Maureen German was last on The Rock in April 2011 and ensured she was back to celebrate her 60th birthday with friends and family last weekend at Studio 38. Amid the constant, good-humoured prodding by longtime friends to reveal her true age (No idle boast! German looks 20 years younger), we sat down with the former Miss Jamaica World pageant director to gab over drinks.

Happy birthday, Maureen! What are you sipping?

I'm having a coconut rum and Pepsi.

What kind of day are you having?

I'm having a fabulous day, with my friends and former contestants.

Socialite or homebody?

I'm a socialite. I love being with my friends and enjoying their company. I am happy on my own, but then I have the most brilliant, friends in the world so I like to spend time with them.

Flats or stilettos?

Definitely stilettos. I'm a teenager of the late-1960s and we are used to it.

Jeans or LBD?

Jeans by day, little black dress by night.

Who does your hair?

Donna at White Heart Lane in Tottenham.

Who does your nails?

Kim at a nail salon in my local hometown of Walthamstow.

In a sentence, how would you describe Maureen German?

Maureen is a loyal friend and someone who loves wholeheartedly and unconditionally.

How frequently do you shuttle between Kingston and London?

I was here last Easter, so it's just under a year this time.

What were some of your most treasured moments during your tenure as pageant director of the Miss Jamaica World pageant?

My highlights were usually the final day of the pageant, when we realised we've spent all this time together and some of us won't be seeing each other anymore, and I would say to the girls, 'You are making memories, so just think of every minute of the day and enjoy it.'

Who were your favourite Miss Jamaica World contestants?

During my time, my favourite winners were Erica Aquart in 1990, and Christine Straw in 1998, and my favourite who never won was Mezanne Grant in 1995.

What is your idea of the perfect man?

Does that person exist? It would have to be someone who is my friend, who shares mutual interests, someone who is strong... I don't think it is possible for them to be stronger than I am, but somebody who can stand up to me.

What is your idea of the perfect date?

I would say a night of theatre and dinner.

What is your go-to destination to escape it all?

It might sound strange but I like to wander around London with my camera. Because I am anonymous in London -- even though I'm surrounded by people, I am alone — so I like to spend the day taking pictures.

Where are your favourite sites to photograph in London?

I love the park and the water. I love St James Park.

What do you like to photograph when you're in Jamaica?

My friends, the scenery... I just photograph everything and everybody.

Are you looking forward to the Olympics in London this summer?

With dread (laughs). I know they have improved the transportation system, but the underground during rush hour is already full and they are adding to that. I know they think they are ready and I would like to trust and believe them, but just from my experience, I think it might be a little of a nightmare.

What do you think of the crop of young women in the MJW pageant who have entered since you've exited active pageant duty?

I have been really impressed with some of the winners. Sara Lawrence — I thought she was absolutely outstanding. Regina Beavers — I think she was maybe a little too young at the time, but some girls blossom a little bit older than others and I think Regina, maybe given a couple of years, would have been perfect.

Who or what inspires you?

Mickey Haughton-James. I remember once having a go at him for the way he handled the MJW pageant and he said to me, 'This was entrusted to me and I must take care of it and hand it over intact or better than I got it'. I realised he was very genuine and really cared about the pageant.

What's the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Be yourself at all times.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

Celebrating my 70th with my best friends around me here in Jamaica.

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