THE EDITOR, Sir:
THIS IS it. The organisers of the Miss Jamaica Pageant have indicated that they are not withdrawing from the Miss World Contest in Nigeria. It is now for Danielle Ohayon to show whether she is a true woman or merely someone looking public recognition for her physical beauty.
Let us not get into the pros and cons of beauty contests and who is chosen to represent Jamaica. How could any woman go to a country and parade on its stage to display the wonders of the female gender while knowing that a member of the same sex has been sentenced to, and will be put to, death by brutal means for a crime allegedly committed. And that crime being one of a sexual nature involving a male who has not been subjected to like judgement and sentence.
Let us not look at the right and wrong of adultery. This is a human life, a woman who does not have the same rights under her country's law as her male counterpart who participated in the 'crime.' A child will be deprived of a mother who will die because of the misogyny of her own country.
This issue is not about the shade of one's skin or eyes or one's place of birth. Our Miss Jamaica should be able to look beyond the possible personal glory of winning Miss World and see the big wrong in holding the contest in Nigeria and do something about it. Miss Ohayon should protest and make the personal choice not to go to Nigeria, outside of the Miss Jamaica Pageant organisers who are concerned only about business matters.
If she boycotts the Miss World Pageant, then I will think that Miss Ohayon is truly a Miss Jamaica and she could represent me and my country anytime and anywhere.
I am etc.,
CHRISTINE TOMLIN COCKING
Christine.Cocking@jm.rbtt.com
