Security minister asks for Miss Global support

THE 2011 staging of the Miss Global International Pageant is on its way.

The pageant was officially launched by this year's pageant patron, Senator Dwight Nelson, minister of national security, at the Grand Palladium Resort in Lucea, Hanover.

Describing it as a special honour for him, Nelson said the fact that the Miss Global Pageant was the only one of its kind to bring contestants from all over the world to Jamaica, meant it was making a useful contribution.

That contribution, the minister explained, comes in terms of promoting the country and its tourism product. The minister took time to point out the event needed greater support because of the contribution it was making.

Nelson went on to praise pageant organiser, Montego Bay businessman, Lachu Ramchandani, for being true to the cause, including making personal sacrifices to keeping the pageant going year after year.

Already, contestants from more than 20 countries have signed up for the Miss Global International which will take place at the Grand Palladium in September.

In endorsing the pageant, chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Godfrey Dyer, said it was a good thing for tourism.

Grand Palladium on board

General manager of the Grand Palladium, Dimitris Kosvogiannis, noted that the hotel was on board once again because of the tremendously positive response it had received following its involvement last year.

He said the pageant was good for the hotel and the wider tourism industry, as it not only brought contestants to the island, but their friends and supporters, while also providing long-term promotional benefit.

Several of the contestants who have registered early for the Miss Global Jamaica competition were, in fact, at the launch, which was held last Saturday.

Winning the Miss Global Jamaica means being able to represent the country in the international competition.

Selection of the finalists for the local leg of the pageant, and crowning of the local queen, will take place on May 28, also at the Grand Palladium Hotel.

A number of civic, business and community leaders attended the launch, including Lucea Mayor Lloyd Hill, Portmore Mayor Keith Hinds, Custos of Hanover David Stair, members of the diplomatic community, including Nigerian High Commissioner Peter Oyedele, Indian High Commissioner Mohinder Grover, Ecuadorian Honorary Consul Clelia Barreto, and reigning Miss Global International Queen Shereen Sterling.