Miss Jamaica World finalists unveiled

By Kevin Jackson
Observer writer

HUNDREDS of pageant enthusiasts and shoppers gathered at Sovereign Centre in Liguanea, St Andrew, for the sashing and unveiling of the 18 finalists in this year’s Miss Jamaica World beauty pageant, on Saturday.

The finalists — who range from a police officer, to flight attendants, an attorney-in-training, and university students — appeared in casual wear and swimwear, courtesy of Maxie’s Department Store and Loud Fashions, respectively.

As the girls strutted down the staircase to the centre of the facility on the ground floor, where the proceedings unfolded, they were greeted with wild cheers and whistles.

Early favourites included Latoya Tingle, Megan McNaughton, Leah Hollingsworth, Deidre McKenzie, Melissa Douglas, Alana Pennant, Sukanya Wilmot, Jeneque Pinnock, Sasha Henry and Kadejah Anderson.

New sponsor 876 Blue Mountain Spring Water, distributed by World Brands Limited, donated the cash prize of $1 million.

“We decided to go all out, and we didn’t want our involvement to be small. We really want the girls to have a good time and enjoy competing. We gave a $1-million brand ambassadorship for the entire year for the first-place winner,” said Pettrine Harris, World Brands marketing executive.

Harris explained the reason why the brand got involved with the Miss Jamaica World pageant.