Marlene Murray – Miss Jamaica 1962

Published Monday, July 23, 1962

MISS JAMAICA 1962 was chosen early on Sunday morning at the Myrtle Bank Hotel. She was 19-year-old Marlene Murray, who wore the ‘Miss Flamingo’ sash in the contest.

Runners-up were Nolia Skipton, Miss Issa’s, and Barbara DeCasseres, Miss Austin.

Poised and radiant,the 5’5½” queen who tips the scales at 1261b, was elegant in a Flossie Thomas creation of ivory peau-de-soie which accentuated every inch of her 36-25-37 figure. Her ‘Enchantment Gown’, re-embroidered with Alencon lace, and heavily studded with sequins, ended in a very lowcut back. A draped peplum at the back of the floor-length skirt ended in a sweeping train. A diamante tiara added sparkle to her bouffant hairdo.

Second-prize winner Nolia Skipton chose a white gown of hand-clipped guipure lace embroidered with bugle beads, pearls and sequins, with a flurry of heavily shirred organza from the hipline to the ankle. At the hipline she wore three satin roses. A diamante tiara highlighted her bouffant hairdo and she wore white, elbow-length gloves.

DIFFICULT

Barbara DeCasseres was resplendent in a Joyce creation of white peau-de-soie appliqued in Moussllline de sole. The gently moulded bodice had scooped neckline. The sheath skirt had a full-length overskirt, which swirled gracefully in a slight train and was decorated with a pattern of seed pearls and sequins. Barbara, who was the only contestant without a tiara, wore white, elbow-length gloves.

To background music supplied by Lennie Hibbert and his combo, the 14 contestants paraded individually on the T-shaped platform, which was decorated with cloth of the colours of the national flag and plaques of the Jamaica coat of arms. The crowd of over one thousand cheered their favourite contestants, while Messrs Gordon Brandon, Keith Forbes, Raymond Jackson and Garth Moody helped the girls on and off the stage.

MC Tony Verity had a difficult time keeping the impatient crowd quiet while the judges deliberated for 38

minutes. Meanwhile, President of the committee Ken Rhino spoke of the exemplary behaviour of the girls, and explained that Saturday night’s contest marked the tenth anniversary of the judging under the present committee.

SPECIAL PRIZES

The judges, Mr D.T.M. Girvan, chairman; Messrs Charles Vendryes, Dial Harian; Mrs Stanley Motta; Mrs Gai Eaton and Miss Vida Menzies, returned to the audience. The girls again paraded and took their positions on the right and left of the stage. The contestants were Pauline Fuller (Miss Portland Chamber of Commerce). Fay Timoll (Miss Caribbean Recordings), Lorna Alexander (Miss Roux), Barbara DeCasseres (Miss Austin), Joyce Reid (Miss Vent Vue), Patricia Ritch ( Miss General Tyres), Ruby Meghon (Miss Manchester Chamber of Commerce), Nolia Skipton (Miss Flamingo), Violet Meghon (Miss National Car Rental), Angela Hanna (Miss Avis-Rent-a-Car), Allison Bowen (Miss Ocho Rios Hotel), Juliette Ritchie (Miss NuWear Garments), and Doreen Turner (Miss Hermine’s Garments).

Mr Girvan explained that it was a difficult task deciding on how the prizes should be distributed. The judges’ decision for the number-one place, he said, was unanimous, but the others had posed a problem. He thanked the audience and the many persons involved in any way with the contest, before reading out the special prizes.

The prize for the prettiest eyes went to Doreen Turner; that for best figure to Marlene Murray; prettiest smile to Violet Meghoo; hair, to Nolia Skipton; hands, to Joyce Reid; and most radiant complexion to Juliette Ritchie.

APPLAUSE

The judges’ choice of the queen was greeted with wild applause, and sponsors Mr and Mrs Pat Ferriera were among the first members of the audience to rush on stage to add their congratulations.

The ‘Queen’ ascended her throne of light pink and silver and was soon flanked by the runners-up seated on smaller thrones of light green and silver, while fourth- and fifth- place holders Juliette Ritchie and Doreen Turner, respectively, stood behind, one on either side.

Miss Marguerite Lewars, Miss Jamaica 1961, handed out the special prizes and place the jewelled crown on the queen’s head. After placing the scarlet cape around the queen’s shoulders, Miss Lewars also presented her with the 24”-high Charm Trophy, donated in perpetuity by Seprod Ltd, which she will keep for one year until her reign expires. Miss Jamaica 1962 then presented Miss Lewars with a replica of the Charm Trophy which she will keep permanently. Mr Vere Johns and Mr Ken Williamson, sales manager of John Crook Ltd, presented the new queen with the keys to the 19625 Austin Henley Mark 11 sports car, which was awarded as first prize.

Miss Jamaica 1962, in her speech, thanked her sponsors and expressed her gratitude for the confidence placed in her, and promised to be a worthy ambassador of Jamaica.

The queen is a past student of Westwood High School and West India Training College, and is the manageress of the Furniture Department of H.W. Charley & Co. She is the daughter of Mrs Inez Murray of 7 Trevennion Road, Cross Roads.

Mrs Nadi Wynter of the Contest Committee presented prizes for entering, and baskets of flowers to the other contestants. The girls were all awarded one-year passes for two to the Regal Theatre and gifts from Max Factor, Revlon and NuWear Garments.

Members of the audience and the other contestants gathered on stage to congratulate the new queen as she began her yearlong reign.