Controversial pageant winner makes it official
(CNS): The winner of this year’s Miss Cayman Islands pageant, who found herself at the centre of a controversy after being booed at her crowning because she was not born in the Cayman Islands, signed her official contract last week. Nicosia Lawson was crowned Miss Cayman Islands during the 24 August pageant, but in the wake of her victory xenaphobic sentiment was stirred up.
Lawson, who reportedly gave a winning performace on the night, won the contest legally, as the rules clearly state that those with Caymanian status as well as native-born Caymanians may compete for the title. However, she had to face a barrage of criticism from callers to local talk radio shows and letters to the press suggesting that because she was born in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and came to Cayman as a young child, she should not be allowed to hold the title.
Despite the controversy, the young beauty queen joined Minister for Tourism Charles Clifford to sign the official papers setting out her duties and to begin her reign. She also received one of her prizes, a 2008 Nissan Bluebird, valued at more than CI$25,000. The vehiclewas provided courtesy of Platinum Motors and Automotive Art. Platinum Motors’ Sales Manager Clement Arthur presented Miss Lawson with her keys.
Lawson will go on to represent the Cayman Islands when she competes this December in the Miss World contest, in South Africa.
Category: Local News
She was not booed. You all need to get your story right. She was never booed. In fact everyone was waiting to congratulate her. Yes there were criticisms the next day; more likely from those who’s favourite didn’t win but Miss Lawson was not booed when she was crowned. And she did in fact give a splendid performance and out performed the other contestants with her poise, elegance, beauty and intelligence. The way she spoke with calm, composure, intelligence and clarity was reminiscent of a Miss World or Miss Universe. She was indeed the best pick of the crop that night and a good representation for our country on the international scene.