The Beauty of Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago is a Caribbean country known for its amazing natural beauty. The islands boast beautiful beaches such as Maracas Bay and Pigeon Point, along with long stretches of spectacular ocean views on the north and east coasts, from Manzanilla to Mayaro. The drive from Toco to Sans Souci is also an unforgettable experience of ocean grandeur. The islands offer lush, green mountains like the Northern Range, where hiking trails lead to breathtaking vistas and waterfalls. Together, the two islands provide a harmonious blend of coastal charm and mountainous splendor, making them a dream destination for nature lovers.
The country is also a treasure trove of vibrant flora and fauna. The scarlet ibis, with its striking red plumage, graces the Caroni Swamp, creating a mesmerizing spectacle at sunset. Majestic mahogany trees and seasonal poui trees, bursting with yellow and pink blossoms, adorn the landscape, adding splashes of color to the lush greenery. The Asa Wright Nature Centre in Trinidad is a haven for birdwatchers, featuring diverse flora and fauna. On top of that, the islands’ coral reefs are teeming with marine life, offering a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes beneath the turquoise waters. These natural wonders, along with the diverse bird species and tropical plants, make Trinidad and Tobago a haven for nature enthusiasts and a paradise of biodiversity.
The people of Trinidad and Tobago are as vibrant and diverse as the islands themselves. Known for their warm hospitality and infectious energy, they embody a rich cultural tapestry woven from African, Indian, European, and Indigenous influences. Their natural beauty is complemented by their radiant smiles and expressive eyes. Beyond physical appearance, the true beauty of Trinbagonians lies in their spirited personalities. They are known for their resilience, creativity, and a deep sense of community. Whether it’s through the lively rhythms of calypso, soca, and chutney music, the colorful celebrations of Carnival, or their everyday kindness, the people of Trinidad and Tobago exude a unique charm that captivates all who visit.
The beauty of Trinidad and Tobago’s people was magnificently showcased on the world stage when Janelle “Penny” Commissiong (JC) won the Miss Universe title in 1977. Her victory was historic, as she became the first black woman to be crowned Miss Universe. This achievement highlighted not only her stunning physical beauty but also the vibrant spirit and resilience of Trinbagonians. JC’s win brought international attention to the diverse and rich culture of Trinidad and Tobago, celebrating the unique charm and elegance of its people. Her triumph was a powerful statement in the world of beauty pageants, breaking barriers and inspiring countless individuals globally.
This article tells the story of JC’s victory in 1977 and its impact on the twin-island state of Trinidad and Tobago.
JC returns to Trinidad from New York in 1977
JC was born in Port of Spain on June 15, 1953 to Maria, a Venezuelan, and Ruel Commissiong, a Trinidadian. She had just finished primary school in 1967 when her parents took her to the United States to reside. She completed her secondary education in the United States and then decided to pursue a career in fashion. In 1975, she became a fashion buyer and gained valuable experience in the field. She decided to establish a fashion business and returned to Trinidad in early 1977 at the age of 23 to survey the market. After talking to several people, she decided to start her own boutique in Trinidad. But there was something else on her mind – the Trinidad and Tobago beauty contest.
How JC Became Miss Trinidad and Tobago
To participate in the contest, JC needed a sponsor. The contest was scheduled for April 30, 1977. As the date drew nearer, she was still without a sponsor having been turned down by several companies. On April 27, 1977, Guinness Caribbean came to her rescue at the last minute and gave her an opportunity to compete at Queen’s Hall for the title with five other contestants. She was very grateful for the opportunity saying, “Thanks to Guinness Caribbean I am able to take part in the Miss Republic of Trinidad and Tobago beauty contest.” Three days later, she won the competition and became Miss Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
Previous Success for Trinidad and Tobago as Miss Amity
The Miss Universe Pageant officially began in 1952 when the first competition was held in Long Beach, California. Miss Trinidad and Tobago won the Miss Amity award twice at the Miss Universe Pageant in 1975 and 1976. This award is given to the contestant who is voted by her fellow contestants as the most friendly and likable. It’s essentially a popularity award. (In 1991, it was renamed the Miss Congeniality award.) Miss Amity 1975 was Christine Jackson and Miss Amity 1976 was Margaret McFarlane. These two occasions were the closest that a contestant from Trinidad and Tobago got to the Miss Universe title in its 25 years of existence.
