Close to four million people tuned into to watch the 68th Miss Universe pageant on Sunday night and many viewers have shared their personal thoughts about some of the memorable moments including their views on Miss Jamaica’s national costume, which has sparked some controversy.
Users on social media are divided about Miss Jamaica’s, Iana Tickle Garcia’s chosen outfit for the national costume category for the pageant, with some saying that costume highlights a “negative part of the country’s history,” according to the Jamaica Observer.
The white-diamond encrusted costume reportedly pays homage to Annie Palmer, who was the 18th owner of the Rose Hall plantation, according to the site. Loop Jamaica reports photos of the outfit were posted Saturday on Facebook and Instagram with the caption:
“Annie Palmer, THE LEGEND OF ROSE HALL… Dubbed the White Witch of Rose Hall, local folk legend has it that Annie Palmer ruled the 18th-century plantation with an iron fist and drove fear in the hearts of loved ones and enemy’s alike,”
The statement goes on to say: “Her iconic home, the Rose Hall Great House is a national heritage site in Montego Bay Jamaica and still stands magnificently today after almost three hundred years as a popular visitor attraction where many claims they have spotted Annie Palmer’s ghost… Created by Uzuri International.”
Palmer was known as the ‘White Witch of Rose Hall’ and many people are upset that the outfit was inspired by a slave owner.
Instagram user @sashapwettyface commented under the post: “@uzuriinternational only a devil will design such nonsense and want to represent someone like Annie Palmer.”
One Twitter user, @ultimate_advice on the other hand, said, that despite criticisms, Annie Palmer was a part of Jamaica’s history.
“The legend of Annie Palmer has had a significant cultural impact on Jamaica. Her story is known across the world, having been widely spread by members of the diaspora, as well as persons who have visited Rose Hall’s house. It’s a part of Jamaican History, end of discussion.”
The legend of Annie Palmer has had a significant cultural impact on Jamaica. Her story is known across the world, having been widely spread by members of the diaspora, as well as persons who have visited the Rose Hall hose. It's apart of Jamaican history end of discussion.
— YouTube: Ultimate Adviser ♉ (@ultimate_advise) December 7, 2019
The Miss Jamaica Universe Organization made a post online justifying its decision in response to the backlash:
The Miss Universe pageant took place in Atlanta at Tyler Perry’s Studios. Miss South Africa, Zozibini Tunzi, took the crown as Miss Universe 2019.
Congrats, queen!