By Christopher Tobutt

Sixteen year-old Jamesette Anglin was crowned Cayman’s Miss Teen 2009/2010 on Saturday, 29 August, in front of a large crowd that filled the Lions Centre.

The evening begun with the National Song, ‘Beloved Isle Cayman,’ sung by Sheena Scott, followed by the Opening Dance, where, traditionally, all the contestants take part.

The first section for the evening, Casual Wear, showcased each of the young ladies wearing something breathtaking and special.

The first person to come onstage during the Talent section was Eressia Ramoon, who danced in a bright yellow outfit and sneakers. Gelyssa Rankin recited a monologue, all about the bad choice of the word, ‘falling,’ in the phrase, ‘falling in love.’ “I am not falling....I am calling, calling all women…we are not falling in love, we are rising, rising to love ourselves,” she said.

Tamika Buttrum performed a dance, with an umbrella as her main prop. Sheyla Torres wore a striking feathered headdress as she celebrated both her Cayman and Cuban heritage in a monologue.

Kimberly Bush, Jamesette Anglin, and Feliesha McFarlane all chose to sing songs. Markiska Lopez danced to the song, “Sexy in My Heels.”

Breann Wright danced too, but her dance was really a tribute to Michael Jackson, (Better Check This).

Mariah Wilkinson sang the Mariah Carey song, ‘Hero,’ and Kristin Amaya danced a very energetic ‘Bollywood’- style dance. Sarah Gilman sang the song, “You belong With Me”, accompanying herself on the guitar. The Swimwear competition was next, with each of the contestants coming out onto the stage in turn.

Perhaps the most difficult part of the evening was when the contestants had to answer a question that they had picked, during the Formal Wear competition. After each contestant walked round the stage in their gowns, they picked a question from the emcee’s list. All the questions were very thought-provoking.

Gelyssa Rankin was asked her opinion about what she thought Miss Teen could do to stop the escalation of violence in the community, and replied that she felt Miss Teen could offer a positive example. “By them following this example, Miss Teen can stop violence, or at least bring it down,” she said.

Tamika Buttrum was asked about how, if she were made Miss Teen, she would focus on sharing her Caymanian heritage, given the fact that the people of the Cayman are so ethnically and culturally diverse.

She answered by saying she would, “…help Caymanians know who they are, and stand up for their rights, and help them come together in community and pursue their dreams, and not let immigrants take over Cayman.”

Sheyla Torres’ answered her question about what she would tell people about Cayman’s cultural heritage, by saying: “I would tell them that our country…is a rich, vibrant place, filled with cheerful people, and beautiful beaches.”

After each of the contestants had answered a question, they lined up one last time onstage, as the judges finished their deliberations.

Finally, after much excitement and anticipation, the prizes were announced.

The Peoples Choice Award was won by Sarah Gilman.

Best Smile award went to Kristin Amaya, Miss Photogenic was Jamesette Anglin.

Best In Gown award went to Kimberly Bush and Ileana de la Cruz. Community Service award went to Sheyla Torres.

The First Runner Up was Breann Wright, and Second Runner Up was Kristin Amaya.