The Miss Universe Pageant of July 1977
The Miss Universe Pageant was held on July 16, 1977 at the National Theater in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. 80 contestants competed for the title. The 12-member international jury included Vidal Sassoon (hair stylist and businessman), Dione Warwick (American singer) and the President of Paramount Pictures, Bob Evans. The hosts were Bob Barker, an American media personality and game show host, and Helen O’Connell, a well-known American singer and actress.
On the day of the pageant, the Trinidad Express ran a bold front-page headline brimming with confidence: “Our pretty Penny can really pull it off tonight”.
On the night of the pageant, JC was selected as one of the 12 short-listed contestants. She later admitted that at this point, she felt confident that she would be among the five finalists. The five finalists were then chosen: Miss Germany, Miss Scotland, Miss Austria, Miss Trinidad and Tobago, and Miss Colombia. JC joined the other finalists in her shimmering gold evening gown designed by Richard McKend.
Bob Barker had five questions in his hand and asked each contestant to pick a question. Miss Scotland answered the first question. Next, it was JC’s turn. Her question was,
“One of the prizes the new Miss Universe will receive is a trip around the world. What country would you most like to visit and why?”
Each finalist answered her question, some with the help of an interpreter. This was followed by Miss Universe 1976, Miss Rina Messinger of Israel, giving a short speech while the results were being tabulated. Finally, the moment came for Bob Barker to announce the winner. The fourth runner-up was Miss Germany.
Front Page of Trinidad Express Newspaper (July 16, 1977)
Miss Universe 1976, Rina Messinger, Crowning Miss Universe 1977, Janelle Commissiong
The third runner-up was Miss Colombia, and the second runner-up was Miss Scotland. Only two contestants remained on the stage, Miss Austria and Miss Trinidad and Tobago. Bob Barker requested that they come down the stairs and join him.
Everyone held their breath, waiting for the first runner-up to be revealed. JC said that she had been making calculations in her mind since the preliminaries, and she felt that she could win. Her only fear was that Ms. Austria would get one more point than her and win. It was a magic moment when Bob Barker said, “The first runner-up is Miss Austria. Miss Trinidad and Tobago is Miss Universe! Some say that Dione Warwick, one of the 12 judges, burst into tears when it was announced that JC was “Miss Universe”.
But that was not all that JC won that night. She also won “Miss Photogenic”. JC said she was more surprised to win the title of “Miss Photogenic” than “Miss Universe”. According to JC, this was because during the two-week competition, the black contestants from the Caribbean and Africa were being bypassed by the photographers (although the organizers gave good reasons why this was so). Incidentally, JC was the first person of African descent to win “Miss Photogenic”.
The National Costume Gala at Miss Universe
The National Costume Gala does not affect the scores of the Miss Universe contestants. However, it provides a valuable opportunity for contestants to showcase the culture and heritage of their respective countries. JC could not find a national traditional dress, so she chose a Carnival costume designed by Peter Minshall for Stephen Lee Heung’s presentation “Paradise Lost”. This costume was worn by Gabriella Irázabal, daughter of the Venezuelan ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, in the 1976 Red Cross Kiddies Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. She won the title of Junior Carnival Queen.
The costume, titled “Spirit of Light,” was inspired by the hummingbird, the national bird of Trinidad and Tobago. It featured iridescent silk and winged elements, symbolizing the vibrant and dynamic nature of the hummingbird. The costume not only highlighted the natural beauty of Trinidad and Tobago but also showcased the creativity and cultural pride of Trinidadians on the international stage. According to knowledgeable sources, the costume was so impactful that it became a reference for future Miss Universe pageants [1].
The photo below shows JC wearing the costume, five days after the Miss Universe Pageant atop the Empire State Building.
