Jamaica‘s Toni-Ann Singh has been crowned Miss World for the year 2019. The 23-year-old was declared winner at the 69th Miss World beauty pageant, held at the ExCel London on December 14.
She beat 111 other contestants representing different countries, to be the fourth Jamaican winner of the title since the competition began.
Miss France Ophély Mézino was named the first-runner up, followed by Indian contestant Suman Rao as the second runner up.
Toni- Ann Singh was born in Morant, St Thomas, Jamaica. She is a psychology and women studies graduate of the Florida State University and plans to study medicine and become a doctor.
She earned an ovation on Saturday after singing Whitney Houston‘s hit song “I Have Nothing” during the beauty pageant.
“I think I represent something special, a generation of women that are pushing forward to change the world“, she said
Moreover, it’s the first time in history that black women hold the titles for Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss America, Miss Universe and Miss World.
Just last weekend, Zozibini Tunzi from South Africa was crowned Miss Universe.
Tony-Ann Singh tweeted on Saturday: “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. This crown is not mine but yours. You have a PURPOSE.”
One moment that caught people’s attention online was Miss Nigeria’s reaction to Toni-Ann’s win. However, Nyekachi Douglas, who placed fifth, jumped and screamed with Joy when the winner was announced.