TWELVE bright and bubbly pre-TEENs were sashed at the eliminations of the Mini Miss Jamaica 2012 contest at the Altimont Court Hotel, New Kingston on Sunday, October 28.

The 12 are: Abigail Simpson (Miss Alrem Services); Tamara Reece (Miss Big Stone Records); Kellisa Facey (Miss Synergy Engineering); Giovanya Lambie (Miss Johnson's Maintenance); Tiyarna Hibbert (Miss Dark & Lovely); Dejanax Scarlett (Miss Fay's On Wheels Restaurant"; Ashia Gayle (Miss J'syn Promotions"; Petania Roberts (Miss Jame's Wholesale); Kimberly Cross (Miss Luxury Limos); Abigail Miller (Miss College of Oral Health, Sciences); Sasha Blake (Miss Lawson's Block Factory, Anchovy); and Shani Maxam (Miss TCL Heavy Duty Ltd, Hayes, Clarendon).

The sashing followed three appearances before the judges and audience for introductions, followed by a talent exposure contest, modelling in evening wear and finally to answer a question posed in the intelligence segment by the emcees.

They were chosen from 21 entrants, all of whom had their support groups, including mothers and sister, who looked more like musical directors orchestrating their movement and responses from the back of the hall, as the tots fought to overcome their nerves and inexperience.

Talent performances mainly focused on Louise Bennett's vernacular poetry, but there were also performance of Whitney Houston's hits and a few other skits.

The event was also highlighted by performances from dancehall DJ Danny English, whose hit single, Party Time, brought the crowd to its feet, and a group of TEENagers known as the Dubble Edge dance group from Vineyard Town whose routine included RDX's On A Mission.

MCs were Janielle Lyn, the reigning Miss TEEN Jamaica and former Mini Miss Jamaica runner-up Melisha Myers. Judges were Sharlene Frazer McLean, Patrick Dennis, Juliet Myers, business persons Reginald McLean Jnr, student and 2008 Mini Miss Jamaica, Tashay Myers.

Dehandra Blackwood, the reigning queen, who wore the 'Miss Dark & Lovely', was crowned last December. This year, the 33rd staging of the event will also be held in December.