Toni-Ann Singh of Jamaica was crowned Miss World 2019 on 14th December 2019 at the ExCeL London in London, United Kingdom. She was crowned by Miss World 2018 Vanessa Ponce de Leon of Mexico at the end of the event finale. She completes one year of crowning as she reminisces the crowning moment.
Toni shared on her social media, “I had no idea how much this journey would change my life. I look back now and wonder where I would be if I had allowed my fears to stop me from embracing my destiny. As I celebrate one year in this beautiful sisterhood, I want to remind you that you will never know what potential you hold unless you push yourself to find out. It’s okay to be afraid, but let your purpose and your passion speak louder than those fears. You already have what it takes. You are already enough. Go get your crown, family! I believe in us!”
Born to her Indo-Caribbean father Bradshaw Singh and African-Caribbean mother Jahrine Bailey, Toni graduated with a degree in women’s studies and psychology from Florida State University and aspires to be a medical doctor and has previously worked as president of the Caribbean student’s association. Her family immigrated to the United States when Toni was nine years old and settled down in Florida.
The diva participated at Miss Jamaica World 2019 where she was crowned as the winner and earned the opportunity to represent Jamaica at the Miss World 2019 stage. During the competition’s pre-pageant activities, she was placed at the top 40 of the Top Model competitions and won the talent competition which led to her direct entry at the top 40 semi-finals.
During the final 5 question and answer round at Miss World 2019, Toni was asked, “Why should you win the title of Miss World 2019?” to which she answered, "I think I represent something special...a generation of women who are pushing forward to change the world. I don't consider myself better than any other girls on the stage, but I will say that my passion for women and making sure that they have had the same opportunities that I have had, is something that sets me apart." She was also asked, “Who is the most inspiring woman in the world for you?” and the diva answered that the most inspiring person in her life is her mother. She added that her parent are the roots of what she is today. During the competition, she earned a resounding applause from audiences for singing Whitney Houston's hit "I Have Nothing".
Just like Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, Miss World 2019 Toni-Ann Singh’s reign was halted due to the pandemic outbreak in the world. She was programmed to visit several countries for various projects. The diva visited Nepal in term of supporting Miss World Nepal 2019 Anushka Shrestha’s Beauty with a Purpose project pre-pandemic. Toni has been carrying out her duties via social media but major part of her reign expected her to travel and interact with people which has been shifted until next year.
Julia Morely had mentioned that they must take precautions due to the covid19 outspread but she assured that her reign will not be affected. She stated, “She is still Miss World and will continue to use her influence to bring about social and cultural change, which will be even more relevant in these uncertain times.” Singh also shared her eagerness to continue her mission with her followers on her social media. She stated, “I cannot wait to get back to working with, and advocating for, the incredible Beauty with a Purpose projects all over the world. There is still work to be done. There is still purpose to fulfil.”
Toni feels grateful and blessed that she has had the opportunity to not only represent her country at the Miss World 2019 stage but also raise the flag by winning the title at the end of the event finale. Toni’s crowning completed the batch of 2019 and the women created a history as 2019 was the first year where all the major beauty pageants were won by black women; other titleholders were Miss Universe 2019 Zozibini Tunzi, Miss America 2019 Nia Franklin, Miss Teen USA 2019 Kaliegh Garris, and Miss USA 2019 Cheslie Kryst. And the two most prestigious international pageants were also won by black women.
Toni is a firm believer of women empowerment and is most likely to advocate about girls all around the world to believe in themselves and their dreams. She had mentioned, “Please know that you are worthy and capable of achieving your dreams. This crown is not mine but yours. It’s for you to truly understand that no matter where you’re from and the cards you’re dealt in life - your dreams are valid. You have a PURPOSE.” She knows she has a long way to go but she is very driven to making this dream a reality so that she can better impact her global community.
Talking about winning, Toni had once mentioned that she never thought of winning but only about the fact that she’ll gain a platform to fight for the women around her. She wanted to use that to push girls and women and give them a stronger voice. She further added, “Where I’m from in Jamaica is the most rural part of the country. They literally call it the forgotten parish. One of the biggest and most prominent issues in that parish is teenage pregnancy. They have no way to stop the cycle. I thought if I got this platform, then the government of Jamaica would take a closer look at the area and figure out what we could do to change the narrative. I just wanted to get people to start listening.”
Toni had a chance to visit the Mandela Family in South Africa to celebrate his mother’s 70th birthday in Mvezo and donate 1,300 pairs of shoes as part of Beauty with a Purpose’s continued support of local schools and children. She further added, “I think that in the future I would like to use this platform, and the power of it, to create some real change. Not just for the women of Jamaica, but for the women of the world. I know I have found my purpose, and I’m really happy to have found it.”
The 70th edition of Miss World 2020 will be held next year as the pageant was postponed due to the pandemic.