Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes (centre) was joined by Miss Universe Jamaica 2011 Shakira Martin (eighth from left) and the Miss Universe Jamaica 2012 finalists for a photo-up.
Kingston became the ‘universe’ last weekend — the result of Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes jetting in from her ultra-luxe Trump Tower in Manhattan. as the guest of the organisers of the Miss Universe Jamaica (MUJ) pageant. The Angola-born Lopes got the Audi A6 red carpet treatment as she tooled around the city, ate Rock-flavoured fare, hit the beach, and graced the stage to help crown our very own Chantal Zaky. Lopes made time too, to lend cheer to the sick children at the Bustamante Hospital for Children. SO shares highlights of the three-day stay.
CPJ Reception
Taittinger champagne and HobNob wines were poured at Caribbean Producers of Jamaica (CPJ) cocktail reception for the Miss Universe Jamaica (MUJ) held at the chic Spanish Court Hotel’s Sky Bar. The 16 finalists were fêted ahead of the coronation and got style tips from and photo ops with reigning Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes. (Photos: Jermaine Barnaby)
Breakfast Interview
It’s 7:25 am on Saturday, May 12 and Miss Universe Leila Lopes makes her way to an exclusive sit down breakfast with Observer Senior Associate Editor Novia McDonald-Whyte at the Valencia at The Spanish Court Hotel. The beauty queen spoke of her life before the pageant, her current duties as queen and her post-reign plans. (Photos: Bryan Cummings)
Bustamante Hospital for Children
Post breakfast, Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes departed The Spanish Court Hotel for the Bustamante Hospital for Children — on International Nurses’ Day — accompanied by Miss Universe Jamaica 2011 Shakira Martin. Upon their arrival the ladies were met by Lyttleton ‘Tanny’ Shirley, chairman of the South East Regional Health Authority (SERHA); Anthony Wood, CEO of the Bustamante Hospital for Children; Dr Michelle-Ann Richards-Dawson, senior medical officer, Claudette Lewis, parish manager, and Patricia Ingram-Martin, director of nursing services. The ladies were then given a tour of the McNeil Smith Ward and the Learning and Activity Centre, refurbished by Scotiabank and Restaurants of Jamaica. (Photos: Bryan Cummings)
Bob Marley Museum
Following her visit to the Bustamante Hospital for Children, the next stop was the Bob Marley Museum. Your access has been granted.
Devon House
From one heritage site to another, Leila Lopes and her convoy made their way to the celebrated historical landmark — The Devon House Mansion — for an informative tour.
Tracks & Records
After a busy morning touring Kingston, Leila Lopes then travelled to Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records for brunch.
Miss Universe Jamaica 2012 coronation
After a busy Saturday afternoon, Leila Lopes departed Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records for The Spanish Court Hotel to rest ahead of the Miss Universe Jamaica 2012 coronation at the National Indoor Sports Centre.
Fort Clarence
To wrap up her fab three-day weekend here on The Rock Leila Lopes enjoyed lunch at Fort Clarence beach in St Catherine. She was joined by local beauties Chantal Zaky, Miss Universe Jamaica 2012, Sherece Cowan, second runner-up Miss Universe Jamaica 2012, and Shakira Martin, Miss Universe Jamaica 2011.
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Jamaica Observer