Miss Jamaica World increases finalist count

In a highly competitive race among an overwhelming and unexpected 60 beauties from across the country, and out of a pool of 125 applications, the top-20 Miss Jamaica World finalists were chosen at Spartan Health Club on Sunday.

The seven judges had the difficult task of cutting some of the many beauties who came out to the auditions.

Traditionally, only a top-16 would be chosen, but this year the judges felt they had to increase the count to include four additional women.

The judging panel included industry experts such as Sara Lawrence (Miss Caribbean Continental Queen of Beauty and Miss World 2006), Damion Shaw (corporate-image consultant), Tommy James (head pageant judge), Karl Williams (designer) and Mickey Haughton-James (franchise holder).

The 2:30 p.m. start time saw the contestants entering the aerobics room dressed in swimwear for the group parade before the judges. Later on, they were called in individually for a more detailed and personal session with the judges, where they showcased not only their figures, but also their stance, smile and overall poise.

Head judge Tommy James expressed delight at the number of outstanding girls who turned out, and stated, "It was a very difficult choice today. When you think of all the 60 ladies that came out, and all the opportunities that were given to them to increase their chances in the elimination today, most were in fine condition, and so that made it a hard choice, but we were happy with our decision."

The judges scores and, ultimately, their decision for the top 20 were based on the following criteria: beauty of figure, beauty of face, personality and the ability to converse.

The 20 finalists will be shown to the public at Sovereign Centre on July 23.

The top 20 contestants

Arielle Foot (fast-track finalist and winner of the Miss Ja World Western)

Chantel Davis

Chavoy Gordon

Dahlia Dwyer

Danielle Crosskill

Gabrielle Blackwood

Hollanders Myers

Kayla Mendes

Liane Chung

Maya Wilkinson

Michelle Daley

Monique Brady

Paula-Kay Beswick

Rene Harris

Roxanne Elliott

Tiffany Ellis

Tiffany Trotter

Zahra McGraham

Reeshma Ragbeer

Leisa Williams