THE EDITOR, Sir:

I am Glenna Baker, mother of Shermonique Ivey. The issues in the media regarding my daughter, winner of Pulse's Caribbean Model Search, has been brought to my attention.

I wish to state, for the record, that Shermonique entered Pulse's Caribbean Model Search because she wanted to become a model. She has our full support and, on most occasions, I have accompanied her to Pulse for rehearsal and was also in attendance at the show.

Solid reputation

I was happy to have her enter Pulse's Caribbean Model Search because the event has a solid reputation for professionalism and, years ago, I was myself a participant in Pulse's model competition.

I am able to state, categorically, that at that time, as well as now, there was no activity that could be considered inappropriate in any way. For this year's event, the activities consisted of grooming two to three times per week, a judging exercise, a photo shoot and the final show. All these activities, except the judging, took place in the day time (although rehearsals sometimes went into the night) and were properly supervised by the staff at Pulse who, in my opinion, acted professionally throughout.

We have agreed with Pulse that Shermonique should concentrate on her school work, until she completes CXC level, when we hope she will become a successful international model.

We are very proud of Sher-monique's accomplishments and intend to support her in every way she strives to accomplish her dream. It is our hope that she will be given the opportunity to pursue this with the support of Jamaicans and, in achieving her goals, make Jamaica proud.

I am, etc.,

GLENNA BAKER