Dominican Republic student crowned Miss Universe

Posted: 11:24 AM (Manila Time) | Jun. 04, 2003 Agence France-Presse

PANAMA CITY -- Amelia Vega, an 18-year-old student from the Dominican Republic, was crowned Miss Universe 2003 late Tuesday.

Miss Venezuela, Maria Angel Ruiz, 23, was the first runner-up. Reigning Miss Universe Justine Pasek of Panama placed a 250,000-dollar crown of diamonds and pearls on Vega's head.

Representatives from 72 countries took the stage earlier at the contest held at a brand new convention center in Amador, a former US military base at the Pacific Ocean entrance to the Panama Canal.