Miss Jamaica World 2006, Sara Lawrence (centre), chills with Miss Cayman, Ambuyah Ebanks (left), and Miss England, Eleanor Glynn. - Contributed

"Hello to everyone back home in the 'yard' and Jamaicans everywhere!

"I have been asked by the organisers of the Miss Jamaica World Pageant to bring you all up to date on my activities here and I am grateful for the opportunity to do so.

"Since I have been in Poland, I have had the opportunity to represent the wonderful girls of the Caribbean group on several occasions. The first time I did this was for a photo shoot that took place when we all first arrived in Gdynia, Poland. I make it my duty that everywhere I go and to every person I meet, I leave a piece of our Jamaican hospitality. This was well accepted by the warm people of Poland and almost instantaneously I became one of the most interviewed girls (I was told this by some of the senior journalists at TVP, the leading television channel in Poland).

Chance to see jamaica

"I represented the Caribbean group at a press conference in Gyzisco and also at a debate in Wroclaw. The issues covered in the debate ranged from what we do in our respective countries for leisure to very serious global issues such as AIDS, poverty and global warming. I offered my input from a Third World point of view and was happy to be a window through which all the people gathered there could have a look into some of the issues faced by the people of our country and how we deal with them.

"Many people also got a glance into the kind-hearted nature of our people as I elaborated on many of our service clubs and organisations put in place to help combat some of these issues.

"As far as the actual Miss World 'fast-track' competitions go, I participated in the sports event and though this is not my forte, I did both sporting activities and cheerleading when it was supposed to be either or. I submitted my testimony for 'Beauty with a Purpose' and I am proud to say I made it to the finals of the Beachwear Competition.

Special experience

"My experience at Miss World has been a very special one due in large part - I believe - to the fact that I have developed a very good rapport with the Polish chaperones and journalists. This has resulted in my having had numerous interviews with television, radio and newspapers, including an opportunity to host a show and be "the journalist for 10 minutes" on TVP.

"I have even been asked to sing Bob Marley songs on stage and for the radio. I am using all these opportunities to show the world as much of Jamaica as I can: our intellect, wit and warmth. I am enjoying my experience in Poland wholeheartedly as there is nothing I would rather do than represent our beautiful country Jamaica.

"I am very proud of our little island and our many accomplishments, and when I have people see my sash and say, "Oooooohhhh Jamaica, Bob Marley", "I love Jamaica", "Asafa Powell real fast!", I glow with pride and will continue to wave the banner of my country high in Poland and wherever I go.

"One love and God bless."

Sara!