s watch pointed to 7.30 p.m. the show was on.

The 16 contestants, and entertainment artistes, were already on stage when they were joined by Archbishop Most Rev’d Dr Bancroft McCarthy who declared the 20^th Miss Caribbean & Commonwealth promotion open. After the singing of the Jamaican national anthem, as the title had been founded in that community, the contestants drew numbers for the order of appearance. The United Christian Harmony Group opened the programme and struck an immediate rapport with the audience.

The emphasis of the entertainment this year was on singing. Simon got things underway. He was succeeded at the microphone by the contrasting styles of Sami Jo and by the J.P.S. vocal trio. When Angel J had made an introductory appearance Chocolate Blonde brought the first part of the show to a visually and vocally exciting climax. For the second successive year the “first half” stood on its own character, complementing and equal to the entertainment which was to come.

Meanwhile contestants were changing into their swimsuits. The attire was to their own choice as long as it showed them as they “really are” without padding or other impediment. The young ladies knew that they were to be judged by the criterion of a blend of good looks pleasant personality and knowing how to behave. Nerves became more taut as they heard the guests, and the judging panel, being introduced on stage. With contestants drawn from such different backgrounds few, if any, had competed against each other before.

Shirley Dee, 19^th Miss Caribbean & Commonwealth, spoke enthusiastically about her twelve months in office, and made the promise that the title had not “seen the last” of her. Margarette Alcindor, 6^th Miss Caribbean & Commonwealth, and Shaherah Jordan, 17^th Miss Caribbean & Commonwealth, recalled the evenings of their own victories. Shaherah then joined the judging panel with Amanda Hilaire (Top Model of Colour), Patricia Reynolds (Deputy 18^th Miss Caribbean & Commonwealth), Brenda Mulenga (celebrated commere), Georgina Jarrett (fashion designer) and David Alcindor (representative of the public).

The 16 contestants represented the communities of Aruba, Botswana, Cameroon, Congo, Ghana, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Morocco, Nigeria, Trinidad & Tobago, Uganda and Zambia. Some communities shared a rivalry going back over many contests but Aruba, Congo and Guadeloupe were being represented for the first time. As they paraded through the audience contestants would have been surprised by the size of the growing crowd – because advance ticket sales had not been so encouraging.

Theresa de Roche, 9^th Miss Caribbean & Commonwealth, and Camille McLeggon, 15^th Miss Caribbean & Commonwealth, related memories of their terms of office. The former, in particular, seemed keen to join the contestants again this time. Leading beauty queens and model title-holders were introduced on stage to speak about themselves and their titles. Miss Caribbean & Commonwealth appreciates the support of their promoters and their recommending candidates to the contest.

Fatna takes to heart the promoter's
direction that contestants should enjoy themselves

Backstage contestants were changing into – an evening-dress or traditional costume which they “would wear to a formal occasion at their High Commission”. Because of the crowded changing-room, and the need of a swift change before the return to the stage, there was time for Ben Black to photograph only some of the entrants, and we apologise to those contestants missing from this gallery. There was strong support from the substantial Ghanaian, Nigerian and flag-waving Trinidadian groups with the Moroccans prominent in the front row of the stalls.

In addition to the parade on stage and through the audience contestants were required to answer the question – “please tell us something about yourself”. The contest was directed expertly by commere Jacqueline Matovu (former Miss Malaika UK and Miss Uganda UK), a stalwart of the Miss Caribbean & Commonwealth title having been previously contestant (twice), judge and, as a promoter, recommending a previous winner. She was able to empathise with contestants, panel and audience.

Dr McCarthy was invited to join Shirley Dee in the presentation party as MoneyGram who had kindly sponsored the cups, tiaras and sash – as well as the hospitality to the contestants and judges – were not able to be represented on the evening. The decision of the panel was unanimous ….. No1 … Cathrina de Graf …. and so the island of Aruba in the Netherlands Antilles triumphed at its first attempt on the title. Second-placed Karola Rajoo continued the tradition of a Trinidadian and Ghanaian being in the “top three” in every contest since 1991. Jamaican third-placed Nasharie Leaford brought the “home” community back into “the frame” from which it had been absent for five years. Magykk Myers was given special recognition for personally selling a record number of tickets.

Christiane Dawe, Miss Cameroon UK, knows how Cathy feels because she won her own title on the same stage

Cathrina de Graf, the 20^th Miss Caribbean & Commonwealth, who was born in Amsterdam to a Sierra Leonese father and Aruban mother, received a royal welcome befitting her title as she was congratulated by guest beauty queens as well as by previous holders of her own title. The new Miss Caribbean & Commonwealth was just completing her term at the University of Wolverhampton, and, henceforth, would be based at Lewisham in south-east London.

We are sure that you would like to see the successful contestants one more time.
And, of course, give a rousing “Well done” to Cathrina.