Cindy Wright, Miss Jamaica Universe 2006, smiles after being crowned. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Jamaica's preliminary to the world's most celebrated beauty spectacle — the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant 2007 - has begun. There is a strong interest from a number of young women both in Jamaica and in the Diaspora, and this could be the year that Jamaica takes the international title.

While the prospects are very positive, entries are still open and qualified young ladies are invited to attend auditions for this prestigious pageant at Pulse's Caribbean Fashion Centre, 38a Trafalgar Road, New Kingston, or send emails to pulse44@kasnet.com.

All ladies entering must not be married or have children, and must be between the ages of 18 and 26. Pulse is appealing to bright, beautiful and confident young Jamaican women who also possess the competitive spirit to take the Universe title back to our shores.

Pageant date

On March 25, one lucky girl will hear her name announced as Miss Jamaica Universe 2007, to succeed the reigning queen, Cindy Wright. This potentially life-changing event will be an excellent opportunity for a young woman wishing to represent her country and champion an important social causes while taking advantage of the public exposure, networking possibilities and other benefits afforded by this competition.

Miss Jamaica Universe 2007 will walk away with cash and prizes worth over one million dollars and will go on to compete with 87 young women from around the globe for the world's most important beauty title 'Miss Universe'.