Wilkinson is the first Miss Jamaica World top-10 finalist

Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer

Miss Maybelline, Maya Wilkinson, on Tuesday night won the SoftSheen Carson Miss Jamaica World Model competition. Held at Club Privilege, the event saw an almost full house.

Many supporters, well-wishers, family and sponsors came to support their individual finalist. However, Maya Wilkinson ruled the catwalk as she had all the qualities that the judges were looking for: runway body, runway personality and the use of garment. Dahlia Dwyer, Miss Bucmar Inc Ltd, was the second runner-up, and Chavoy Gordon, Miss Appleton Jamaica Rum, earned the first runner-up spot.

The event got under way an hour after its announced 8 p.m. start time, but the patrons in attendance were very accommodating to the organisers.

The event, although seemingly well put together, had a few hiccups. At times, during the parade of the ladies, a number of names were incorrect. A well-informed audience was there to correct the hosting duo of Denise Hunt and Regina Beavers who, despite the errors, did a good job of keeping the audience engaged.

The show was split into two segments. In the first, the girls strut their stuff in swimsuits from The Mushroom, while in the second, they wore dresses, as festive as the independence season, from Uzuri International.

During the break between segments, the MCs explained the judging criteria that would be used by the panel of judges.

Festive, vibrant dresses

Uzuri International pulled out all the stops as each finalist rocked the catwalk in very vibrant, festive ensembles that had the patrons cheering wildly.

Against the all-white backdrop of Club Privilege, the ladies were a sight to behold, as they did their best, hoping to walk away as the SoftSheen Carson Miss Jamaica World Model winner.

The cheers grew louder as the intensity soared. At that point, there were a number of girls who could have walked away as the night's winner.

The parade ended and it was now up to Tommy James, Joan McDonald, Sophia Maxbrown, Deiwght Peters, Keneea Linton-George and Roxene Nickle-Alveranga to choose who they thought should secure their place as the winner of the first fast-track competition.

Maya Wilkinson has now cemented her place in the top 10 on coronation night, September 10. The other ladies will have a chance to vie for the title of Beach Beauty on Saturday at the Grand Palladium Resort and Spa.