Miss Ireland Pamela Uba says she’s “incredibly proud” to be the first black woman to represent the country at Miss World.
She flew the flag for Galway at the Miss Ireland finale last September, competing against 29 other talented contestants at the Cavan showpiece.
Pamela, 26, said: “I am incredibly proud. I can’t believe it. The amount of messages I get from people.
“They are so supportive and cheering me on. It is such an honour and a pleasure to represent Ireland on the stage.”
The proud scientist from Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, who grew up in Direct Provision, said she will even speak Irish on the world stage proving she has brains and beauty.
Speaking on the Jennifer Zamparelli Show on 2FM ahead of the Miss World final today, she said: “I hope our star shines so bright the world can’t not see it.
“I wear you on my heart when I walk on that stage, because together we are stronger.”
She recalled Christmases spent as a child in Direct Provision and said she relates to other kids living there now.
She added: “It was tough. It wasn’t like everyone else’s Christmas, but I know I’m not the only person in the country that felt that way – a lot of people are going through a lot of things. I can relate to them.” Not having luxurious gifts or a lavish Christmas was the norm growing up, which she credits for making her stronger.
She added: “It’s not so easy when things aren’t going right and you can see it on your parents’ faces – that they can’t get you the gift other kids are getting.
“I could see it on my mum’s face. But we were able to be resilient and we got through all that.”
Now thankfully she relishes every moment with her family over the holidays.
She added: “Now our Christmases are better than ever and we cherish the moment, we know where we came from.
“It’s great to be able to make my mum proud and make her smile.”
Pamela has spent the last few days in Puerto Rico visiting the offices of the governor and learning about latin culture through salsa, ahead of the Miss World Finale this evening.
Describing her “beauty with a purpose” she plans on helping children in Ireland, especially migrant kids, in the areas of education and housing.
She is so proud of her own education explaining: “I am the first person in my family to go to college properly.
“And now she has four of us that have completed college. She is such a proud mother.”
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