The finalists in this year's Miss Jamaica World contest. - Winston Sill photoTWENTY YOUNG women will compete for arguably the most attractive prizes in the history of the Miss Jamaica World after managing to make the final cut at Wednesday night's elimination at the Hilton Kingston poolside.
As is the norm with these competitions, a few of the hopefuls needed to have ascertained the criteria required for a beauty contest before deciding to take the stage. However, the judges were able to cut the fat as much as they could from the 42 entrants.
The packed Hilton Kingston poolside served as the perfect setting for the young women to make their entrance, which they did 50 minutes after the scheduled start time. The 'Miss Jamaica World' hopefuls, clad in swimsuits, were introduced to an eager crowd by emcees Paula-Ann Porter Jones and Ed Gallimore. The young women, who ranged in age from 17 to 25, included winners and runners-up from various county competitions, a pair of identical twins and a few plus-sized models.
While the judges decided which ones to cut, the audience was entertained by a variety of artistes including Richie Stephens, who opened the performances with his take on Luther Vandross' The One Who Holds My Heart. He then segued into his new gospel song Father I Love You.
He was followed by American rapper Lil' Zane who may have been performing at the wrong event. That was until Wayne Marshall and Elephant Man took to the stage. The Energy God and Marshall, 'on-lined' and played ring games to the popular Diwalli rhythm, much to the crowd's delight.
Finally, the 20 Miss Jamaica World contenders were announced. They are Kerry-Ann Blackwood, Rashida Gopie, Theresa Lindo, Sueyen Fondrom, Shamalie Bahadour, Julia Braham, Natalia Cassado, Rosemarie Chen, Sasha Davis, Michelle Downer, Charmaine Fenton, Zipora Cruise, Jenine Mahadeo, Christine Mighty, Danielle Ohayon, Leanna Prendergast, Melissa Roche, Charlotte Samuels, Simone Spence and Latoya Aquart.
The women will vie for $2.2 million in prizes, which include, for the first time, educational degrees when the finals are held on August 31. The top five winners will be granted scholarships to pursue two associate degrees, two bachelor degrees and one master degree.
The winner will also receive a Peugeot 206 and the opportunity to represent Jamaica at the international competition in Lagos, Nigeria, in November.
