Adrian Frater,
News Editor WESTERN BUREAU: AS PROMISED last year when he resigned as the pageant holder for the western segment of the Miss Jamaica Universe, businessman Lachu Ramchandani has turned his attention to the international circuit and has acquired the Miss Commonwealth franchise.
"I have decided to go international because I am not satisfied with what is happening locally," said Ramchandani, who had previously been involved in pageants such as the Miss City of Montego Bay, Miss Jamaica Cornwall and the Miss Jamaica Universe.
"I want to do a pageant that will make all Jamaica proud."
According to Ramchandani, in early 2003 he started looking around for an international pageant to host when he learnt that the Miss Commonwealth franchise was up for grabs. He said he immediately made contact with the Commonwealth Secretariat in London and sought and acquired the franchise.
"I intend to put on a pageant that will be the envy of the entire world," said a confident Ramchandani, who said he is already in contact with over 50 commonwealth countries. "It will definitely be staged right here in Montego Bay, possibly in June."
FULL-SCALE PREPARATIONS
As he continues to put the required arrangements in place ahead of launching his full-scale preparations, a confident Ramchandani, who showed The Gleaner a copy of the certificate of incorporation, dated October 30, 2003, says he has also been getting some important endorsements.
"I have had endorsements from Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke, the Indian High Commissioner to Jamaica, his Excellency I.V. Choppa, Tourism Director Paul Pennicook and St. James' Custos Clarence Nelson," said Ramchandani, who produced the letters with the individual endorsements.
"I must also announce that I have solicited the services of Weston Haughton, who is arguably our best presenter/choreographer in Jamaica."
Although still in the preliminary stages of planning, Ramchandani said he was looking at approximately US$1 million in cash and prizes for the pageant.
While the individual prizes have not been worked out, Ramchandani says he has already been guaranteed a prize trip to London for the winner.
In terms of spin-off benefits to Jamaica, Ramchandani said he was hoping that the pageant would bring in approximately 10,000 visitors to the island. The month of June is being contemplated, he said, because he hopes to capitalise on the period in which the tourism market is at its weakest.
"We are looking at having media presence from over 50 Commonwealth countries. In addition, we are expecting the friends and families of the contestants as well as people from the fashion industry," said Ramchandandi. "With so many people expected, we will have to do it at a time when the hotel rooms are available.
