Pulse is reporting that its Caribbean Model Search has begun to chart a new course, this time beyond its regional shores. The event, said to be the largest and most important talent scouting activity in the Caribbean, has now extended to Europe, the US and Canada.

One star that has already emerged from the process is Claudia Smith. Meeting her on a recent visit to London, Pulse Chairman Kingsley Cooper said he was quite impressed, "She wanted to enter the Caribbean Model Search, but we were immediately interested in signing her to Pulse," Cooper said. Smith, for her part, said she was excited about the future: "Although Pulse is based in the Caribbean, they have an impressive reputation so I'm looking forward to working with them."

Cooper adds that a number of New York agencies have already began to register a strong interest in the 5'11" new signing. Born and raised in the UK of Jamaican & Grenadian parents, Smith said she has always wanted to become a model. She had her first shot on the international runway scene when she appeared at the recently concluded Caribbean Fashionweek 2007. "I am so thankful for that opportunity", says Claudia. "I am praying and putting everything to God, I really want to do well," she added.

Organiser of CMS UK, Michael Williams, is convinced that there are many more like Claudia Smith waiting to be discovered. "We decided to partner with Pulse when we saw how they keep discovering and developing these incredible models in the Caribbean. Hopefully we can do the same here."

Over the years, Pulse's Caribbean Model Search has discovered world-class models who have gone on to score lucrative contracts in the fashion world - from New York to London, Paris and Milan. Among them are Jaunel McKenzie, presently the world's number one black model, who appeared in Vogue (US edition) a record 11 times; Nell Robinson, Victoria's Secret and Rimmel campaign model; Carla Campbell, the super-sexy Sports Illustrated and Cosmo star; Nadine Willis, the fastest-rising supermodel in history, who was hired by British cosmetics brand Rimmel to appear in an advertising campaign alongside Kate Moss in 2005. CMS 2005 winner Gaye McDonald, who this year booked Cosmo on her first day in the international market.

McDonald has also appeared on the cover of Japanese fashion bible Luire, is featured in a stunning 18-page fashion editorial and is now one of the editorial stars of this month's SHE Caribbean magazine. She appears alongside agency colleague Jeneil Williams, who this time had cover honours.

This year Pulse decided to include young British women of Caribbean heritage in their hunt to find a new catwalk superstar. "The only supermodel of Caribbean heritage to be discovered in the UK is Naomi Campbell, and that was over 20 years ago. Yet, in the Caribbean they discover two or three models every year who build successful careers, working with the top designers and magazines around the world. It's time for us to create the same success here," says CMS UK's Williams.

CMS UK has teamed up with leading London model agency Select, to scout all around Britain. Paul Williams, CMS UK Roadshow organiser, says of their strategy: "We are going to be visiting 20 cities in search of the UK's next Caribbean supermodel. Many of the larger locations will be visited several times this summer, and London will be scouted non-stop." The winner of CMS UK will be signed to Select in the UK and have worldwide opportunities with Pulse. In addition, she will fly to Jamaica to film the CMS TV series and compete against winners from 12 other countries.

This is the first year candidates from the United Kingdom, the United States and Canada will be included in Caribbean Model Search. The now international event will target up to 500,000 in the Caribbean Diaspora overall in the 16-24 year-old-age group. Auditions for the Jamaica leg of Caribbean Model Search are still being held at the Pulse head office every Wednesday afternoon at 4:30 pm.

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