With predictions coming from every corner of the globe, this year’s “MISS UNIVERSE” gets underway as some 80 delegates arrive in Atlanta, Georgia, for two weeks of preparation for the grand finale’ happening next week – Sunday, December 8, at Tyler Perry’s Studio in Atlanta. Representing Jamaica is six feet tall, elegant IANA TICKLE GARCIA, a 19-year-old from Montego Bay, Jamaica is a sure shot for the crown. With a solid track record for “Miss Universe” placements in recent years (top 15 last year, 3rd place in 2017, 5th in 2014 and 2nd in 2010) How is she dealing with the pressure to place? “I believe there is something very special as Jamaicans that allows us, as a tiny speck on the map, to make ripples in the global scene as we’ve been doing for a very long time. I don’t feel very pressured to live up to my predecessors’ success, because I have the same Jamaican potential that they had, and I am in very capable hands,” revealed Iana.

I met Iana last week at Collection Moda in Kingston, Jamaica, where she commanded the Moda runway, walking for each of the featured designers, the kind of experience every “Miss Universe” need prior to her crowning. IANA comes with a clear passion to inspire young women to do what they love and create their own opportunities regardless of their circumstances. Born and raised in Montego Bay to a Cuban mother and a Swiss father, Iana plays the piano, indulges in Kung-Fu and is passionate about environmental preservation. She participates in tree/mangrove planting activities and also loves crochet, a skill Iana uses under the umbrella of ‘Crochet For Charity,’ where she donates her masterful hand-made pieces to various charities including the Mustard Seed organization in Jamaica.

IANA breezed through New York a few weeks ago where she paid a courtesy call to the Jamaica Consul General in New York City and visited the Miss Universe Organization headquarters. She also found time to complete a fashion photoshoot with noted Jamaica photographer Marlon Atkinson, downtown Manhattan. IANA recalled; “Yes I was in New York about 4 weeks ago, and it was my third time being in the city. Oh my gosh! I am absolutely in love with New York. It’s a very fast-paced life but I feel so alive and I love that busy feeling I have when I’m there. I get cold very easily, but I would put up with the New York City cold any day.” IANA continued: “Of course I couldn’t possibly go to New York and not spend time in Times Square. So at 12 am the day of our departure, (3 hours before we were meant to leave the hotel) we went to a restaurant in Times Square and soaked up all of the bright lights and bustling tourists in the middle of the night. And, in case you’re wondering, no we still hadn’t packed, but that was the LEAST of our concerns at the moment. All in all, it was a wonderful experience and I cannot wait to go back…Maybe as Miss Universe? Who knows.”

We indulged in a quick Q&A – Listen in as I asked this Beauty Queen what inquiring minds would like to know.

WALTER GREENE: What are you looking forward to most of all at the Miss Universe pageant?

IANA TICKLE GARCIA: “Every time I get asked that question, it’s as if I think of a new aspect that I am especially excited for, but if I must sum it up, I think that what most excites me about the upcoming pageant it’s the fact that it is an entirely new experience for me and I can’t wait to be in the moment and living it. The fact that there are only a few select people who have been able to participate in an event like this and I have been chosen as one of those to represent my country makes me feel so blessed. So what I am most looking forward to would have to be the moment I go out onto that international stage and say `Iana Tickle Garcia, JAMAICA!!!’ and really absorbing every little bit of training, experiences, exposure, and friendships  that this competition has to offer.”

W.G.: How has your life changed after winning the Miss Universe Jamaica crown?

I.TG.: “My life has changed tremendously since winning Miss Universe Jamaica. It’s almost as if a metamorphosis has taken place and I am slowly but surely maturing into a much more confident woman. This title has given me the opportunity to face my flaws, embrace and correct them, and to shine as brightly as possible. I am coming out of my shell and becoming the woman 8-year-old me would have looked up to.”

W.G.: You are from Montego Bay. What was growing up like in that resort town?

I.TG.: “Being from ‘The Complete Resort’ area of Jamaica I got very used to being exposed to different cultures as I was constantly interacting with visitors wherever I went – shopping, movies, beaches, you name it. It has given me an appreciation for different cultures but also for the environment because, of course, we want our beaches and surroundings pristine and appealing. I have a love for the sea and swimming and a thirst for traveling that I think is a result of where I was brought up and what I have been exposed to. I am proud of my little resort town and I gladly take the name ‘Country Queen’ with me wherever I go.”

W.G.: The preparation for the Miss Universe Jamaica title seemed quite grueling. What was the most challenging part of that process?

I.TG.: “There is definitely a lot of training going on into getting me prepared for the Miss Universe competition, but I don’t think that the most difficult part of it has anything to do with the actual training. As far as I’m concerned, once you want something enough, you will do anything to achieve it. I have set my mind on this goal and I mentally prepared myself for everything that was coming my way from before I won the competition so that if I was chosen, I would be able to deal with all of it. The most difficult part I would say was getting my mind in ‘Miss Universe mode’ before I was even sure I would be Miss Universe Jamaica.”

W.G.: During the Miss Universe Jamaica situation, did you have any inclination that you would win the title?

I.TG.: “I wouldn’t have entered the competition if I didn’t think that I had a chance at winning. But in all honesty, when I saw the other contestants, self-doubt started to creep in. I had to face myself and tell myself I was going to give it my all so that if I didn’t win it wasn’t because of a lack of effort. It was a very stiff competition and there were many worthy and able ladies alongside me and I’m glad to have been surrounded by so many strong personalities.”

W.G.: Many think you resemble the newly crowned Miss World Jamaica Toni Ann Singh. Do you two Miss Jamaica’s know each other?

I.TG.: “Haha! Yes. I have met Toni Ann and we speak with each other every now and then, sending updates and words of encouragement. I was actually there on the night of her coronation and I thought she performed exceptionally. I’ve been told that we do look alike, but I don’t think either of us sees the resemblance.”