Miss Universe 1977, Janelle Commissiong, Posing in Her National Costume on Top of The Empire State Building in New York, July 21, 1977 [1]
Gabriela Irázabal, Junior Carnival Queen at the 1976 Red Cross Kiddies Carnival, in Her Spirit of Light Costume (from Stephen Lee Heung’s presentation “Paradise Lost”) [2]
How the News Reached Trinidad and Tobago
It is estimated that a television audience of 500 million viewed the Miss Universe 1977 Pageant “live”. However, Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT), the country’s only television station at the time, did not broadcast the pageant “live”. Around 12:00 midnight after the winner was announced in Santo Domingo, Lord Kitchener (a famous calypsonian from Trinidad) describes how Trinidad and Tobago heard the news in his calypso, “Miss Universe”:
It was twelve o’ clock the hour, a night in July
When a TTT announcer brought tears to meh eye
He said, “Will you keep calm while I interrupt this programme?
You ought to know it first,
Our Penny is the Queen of the Universe.”
Kelly Peterson-Small [3] recalls the atmosphere in Port of Spain when the news broke:
The whole of Port of Spain erupted. [The] town was in a frenzy. Everyone [was] running out into the streets [with] neighbours hugging [and] kissing one another.
The Sunday newspapers were already printed so apart from snippets on the radio and TTT, the country had to wait until Monday to get more details from the newspapers. It would take another week before a recording of the pageant was shown on TTT on the night of Monday July 26, 1977. Still, viewers stood glued to their television sets as they watched JC become the Queen of the Universe.
Pennymania: JC Returns to Trinidad
JC was accompanied to the Miss Universe Pageant by Mrs. Roma “Kim” Sabeeney, holder of the “Miss Universe” franchise in Trinidad and Tobago and seven other Caribbean countries. JC was scheduled to return to Trinidad for a week starting from August 2, 1977. Mrs. Sabeeney left for Trinidad on the Monday after the pageant. Before leaving, JC told her that her greatest wish was for her to be met at the Piarco International Airport “by either President Ellis Clarke or Prime Minister Dr. Eric Williams”. She also mentioned that what she wanted more than anything was a warm welcome from her people back home.
Gabriella Irázabal meets JC on Thursday August 4, 1977 (Trinidad Guardian, August 5, 1977)
Mrs. Sabeeney conveyed JC’s requests to the Government of Trinidad and Tobago. JC arrived in a new DC-9 aircraft at 5:30 pm on August 2, 1977. Also arriving on the flight was Trinidad and Tobago’s Ambassador to Washington, Mr. Victor McIntyre. At the welcoming ceremony, JC said that the success and glory that she had won belonged to all the people of Trinidad and Tobago. She also said:
“I am happy to have won the title of Miss Universe, and to have reached that goal for Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean, and fellow members of the Third World. This only gives you another idea of what we can do. This is our world too.”
The welcoming party was headed by Prime Minister Dr. Eric Williams and several senior government ministers. Richard McKend, the man who designed her dazzling gold gown, was on hand to present her with a bouquet of flowers. He told the Trinidad Express, “Penny is the most charming and beautiful lady I’ve ever designed for, and I’ve been designing for years.”
After the welcoming ceremony, JC was whisked away to a cocktail party at the nearby Bel Air Hotel, much to the disappointment of the large crowd who wanted more time to admire their own Miss Universe. However, they had made the most of the opportunity, cheering boisterously with wild applause and cat calls whenever her name was called.
The arrival of JC in Trinidad was referred to by many as “Pennymania”. The next six days were filled with activities that the Trinidad Express called the “The Week of Penny Commissiong”. On Thursday August 4, there was a luncheon in her honour at the St. Andrews Golf Club House in Maraval. The photo on the left shows JC meeting Gabriella Irázabal, winner of the 1976 Junior Carnival Queen title, at the luncheon.
At 4:00 pm, JC went to the ANSA Shopping Mall at the corner of Queen and Henry Streets in Port of Spain. Thousands turned out to see her when she went there. Barriers placed by the police were broken down as people struggled to get a glimpse of JC. The programme had to be modified and finally aborted due to fears about the security of JC.
