In a remarkable and historic turn of events for Gibraltar, Kaiane Aldorino, who was elected Miss Gibraltar 2009 back in June this year, was last night crowned as the new Miss World in a glittering two-hour global beauty pageant celebrated in Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday.
Dressed in a white-lace evening gown, our very own and statuesque Kaiane, who is 23 years old and works as an HR administrative clerk, had earlier won the swimsuit award and was an early crowd favourite.
At the moment that Kaiane was offered this most-sought-after crown by Kseniasukhi Nova, the Miss World 2008, of Russia and during the celebration that ensued, Kaiane was showered by silver confetti onstage. When her name was announced as the winner, she clapped her hands to her mouth saying; "I have no words!" (Watch YouTube Video below)
Later, when asked to describe her feelings, she said; "I am really happy!"
The crowd was rooting for her since the moment she won the swimsuit competition. She beat seven other contestants in the final round of the show to lift the crown.
Completing her 'court' are Miss Mexico, Perla Beltran Acosta, as First Runner-up and Miss South Africa, Tatum Keshwar, representing the host country, who was also very popular and was elected as Second Runner-up.
Like other prestigious title winners in the past, Kaiane did not talk about her immediate future plans. When interviewed later, Kaiane, wearing her crown of tiny jeweled blue flowers, said she had been impressed with South Africa, which was hosting its seventh Miss World final. Kaiane said:
"I will try to do the best that I can now that I have opportunity and advantage!"
Tearfully, she added:
"Thank you South Africa, this is the most wonderful moment of my life!"
Gibraltar bursts into spontaneous celebration
The show was seen by millions world wide and was televised live in Gibraltar. As result was announced, the news literally rocked Gibraltar!In their traditional manner on major news moments such as this undoubtedly was, Gibraltarians took to the streets in celebration, following Kaiane's remarkable achievement... which puts Gibraltar firmly in the world's focus in a very positive way.
In typical Llanito (Gibraltarian) tradition, many congregated around the Waterport roundabout, noisily celebrating the wonderful news, car horns blaring and Gibraltar flags waving everywhere.The local Gibraltar Chronicle blasted out the 'breaking news' headline and historically announced the news saying "It’s a Red Letter Day for Gibraltar today!"
The Chronicle said Kaiane Aldorino, Miss Gibraltar, "has shot to the top and won the Miss World contest".
It reports that mobile telephones were blocked as people rushed to spread the news.
Chief Minister Peter Caruana excitedly said:
!It’s a wonderful achievement for her and for Gibraltar. She's a special lady who deserves her huge success. A Gibraltarian again puts Gibraltar on the map!
We'll give her a home coming fit for a queen! Congratulations to her and her family!"
Speaking from South Africa, the now Miss World, Kaiane Aldorino repeated her earlier statements to the press and told the Chronicle:
"I am extremely happy but I just have no words to explain how I feel! I am just so, so happy!"
Chief Minister Caruana spoke to Kaiane who told him she was desparate to get home and celebrate with all Gibraltar. He told her that no one had ever made Gibraltar prouder and congratulated on behalf of all the people.
Kaiane also spoke to the Minister for Culture Edwin Reyes, who had informed her of the Rock’s reaction to the news. She asked him to thank everyone in Gibraltar for their support. She said she felt very proud and that it made her feel even happier knowing that everyone in Gibraltar was feeling just as proud.
PDP Leader Keith Azopardi said:
"This a spectacular achievement made all the more important because it was on a truly global stage.
Kaiane has made us all proud and we wholeheartedly congratulate her. She will be a fantastic ambassador for Gibraltar during her tenure.
We had sent her a message of support before the finals and she has truly put Gibraltar on the map in the best way possible."
Miss England 'disappointed'
The ceremony was broadcast to an estimated one billion viewers around the world.
Among the disappointed contestants was Miss England, a 22 year old soldier in the Royal Anglian Regiment dubbed 'Combat Barbie' by the British media, who has served in Iraq, was granted leave from the military for the one-month tour of South Africa, where before the live broadcast the contestants competed in sports, a talent showcase and, of course, the swimsuit competition but she failed to make it through in the sports heat after spraining her ankle during training."I'm sad to say none of us UK girls made it through to the final round, but I never expected to even be here," she said adding:
"There are a few tears here backstage and some of the girls are not talking to anyone."
L/Cpl Hodge was drafted in to compete in the contest last month after the original Miss England winner Rachel Christie relinquished her title following her arrest over an alleged nightclub brawl.
But the soldier was magnanimous in defeat, praising Miss Aldorino. She said:
"I was so proud to represent England in Miss World in front of two billion viewers; I'm chuffed to bits for Miss Gibraltar, the winner.
She is a real natural beauty who wasn't expecting to win at all.
I've enjoyed every minute of it and looking forward to my six months' reign as Miss England when I get back, as I want to use my title to promote the British Army. Well done Gibraltar!"
Miss India, Pooja Chopra, a hot favourite with the flag-waving international crowd, was eliminated in the top 16 after winning the 'Beauty with a Purpose' title for her charity work.
India and Venezuela have produced the most Miss Worlds, with five titleholders each.
Facebook Groups
Much like the streets of Gibraltar, within minutes of the news, Gibraltarians on Facebook went mad with many comments of ecstatic congratulations, expressing joy and pride in Kaiane's fantastic and historic beauty pageant world win. Within hours quite a number of Facebook Groups had also been created.
Not unexpectedly in the circumstances, there's a 'fan' page for Kaiane Aldorino Miss World 2009
As a means of channeling Facebook's highly excited Gibraltarian hordes and the public's huge enthusiasm surrounding this remarkable event, there is already a call for A welcoming street party for our Miss World... not that Gibraltarians need much excuse for a good street party... but this is one of the best reasons I've heard in a long time... to have one!
Some other groups include a call for A Statue for Miss World - our Miss Gibraltar... and perhaps not unsurprisingly, but to my mind... a little over the top now (not a sentiment normally accorded to Gibraltarians... much!
ha ha) some are asking for the Government to Create a national holiday for Kaiane Aldorino - MISS WORLD 2009!! 
Hmmm... does that mean just for her... (in which case I am wholy in favour) or is this intended for the whole of the working population and school children?? Gibraltarians are never slow in calling for a holiday... or indeed taking them! lol In this case... probably justified... especially as if they do organise the street party... the end result will probably turn out to be... by default... a 'national holiday' anyway! Proud to be Gibraltarian
As always... but today especially, like ALL of Gibraltar, I am very proud to be a Gibraltarian! My personal congratulations to a lovely lady... well done Kaiane! You have already done Gibraltar proud and I am very confident you shall continue to do so during your tenure as the most beautiful girl in the world!!
Que guapas son las Llanitas.... Ole, ole y ole!!
Video of Miss World 2009 Winner - Miss Gibraltar - Kaiane Aldorino
Acknowledgement
I am indebted to David Parody who very kindly provided the Gibraltar street celebration images.
Photo © DM Parody (http://dotcom.gi/photos).
More of David's great images of Miss Gibraltar (now Miss World) can be seen on his Flickr channel
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