Miss Dominican Republic is new Miss Universe

Miss Dominican Republic Amelia Vega, an 18-year-old high school student, won the Miss Universe 2003 title in Panama City.

Miss Dominican Republic Amelia Vega, an 18-year-old high school student, won the Miss Universe 2003 title at a sparkling ceremony in Panama City on Tuesday, beating a field of 70 other pageant queens.

Miss Venezuela Mariangel Ruiz came second, followed by Miss South Africa Cindy Nell.

HT Image

The winners were announced at the end of a gala night of parades in figure-hugging swimsuits and shimmering evening gowns in the $10 million Figali Convention Centre on the banks of the Pacific entrance to the Panama Canal.