On Thursday night, JC left for Tobago. Her visit to Tobago culminated with a reception at the President’s House on Friday evening. She returned to Trinidad on Friday night. On Saturday, she was given a state drive starting from the Hilton Hotel where she was staying, along Queen’s Park East, and finally ending up at the Town Hall in Port of Spain for a reception sponsored by the Port of Spain City Council. Along the way, thousands of people came out to see her. When she arrived at Town Hall, she was greeted with a fanfare from the band of the Trinidad and Tobago Regiment.
On the morning of Tuesday August 9, 1997, JC headed back to New York. Unlike her arrival the week before, there was a marked absence of VIPs to see her off. Still, she got a friendly “Namaste” from the Indian High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago and his wife who were on the same flight with her to New York.
Before her departure, JC said that she had a wonderful time during her short stay and the people of the country were “simply marvellous”. She said that she was taking away many happy memories.
She had promised that she would return for Carnival the following year. Despite her busy schedule, she kept her promise. She made a regal appearance at the Dimanche Gras Show on Sunday February 5, 1978. Incidentally, on that same night, Calypso Rose became the first woman to win the Calypso Monarch title in Trinidad and Tobago.
Indian High Commissioner, Dr. Barakat Ahmad, and His Wife Bid Farewell to JC at the Piarco International Airport (Trinidad Express, August 10, 1977)
JC at the Dimanche Gras Show on February 5, 1978 [4]
JC then cast off her crown and sash and played Mas for two days in Peter Minshall’s first Carnival presentation, “Zodiac”. There were several calypsos paying tribute to her that year such as Kitchener’s “Miss Universe” and Sparrow’s “First Black Miss Universe”. The catchy refrain from Sparrow’s calypso went like this:
Ah say, from all round the world they fell in defeat
They were beautiful but not half as sweet
She will go down in history for coming first
And for being the one and only
Black Miss Universe
Honours from Trinidad and Tobago
On Saturday July 23, 1977, the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Eric Williams, announced that a new DC-9 aircraft purchased for the national airline, BWIA, would be named in honour of JC. Three DC-9 aircraft had been ordered, and one had already arrived on June 29, 1977. It was named after Hasely Crawford, who had won the first gold medal for Trinidad and Tobago the previous year in the men’s 100-metre race at the 1976 Olympic Games in Canada. JC actually travelled in the new aircraft from Miami to Trinidad on August 2, 1977 when she returned home.
On August 31, 1977, Independence Day, the country was greeted with the news that the nation’s highest award, the Trinity Cross (now renamed the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago) was being bestowed on JC. A front-page article of the Trinidad Guardian started like this, “Trinidad and Tobago’s gift to the international beauty world, is among four nationals granted the country’s highest award, the Trinity Cross.” JC had already left Trinidad and was now performing her duties as Miss Universe so she could not receive the award personally.
Still, it was noteworthy that this was the first awards ceremony for Trinidad and Tobago as a Republic. President Sir Ellis Clarke was the first elected President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on September 24, 1976. It was he who gave out the national awards on that Independence Day.
Trinity Cross Award for JC (Trinidad Guardian, August 31, 1977)
In 1978, the Trinidad and Tobago Postal Service released three postage stamps to commemorate the occasion of JC becoming Miss Universe. The stamps are shown below.
Postage Stamps with JC
JC unveiling the street sign (September 22, 2017) [6]
Forty years after her victory at the Miss Universe Pageant, yet another honour was bestowed upon JC. On September 22, 2017, Queen Street in Port of Spain was renamed to Queen Janelle Commissiong Street. Thousands of Trinbagonians, young and old, came to celebrate the occasion with JC. The culture of Trinidad and Tobago was on full display. Along the route, there were Moko Jumbies, school choirs and folk dancers. Even the sweet sound of the steel pan could be heard. [5, 6]
JC’s Trip Around the World in Two Days
When the five finalists were asked their respective questions by Bob Barker at the Miss Universe Pageant, it was ironic that JC would choose the question that mentioned that the new Miss Universe will receive a trip around the world as one of her prizes. But it was true. It came to pass three months later, on October 28, 1977 when Pan Am celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special polar flight, Flight 50, that flew around the world over both the North and South Poles in a Boeing 747SP. There were numerous in-flight activities such as parties, fashion shows, and games during the two-day trip.
