Portmore native Deborah Gordon who was proudly sashed Miss Gustazos, on Saturday walked away with the Miss Universe Jamaica East title. She wooed the judges and audience with her story of triumph, charm, and beauty.
From the stock of 15 ladies, Gordon copped the title and the sectional prize for Best in Evening Gown leaving Tika Rutherford sponsored by Lucky Dollar and Seanna’Kay Wright by l Creative Brands and Concepts to settle for second and third, respectively.
In speaking with SLEEK on the night of crowning, she shared that she has had to endure ‘traumatic experiences’ in her life and saw the Miss Universe Jamaica East pageant as a means of renewal and healing.
In her view, this was more than an achievement for self – it was an achievement for all girls who think they can’t – she said.
Gordon, is extremely passionate about the Arts of all forms and was given the question ‘If you are given the opportunity to speak with the Prime Minister – what would you speak about and why?” Immediately, she replied saying “Our conversation would be about the arts and our culture.”
She strongly believes Jamaica’s economy can grow if more focus is placed on and in “music, dance, poetry” and more – cultivating the talents of our people.
With this understanding, the 2021, UWI first runner-up in Miss Humanities & Education has started an altruism project which Gordon says will focus on individuals who have suffered from trauma.
Gordon also gave a bit of motivation to young girls…
Meanwhile, for the organization and execution of Miss Universe Jamaica East, the newly minted pageant director Jermane D. Blair told SLEEK, while the task was high, he is pleased with the outcome and he is extremely proud of the ladies and their development throughout the pageant.
A thankful Blair told SLEEK just how he felt and the work done by him, his team and the ladies…
He thanked several persons and organisations for the support and sponsorship given…
The musical energy came from Shane Wright and former Digicel Rising Stars alum, Diana Rutherford who just returned to Jamaica after years in France.
While it was a lengthy show, Miss Universe Jamaica East was the best production of a regional pageant since 2020.
The queen, Deborah Gordon now heads into the finals of Miss Universe Jamaica set for August.
National Pageant Directors Mark McDermoth and Karl Williams were extremely impressed with the ladies who entered the East pageant and gave 7 other ladies automatic spots in the Miss Universe Jamaica Finals.
This will be Mark and Karl’s 10th year managing and hosting Miss Universe in Jamaica.
