Singing the famous show tune ‘Tomorrow’ from the musical Annie, Miss World Cayman Islands Jada Ramoon captivated during the talent competition semi-finals for the 72nd edition of Miss World in Telangana, India.
She hit all the right notes to secure her spot in the top 10 of the America/Caribbean continental group and advanced to the finals. She was among three contestants chosen from the Caribbean.
Ultimately, it was Indonesia’s Monica Kezia Sembiring who won the talent section of the night, with Cameroon and Italy’s representatives as the respective runners-up.
Ramoon, 26, from Bodden Town also made it to the top 24 in the Head-to-Head Challenge, which lets competitors share their story and the purpose that drives them.
While she didn’t claim the winning spot for the challenges, Ramoon’s performance marks a historic achievement, making her the first Cayman Islands representative to reach the finalist stage in two Miss World challenge competitions.
The Miss World pageant, the oldest existing international beauty pageant, features some 108 countries.
Throughout the competition, representatives take part in various challenges, including ‘Sports,’ ‘Top Model’, and ‘Beauty With a Purpose’, all in the lead up to the final event on 31 May. Krystyna Pyszkova from the Czech Republic will pass on her title to the new winner.
‘My heart is full’
Ramoon, who has been documenting her Miss World journey, took to social media Friday to express her gratitude.
“… my heart is so full. I’m beyond grateful to have come this far on this incredible journey,” she wrote.
“This journey continues to shape me in ways I never expected, reminding me that true beauty comes from being kind, grounded, and full of purpose.”
Cayman Islands Pageant Director Pamela Ebanks-Small told the Cayman Compass, “I am so proud of her. She’s making a name for the Cayman Islands. That’s what we wanted to do. Our team is working hard to meet international standards, and this international training is something that will help elevate our queens and thus make them more competitive. She is a pageant girl; she loves pageants. Her dream was to go to Miss World and very happy that she’s there.”
‘More than just an outfit’
Ramoon took part in the opening ceremony at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium in Hyderabad, showcasing her ‘Waves of Strength: The Caymanian Woman Rises’ national costume.
Designed by award-winning international designer Melvyn Noronha, the national costume symbolically represents the women’s suffragettes depicted in Heroes Square in George Town.
The costume is adorned with coral and sea creatures, blending beauty with purpose, with a crown of seas sitting on her head, and the Seaman’s Memorial Statue as the costume’s central jewel — another key monument found in Heroes Square.
It features multiple textures in crepe, thread beads, recycled plastic, rubber and metal, as well as a 3-D depiction of the Cayman Islands Coat of Arms.
In addition, the costume includes a turtle shield, which represents Cayman’s fierce protection of its identity, and a blue iguana, representative of the nation’s commitment to its conservation.
“My national costume represents all things cultural and sentimental to the Cayman Islands. While it was a bit of a challenge to prepare and wear, I embraced it fully and felt incredibly proud showcasing my heritage. Wearing it in the opening ceremony was an emotional moment. I felt connected to my roots and proud to share them with the world,” Ramoon said.
“Walking into the opening ceremony was truly a surreal moment. I felt so proud to represent the Cayman Islands on such a global stage, surrounded by incredible women from all over the world. Every moment since has been inspiring, from the cultural exchanges to the friendships formed, this journey has been nothing short of magical. I’m soaking in every second with gratitude and excitement.”
‘Extremely proud’
Along with several challenges, Ramoon has taken part in media talks, tourism visits, networking opportunities, tours and photo shoots, including the World Designer Award Fashion Shoot, which featured a design costume paying tribute to Caymanian identity and resilience.
Ramoon worked closely with an esteemed international pageant trainer and renowned designer, honing her poise, confidence and stage presence.
Ebanks-Small said, “We are extremely proud of Jada’s performance at the Miss World competition thus far. She worked really hard within the last month preparing and also spent 3 days in Mumbai with our international trainer and designer perfecting her talent, stage presence, walking, etc.”
Ebanks-Small confirmed two other representatives under the Miss World Cayman Islands franchise, Tracey Campbell (Miss Supranational) and Shiiannte Sterling (Teen Mundial), will also compete on the international stage in the coming months.