WITH a new year before us, many persons are ready to take it on with new ideas, projects and resolutions. The new team for Miss Jamaica Universe is no different.

After some ups and downs, the Miss Jamaica Universe (MJU) franchise has been placed in the hands of Dimitris Kosvogiannis, who is also the General Manager of the five-star Grande Palladium Resort and Spa.

He and his team, which includes Carolyn Yapp (national director), Tess-Maria Leon (public relations director) and Keneea Linton-George and Kim-Marie Spence (both management consultants), have big plans for this year's staging and TEENage got the chance to find out just how they plan to make it bigger and better.

TEENage: We've seen some ups and downs in the last few years for MJU. With a new team, what can pageant fans hope to see for MJU 2012?

MJU team: The vision of our managing director is to raise the bar in all aspects of the new MJU 2012 franchise. Starting with a fresh and creative team whose expertise will be used to collaborate and execute his vision of an islandwide search to cast the best and the most diverse contestants that Jamaica as to offer.

TEENage: What can we look forward to regarding the production?

MJU team: We strongly believe that our country is blessed with tremendous talent and the MJU team reflects that. For this reason, we are looking to collaborate with the Jamaica 50 celebrations as we showcase the best in beauty, entertainment and talent that Jamaica has to offer. We will be utilising some of Jamaica's most talented and creative individuals for stage, lighting, set décor, choreography, and fashion.

TEENage: Is there anything different and exciting that we can expect this year?

MJU Team: A definite wow factor for this year's pageant will be the reality TV show showcasing the finalists as they are housed together. The public will have the unique opportunity to get to know the contestants as they prepare for the finals. We will capture their daily activities including their living quarters, gym workouts, grooming classes and public appearances. Then for the show, we will of course also be involving an international artiste that promises to wow the audience.

TEENage: Pageant girls are usually expected to be 'all that and more'. What in particular are you looking for in the next MJU?

MJU team: Simply put, we are looking for the next Miss Universe 2012 and we believe that by searching for contestants islandwide, we will unearth a truly unique and exciting array of Jamaican beauties. The basic criteria looked for in contestants are physical beauty, grace and personality in a young woman aged 18 to 27; and we believe that Jamaica is uniquely blessed with this combination.

TEENage: You mentioned an islandwide search, and persons have often commented on the fact that there seems to be no real 'islandwide search' for girls to represent us in pageants at the local level. How and when will the new team be scouting girls from across the island?

MJU team: You've hit the nail on the head as we are in total agreement of that statement. This is why we currently have islandwide scouts looking for potential contestants, and we will be doing three castings. We will start in Mandeville (Middlesex) on January 21, then to Montego Bay (Cornwall) on February 4 and lastly in Kingston (Surrey) on February 11.

TEENage: How many girls do you hope to have as finalists?

MJU team: We plan to have from 18 to 21 of Jamaica's most attractive, charming and diverse ladies who are full of personality as our finalists.

TEENage: When and where will the coronation be held this year and can you give us any ideas on the prize package for the 2012 queen?

MJU team: Coronation night is scheduled for May 12, 2012 at the National Indoor Sports Arena. The prize package this year will be wide and varied ensuring that all finalists receive something. The queen's prize package will be an exclusive one, including $500,000. The opportunity will also give finalists an invaluable experience and exposure that will give them a stepping stone to their future career development.

TEENage: How can interested girls contact you for more information?

MJU team: Our website is www.missuniversejamaica.com, and our Facebook and Twitter links are the same. All the online contacts should be active by the end of the week, but of course persons can contact our office at the Winchester Business Centre.

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