Janine Gordon, Miss Jamaica Diaspora 2016
Janine Gordon was crowned Miss Jamaica Diaspora 2016 during the Coronation show at the Sunrise Civic Center Theatre in Sunrise Florida. Set to take over the duties currently being fulldilled by last years winner, Rohannia Mooyin, the 19-year-old is daughter to two Jamaican born parents and is currently attending the Francis Marion University in South Carolina on a soccer scholarship. Studying to become a Lawyer, wearing the Dutch Pot Jamaican Restaurant sash, the sophomore also works as an Assistant Manager at Vector Marketing. She is passionate about giving back to Jamaica and will focus her efforts specifically on giving underprivileged youth the academic opportunities that may otherwise be denied.
The renowned Candice Buchanan hosted the event, presenting the young and talented performers Ethnotricity, Prestige Music Center, and Wayne Roy took the stage bring even more life to the audience with their performances throughout the night.
Judges included Marie McKenzie – Chief Judge, Dr. Allan Cunningham, John Beckford, Lavern Deer, and Shana Simpson selected Gordon from an incredible group of 6 ladies who were either Jamaican born or born outside of Jamaica to Jamaican parents. Contestants competed in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and the interview, which culminated in Miss Jamaica Diaspora 2015 Rohannia Mooyin from Bridgeport, Connecticut handing over her crown to her successor Janine Gordon.
First Runner-Up went to Ashley Williams, Miss Mortgagegrants.com, followed by Second Runner-Up, Ghenelle, Grant, Miss Kalyber Commuter Club, Miss Congeniality, Laureen Taylor; Altruism Award Ghenelle Grant, Most Photogenic, Skye Excell, Miss Essence of Style, Laureen Taylor, Best in Swimwear, Ashley Williams; Most Aware, Janine, and Best in Evening Wear, Janine Gordon.
The 2016 Miss Jamaica Diaspora Pageant is proud to support the philanthropic efforts of The Galleon Foundation whose goal is to financially assist students across South Florida and in the Caribbean achieve academic excellence.