The flight took off from San Francisco on October 28, flew over the North Pole to London, then to Cape Town, South Africa, before flying over the South Pole and landing in Auckland, New Zealand, and finally returning to San Francisco on October 30. There were 172 people on board. Miss America, Kimberly Tomes, was also onboard the flight. They were joined by Miss England (Sarah Louise Long) when they arrived in London, and by Miss South Africa (Glynis Fester) when they arrived in South Africa. In New Zealand, they were met by Miss New Zealand (Donna Anne Schultze).
When the flight arrived in Cape Town, the mayor of Cape Town welcomed the passengers and honoured JC by inviting her to address the gathering as the new Miss Universe.
At the end of the trip, Miss America remarked, “I need a bed and a bath right now”. She said that she had a great time but needed to brush her teeth. Most of the people on the flight commented that it was a wonderful, unforgettable experience. Commenting on the trip many years later, JC said,
“It was one of my best-ever historic experiences, and I’m happy to have left another historical mark on Trinidad–the first Trini to have circumnavigated the world pole to pole in the shortest time recorded.” [7]
Concluding Remarks
When JC won the Miss Universe title in 1977, she paved the way for the recognition of women of colour as beautiful, giving hope that those who would succeed her would have a fair chance at winning a beauty pageant on the international stage. Success inspires success, and less than 10 years later, Giselle La Ronde won the Miss World title for Trinidad and Tobago in 1986. (The American actress-to-be Halle Berry placed sixth in the competition.)
The 1990s saw more close encounters at the Miss Universe Pageant, culminating in another remarkable finish for Trinidad and Tobago in 1998. First, Arlene Peterkin placed in the Top 5 of the Miss Universe Pageant in 1995. This was followed by a nail-biting finish in 1997 when Margot Bourgeois became the second runner-up. The next year, Wendy Fitzwilliam won Miss Universe 1998, marking the second time that Trinidad and Tobago won the title in 21 years.
On August 8, 1977, an editorial in the Trinidad Express about JC titled, ”Penny’s victory is a triumph for all of us,” highlighted the progress of women in Trinidad and Tobago society. It went so far as to say,
“Our women indeed have enjoyed equality with men for such a long time that the women’s “lib” movement which swept the developed countries during previous the decade made very little impact on our society.”
Referring to JC, the editorial further stated,
“Her projection to the forefront will do our society much good. It matters that our name should be better known in the world. It is important to us and to others that people should know who we are, what we are, and where we are.
Penny’s triumph is in many respects therefore a triumph for all of us, and as our standard bearer to the world of beauty we are proud to be proud of her.”
References
[1] Gomez, S. (2023). Miss Universe 1977, Janelle Commissiong, played a significant role in the evolution of the National Costume Gala. Hola! Website. Available from: https://www.hola.com/us/celebrities/20231117352777/how-miss-universe-1977-shaped-the-national-costume-gala/
[2] Their Mini Majesties: The King and Queen. In Trinidad Carnival Magazine, No. 4, 1976. Port of Spain: Key Caribbean Publications.
(https://imgur.com/gallery/trinidad-carnival-1976-rOOux)
[3] Peterson-Small, K. (2022). Comment on a Facebook Post on Miss Universe 1977 by the National Archives of Trinidad and Tobago.
[4] Queen on the road. In Trinidad Carnival Magazine, No. 6, 1978. Port of Spain: Key Caribbean Publications.
[5] Regis, J. (2021). Queen Janelle Commissiong Street Port of Spain. NALIS Website. Available from: https://www.nalis.gov.tt/blog/queen-janelle-commissiong-street-port-of-spain/
[6] Superville, S. (2017). Penny dreams of revived POS. Trinidad and Tobago Newsday Newspaper, September 23, 2017. Available from: https://newsday.co.tt/2017/09/23/penny-dreams-of-revived-pos/.
[7] Blood, S.L. (2025). Penny’s pioneering spirit: From Miss Universe 1977 to world traveller. Trinidad Guardian Newspaper, April 20, 2025. Available from: https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/pennys-pioneering-spirit-from-miss-universe-1977-to-world-traveller-6.2.2286540.7a29c48a6e.
