LAS VEGAS – From flags to Facebook, 22-year-old Jimena Navarrete has quickly made it clear what she plans to promote as the world’s newest Miss Universe — her home country of Mexico.“I want the whole world to know about my country and my people,” the Guadalajara native said after beating 82 competitors for global bragging rights at the pageant in Las Vegas, Monday night.“I imagine that they’re all going crazy in Mexico right now,” she said through an interpreter. “I’m extremely proud and I’m sure they’re very proud, too.”She donned a flowing red dress, strutted confidently in a violet bikini, and said onstage that the Internet is indispensable and requires parents to impart family values. The model-turned pageant queen then posed for pictures with a Mexican flag and Mexico’s last Miss Universe as congratulations from her countrymen came pouring in.“Her triumph is a source of pride and satisfaction for all Mexicans, who see in her the fruits of perseverance,” Mexican President Felipe Calderon said in a statement. Immediately after her win, Calderon said on Twitter that her victory would help Mexico’s image as a country.“We won, long live Mexico!” Navarrete said on her fan page on Facebook, spurring 478 “likes” and 218 comments in about one hour. “Every country has the right to impose and enact their laws,” she said, wearing her new sash and sparkling tiara. “But I tell you that all the Mexicans and the Latins that are living here in the United States are hardworking people — people who want to improve on their quality of life.” She’s Mexico’s second Miss Universe. Lupita Jones — Navarrete’s national pageant director — won in 1991. Navarrete replaces Miss Universe 2009 Stefania Fernandez of Venezuela. (AP)
SEE THE SLIDESHOW OF THE MISS UNIVERSE PAGEANT IN OUR PHOTO GALLERY.
