So we’re all bummed that our beloved Miss Jamaica did not come out on top at Sunday’s Miss Universe Pageant 2015, but we still love you Kaci! Despite this little crease in our Caribbean ego, let’s take a quick glace back at previous winners of the Miss Universe Pageant from the islands.
1. Marisol Malaret – Puerto Rico, 1970
Marisol Malaret, Miss Universe 1970
Our first Miss Universe stole the crowd and was coronated in Miami on July 11th 1970. After her win, Miss Malaret was featured on various magazine covers and also became the host of a talk show. She is currently 65 years old, has one child and is married to Frank Cue.
2. Janelle Commissiong – Trinidad and Tobago, 1977
Janelle Commissiong, Miss Universe 1977
Four days prior to taking the crown, Janelle Penny Commissiong became the first black woman to be awarded Miss Photogenic. After winning, she worked tirelessly for black rights and world peace. Now married to a businessman, Miss Commissiong holds in her posession the Trinity Cross (highest award in Trinidad) as well as three honorary postage stamps.
3. Maritz Sayalero – Venezuela, 1979
Maritz Sayalero, Miss Universe 1979
The first Venezuelan Miss Universe won swimsuit, interview and evening gown when she competed in Perth Australia. Martiz is now a citizen of Mexico after marrying tennis player Raul Ramirez and has three children. She was an entrepreneur and has sold her own designs for years.
4. Irene Saez – Venezuela, 1981
Irene Saez, Miss Universe 1981
Now serving as a politician, Miss Universe 1981 was a model, mayor and governor in Venezuela. At just 19 years old, Irene Saez won the 30th annual pageant held in New York and later in 1997 was awarded the Distinguished Achievement Award.
5. Deborah Carthy-Deu – Puerto Rico, 1985
Deborah Carthy-Deu, Miss Universe 1985
On July 15th 1985, Miss Carthy-Deu became the second Miss Universe from Puerto Rico. She was a model, host and owns an agency which aids in helping girls and young women to develop their self esteem and confidence.
6. Barbara Palacios Teyde – Venezuela, 1986
Barbara Palacios Teyde, Miss Universe 1986
After capturing the title of Miss Universe in 1986, Barbara is a writer and TV host. She is a wife and mother of two sons and has also developed a number advertising agencies. In addition to this, Barbara is a motivational speaker and has created several product lines throughout Latin America.
7. Dayanara Torres – Puerto Rico, 1993
Dayanara Torres, Miss Universe 1993
While serving as Miss Universe, Dayanara Torres was an ambassador for UNICEF and created a fund which provided for underprivileged students in Puerto Rico and the Philippines. She is now an actor, singer, model and writer and was married to singer Marc Anthony.
8. Wendy Fitzwilliam – Trinidad and Tobago, 1998
Wendy Fitzwilliam, Miss Universe 1998
Wendy Fitzwilliam became the second Trinidadian and third black woman to win the Miss Universe pageant when she participated in Honolulu, Hawaii. Miss Fitzwilliam was honored by the UN and became a UNAIDS and UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador due to her work in HIV/AIDS. She has one child.
With eight beauties in our past, another Miss Universe better be somewhere out there! We will continue to rep #teamKaci, but the prospect of another Caribbean Miss Universe still awaits.
sandseaandsoca 