HERE IS one of the 20 contestants in the Miss Jamaica World Competition. Leading up to the grand coronation show scheduled for September 11 at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, the contestants will participate in various mini-competitions which will determine the top 10.
The 'Talent', 'Sports' and 'Beach Beauty' competitions are three such competitions. The public is invited to 'Pick the Winner' via telephone voting by using their C&W bMobile phones.
To vote for Alicia Soomon call 444-4214
Name: Alicia Soomon Miss Fade Out Cosmetics
Age: 21 years
Occupation: student
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 123 lb
Vital Stats: 34-24-38
What is your response to the claim that beauty contests are superficial?
"Beauty contests are not superficial. Beauty contests aren't superficial because I think they judge far more than just the exterior. Especially in the Miss Jamaica World there are lots of competitions like the talent competition, where they try to determine if the person is well-rounded. There is also sessions and events to see how well you can interact with people. They determine whether the person is a well-rounded, whole person and then judge you based on that."
What in your opinion is your best quality?
"I'm a very objective person. I try to be unbiased in most situations because I think that you can learn from everything, you just have to be open-minded."
How does being in the competition affect your career goals and how will it affect them if you win?
"I see the competition as a route to which to gain exposure. It would assist in every aspect. I can't say it's an inhibition. I would say it would help me to meet people, to gain opportunities that I otherwise wouldn't get. No matter what I decide to pursue I think it would facilitate that."
What do you think of the addition of the talent, sports and beach beauty mini-competitions to the pageant?
"I think its a marvelous idea. It not only limits itself to what the contestant looks like, but its a judge of how the person is. I think its an excellent idea, I'm actually looking forward to the competition. I'm a singer and songwriter so I hope to use it as an outlet to express myself.
Which of the mini-competitions do you stand the best chance of winning?
"If I were to win a competition, I would say the talent competition."
Name three must-haves
"Confidence, the ability to adapt to any situation you might confront and faith and determination. I think with those things you can get through any situation and it equips you to deal with life in general and any challenges you might face."
Why should you win the title of Miss Jamaica World?
"The representative of Jamaica should be charming, culturally aware, and intelligent and be able to interact with people well. It would be an asset for them to be talented so that they can bring Jamaica to the competition, truly represent Jamaica so that people can identify that this is a Jamaican. And I think I'm quite capable because I possess these qualities and I'm a good candidate generally."
