Laurie-Ann Chin is Miss Jamaica World...The 22-year-old Chin — who wore the sash Miss University College of the Caribbean (UCC) — emerged ahead of the batch of 19 contestants to win over $15 million in prizes

BY HORACE HINES Observer staff reporter hinesh@jamaicaobserver.com  Monday, July 14, 2014    

LAURIE-ANN Chin walked away with the coveted Miss Jamaica World 2014 crown at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James, Saturday night.

The 22-year-old Chin — who wore the sash Miss University College of the Caribbean (UCC) — emerged ahead of the batch of 19 contestants to win over $15 million in prizes, including an Audi A3, courtesy of ATL Automotive, and a weekend for two at a Sandals Resort property.

Newly-crowned Miss Jamaica World Laurie- Ann Chin (centre)
is flanked by first runner-up Shellianne Young (left),
 and second runner-up Kimberly Webb.
 (PHOTO: ACEION CUNNINGHAM)

An overjoyed Chin, who also took the Best Figure award, spoke to the Jamaica Observer after she was announced the pageant's winner.

"I never believed that I had it (the crown). I believed that all of the contestants had a chance and I had confidence in everyone. I am happy that the hard work paid off. I never thought I would have won, but I am happy," she said.

Chin, who now has her sights set on representing her country in the upcoming Miss World contest in London on December 14, expressed that she will be a good ambassador for the nation.

"I will try my best to represent my country to the best of my ability," she told the Observer.

First runner-up was Shellianne Young, while second runner-up position went to Kimberly Webb, who enjoyed an overwhelming home-crowd support.

Webb, who wore the Sash Miss Sunset Beach Resort, also featured in the sectional prizes, copping the award for the Best Smile.

The event was not without controversy, as a large number of patrons who came in support of Webb openly expressed their disenchantment over the judges' decision.

Chin was impressive in her response to the telecasted International Celebrity's Question from Tessanne Chin, asking: "What does it mean to you to be an ambassador?"

"Not only being an ambassador but a good ambassador means to be able to be a role model for others to look up to and respect. To be able to represent your country, not only locally, but internationally, to possess integrity and passion for your country and its people," she said.

She was equally impressive in her response to the question to alternative sources of energy. more