Trini beauties rally behind Jamaican MP

SEAN DOUGLAS 

Jamaican MP Lisa Hanna campaigning in her constituency for Jamaica's 2020 general election. - Lisa Hanna Facebook page

A former Miss TT who successfully entered local politics and another former Miss TT who won Miss World each sang the praises of former Miss World Lisa Hanna, now a four-term Jamaican MP vying to become leader of Jamaica’s opposition party, the People's National Party (PNP.)

At just 18, Hanna had won the pageant in South Africa in 1993.

Former politician and entrepreneur/activist Nicole Dyer-Griffith told Newsday on Thursday how impressed she was with the former Miss Jamaica. Likewise, former Miss World Giselle Laronde-West likewise saluted Hanna, whom she has personally met in the past and keeps in contact with from time to time.

Dyer-Griffith represented TT at the 1999 Miss Universe pageant held in TT, the year after it was won by Wendy Fitzwilliam. In the 2010 general election, Dyer-Griffith was Diego Martin Central candidate for the Congress of the People (COP) of which she later became chairman and ultimately sought to lead, without success.

She was a senator and parliamentary secretary in the People’s Partnership government of 2010-2015.

As a fellow politician and pageant contestant, Newsday asked Dyer-Griffith what she knew of Hanna.

“I do not know Ms. Hanna personally. However I have been following her political progress.

“I have always been impressed with her ability to connect with her constituents, while maintaining her strong sense of self throughout the process.

“She presents as focused, determined, and very clear on her personal trajectory, and next steps.”

Dyer-Griffith said she admired the way Hanna has always chosen to style herself fashion-wise on every occasion.

“She has utilised social media, and social impact methodologies to her advantage.

"Her recent connection with (Jamaican singer) Spice to develop her campaign outreach song proved effective.”

Dyer-Griffith remarked on Hanna’s wafer thin margin in her South East St Ann’s seat in the recent general election where she won by a mere 14 vote margin, which on recount rose to 32 votes.

“I also noted the close call at the last election.

“However, I look forward to her continued success and wish her all the very best.”

Laronde-West won Miss World in 1986 at the Royal Albert Hall in London, beating a field that included future actress Halle Berry.

She told Newsday she has not spent too much time with her personally but they were in touch.

"I greatly admire Lisa for all she has accomplished and achieved over the years and for the person she is. Lisa is a strong, courageous woman with a big heart and clear opinions. She is one who I have no doubt will continue to grow and prosper no matter her endeavours.

"I truly wish her continued success in her chosen path."

https://newsday.co.tt/2020/10/04/trini-beauties-rally-behind-jamaican-mp/