Dear Editor,

I’ve been attending Miss Jamaica (World) pageants for years, since 1978 actually, and I’ve watched the pageant evolve, becoming a staple in Jamaica’s entertainment calendar. Back then, fabulous girls entered and fabulous girls won. They were not only beautiful, but represented every hue possible, and for the most part the best was always chosen: past winners like Joan McDonald, Debbie Campbell, Sandra Foster, Michelle Harris, Lisa Hanna, Sandra Cunningham, Michelle Moodie, Cathy Levy – and the list goes on.

Those girls were role models, idolised, and it was quite a treat when they excelled overseas. The early winners had no special degrees or any exceptional academic achievements. In fact, most were fresh out of high school, fabulous girls who were outgoing, socially aware and had the experience of life more than anything else. They were clearly on the right path. In recent years, the trend seems to prefer choosing lawyers and doctors (or students thereof), and the real beauties are sidetracked. I was holidaying on the island and attended this year’s coronation. However, it was quite a disappointment.

If the various rumours bear any truth, it’s the organisers’ fault. First, judging has to be overhauled and made transparent. Winners ought not to be selected primarily on academic achievements or how they placed in trivial mini contests. None of this matters internationally, unless the contestant has all the other physical attributes. If judges are in doubt, crown the most aware. The chief judge has been judging for too long. He is obviously out of touch. Past queens should only judge if they are credible and exposed. People’s Choice, as it stands, is the biggest farce, where contestants use all means necessary to get friends and family to vote multiple times, repeatedly on the hour, with multiple emails. People’s Choice did not work internationally as it is extremely difficult to monitor fairly.

These contests can be fun, when presented properly. They will never please everyone, of course, but why not try to raise the bar? This year, Miss World celebrates its 60th anniversary. It’s a very special event and many had high hopes once again for Jamaica. The odds now seem quite low, unfortunately.

Pete Levy

New York, USA

levy_pete@yahoo.com