By: Crisan Evans
Toni-Ann Singh made history as she is Jamaica’s fourth Miss World. She joins tittle holders such as Lisa Anna who won the crown in 1993, Carole Joan Crawford in 1963 and Cindy Breakespeare in 1976.
Singh who is now 23 and hails from the parish of St Thomas is a psychology student at Florida State University and is an aspiring doctor.
She dedicates her crown to young women and girls and shares her victory on social media encouraging them to believe in themselves.
“To that little girl in St Thomas, Jamaica, and all the girls around the world – please believe in yourself. Please know that you are worthy and capable of achieving your dreams,” she wrote.
“This crown is not mine, but yours. It’s for you to truly understand that no matter where you’re from and the cards you’re dealt in life your dreams are valid. You have a PURPOSE.”
Singh who was among 111 contestants secured her spot in the competition after winning the talent competition with her own version of Whitney Houston’s I Have Nothing.
Judge of the competition Pier Morgan who is also a judge on Britain’s got talent and America’s got talent was stunned by Singh’s performance.
“If you’d come out and sung like you did tonight on those shows you might have won one of those,” said Morgan.
Singh said she is ready to work and fulfill the duties of her title, Miss World 2019.
Singh’s victory is followed by a non-stop posting of congratulations on social media platforms. Some of these include:
Olivia Grange, Gender Affairs Minister
I am so happy for Toni-Ann. She is an outstanding young woman with a wonderful personality, a beautiful soul and extraordinary talent. She represented Jamaica so well during this competition and now we all have an amazing new Miss World.
Dahlia Harris, Franchise Co-holder Miss World Jamaica
Jamaica maintains a strong legacy. Top Five and Caribbean Queen of Beauty for 2018 and 2019. #MissWorld 2019.
Alaine Laughton, Singer
Salute Queen @toniannsingh !!! Mi glad bag buss. Poise, beauty, intelligence, exceptional talent and grace were all on display for the world to see all courtesy of Jamaica’s newly crowned ‘Miss World’. You are EXQUISITE!
Mike Jackson, musical director of the movie, The Bodyguard
“I think we’ve just seen a star in the making. We’ve been blessed this year with so many beautiful singers, and dancers, and other acts. But we had to make a decision with the talent, and we had to give it to Jamaica. I Have Nothing sung so beautifully, and so differently from Whitney too, which makes it extra special.”
“I am so happy for Toni-Ann. She is an outstanding young woman with a wonderful personality, a beautiful soul and extraordinary talent. She represented Jamaica so well during this competition and now we all have an amazing new Miss World,” said Minister of Culture, Gender and Entertainment Olivia Grange.
Andrew Holness, Prime Minister
We have the biggest hearts and most talented people! Congratulations @toniannsingh on winning the crown #MissWorld2019. You made us so proud. Continue to be a fantastic role model for our young women in Jamaica. Miss Jamaica to the world!
Dr. Peter Phillips, Opposition Leader
Congratulations to Miss Jamaica World #ToniAnnSingh for winning #MissWorld2019 and being the 4th Jamaican to cop the title. Toni-Ann now joins the likes of Carole Crawford (1963), Cindy Breakspeare (1976) & our very own Lisa Hanna.
