One would have thought that with 28 previous pageants under their belts, the organisers of the Miss Jamaica World would have the ability to properly stage a show.

But a late start Thursday night was only the first indication of the mediocrity to come as the presentation of the finalists for this year's pageant at the Talk of the Town, Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston proved lackustre.

The event also suffered one misfortune as guests were informed that one of the 16 chosen finalists was involved in an auto accident and therefore missed the ceremony.

The sashing of the other 15 finalists, done on stage, and involving the sponsors' representatives, was a further exercise in tedium. In between, renowned cabaret artiste Floyd Foulkes managed to lift the atmosphere ever so slightly with a selection of Jamaican favourites.

Spurring the contestants is a sizable prize package including a 2006 Mini Cooper convertible, the $100,000 Jergens Cash Award, the official Miss World Wardrobe from Uzuri valued at over $100,000, and, of course, the prize trip to the Chinese resort city of Sanya, on the offshore island of Hainan where the Miss World Pageant will be held later this year.

The 15 finalists who appeared were:
Miss Purelene, Debralee Lewis;
Miss Libresse, Sharice Fernander;
Miss WaterFalls, Nalini Banhan;
Miss Optical Solutions, Ahsaki Clennon;
Miss SplashJamaica.com, Francine Pinnock;
Miss Diet Ting, Jhenelle Rudd;
Miss Viola's Passion, Jadie Soutar;
Miss Empire Supermarket, Raven Rae;
Miss Eden Gardens, Zahra Small;
Miss Captain's Bakery Ltd, Lisandra Richards;
Miss AtmorHeaters.com, Christol Wilson;
Miss Watts New Limited, Peta-Gaye Walker;
Miss Entertainment Systems, Natalia de Lissa;
Miss Acropolis Gaming Suites, Danielle Lowe; and
Miss Oriley's, Terri-Karelle Griffiths.
The grand coronation is scheduled for Sunday, September 11 inside the Jamaica Pegasus Ballroom.7

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'

Cheeky's World