Negril’s Kool Runnings Waterpark was awash with beauties Saturday as 48 young ladies paraded in swimwear before a panel of judges, vying to make the finals of this year’s Miss Global International competition. It was the largest and certainly the most attractive gathering of entrants in the short history of the competition.

Initially, 25 finalists were to be selected but given the competitive field of entrants and sponsors, the judges increased the number to 29.

Cheered on by family and friends, the ladies getting the judges’ nod were Candace McCalla, Jamelia Campbell, Suzanne Brook, Sueyen Brown, Jody-ann Wallace, Jahlina Perry, Dicola Simpson, Natasha Brown, Melissa Brooks, Sonika Scott, Jo-Dane Russell, Saura-Anne Mckennis, Nicka Byfield, Rashell Plummer, Jodian Chybar, Shantelle Williams, Karnelia Roach, Jahlina Perry, Jody-ann Wallace, Nicota Cooper, Dicola Simpson, Natasha Campbell, Carla Francis, Zanja Walters and Shadea Lodge. Judges for the eliminations were Lloyd B Smith, Seragh Lakasingh and Tricia Bennett.

Tomorrow will see the finalists in the competition appearing at RIU hotel in Negril for the talent competition. Each contestant will take the stage and perform a talent piece of her own choosing, before a panel of adjudicators. Preceding the talent show, a special dinner will be hosted at the hotel. Other big pre-coronation night events are scheduled for Mandeville and Negril in the form of grand fashion shows.

According to Leon Williams, a representative of the Ms Jamaica Global organising body, schools in the parishes of Hanover and Westmoreland will benefit from charitable donations raised from the various events. The grand coronation show will be held on June 1, 2008 at Kool Runnings Water Park, commencing at 7:00 pm. This year’s winner will travel to London, England for the international finals. Main sponsors are Caribbean Producers Jamaica Ltd, Soft Sheen Carson, The Courtleigh hotel, CVM TV, Kool Runnings Waterpark and RIU Negril.