LAST year, Jamaica scored highly on the international beauty pageant scene after local stunner Yendi Phillipps nabbed the first runner-up slot at the Miss Universe finals in Las Vegas in the USA.

This year, 20 young Jamaican beauties are vying for a chance to win the local title and have a shot at bettering last year’s favourable positioning at Miss Universe.

Last Thursday, the eliminations process saw the final slate of finalists being chosen.

Initially, there was a pool of almost 70 applicants, which was reduced to 40 ladies who were called in for casting interviews. The evening featured 30 beauties who paraded to cheers of a small audience and music from ZJ Chrome, from which the finalists were chosen.

The evening was hosted by Yendi Phillipps, Miss Jamaica Universe 2010 and first runner up to the Miss Universe 2010 crown.

The 20 finalists are: Peta-Gaye Simpson, Natalia Leon, Chantal Zaky, Christina Gonzalez, Tiffany Trotter, Jameela Geddes, Debbie-Lee Baker, Tausheeda Francis, Mitzie McLean, Itrisha Nunes, Tamara Cox, Jodiel Ebanks, Natasha Brown, Yanique Grizzle, Kadyan Salmon, Terri Arcelia, Kaiya Montague, Sophronia McKenzie, Samantha Zschuchner and Shakira Martin.

The ladies will now embark on a four-month journey to the crown and title Miss Jamaica Universe 2011. The organisers note that the finalists will go through all the rigours of pageant life, from the training; walking, choreography, speech and etiquette, to photo shoots, social appearances and charity work.

Pageant director, Dhorie Cox says: “All the fun begins after we launch on April 20, and all will be documented to make up an eight-part reality series that will be aired on CVM TV in the months to come.”

According to Cox, the next big event for the pageant is the launch and sashing that will be held on April 20, followed by a promotional tour, starting May.

The Miss Jamaica Universe Coronation Show will be held on Saturday, July 9, at the National Indoor Sports Centre in St Andrew. The winner will then go on to represent Jamaica at the Miss Universe pageant set to take place in São Paulo, Brazil on September 12.