On an exceptional evening of talent, Sandals and Beaches properties in Jamaica selected their National Talent and Model Search winners for 2011 who will now represent the country in the international finals slated for later this year.

The Jamaican finals of the event, dubbed ENCORE (Entertainment Now Creates Opportunities Rewarding Excellence), was staged at Sandals Grande Riviera.

Overall winners were male vocalist — Davell Thompson; female vocalist — K’alee Anderson; dancer — Javid Forde male model — Rolel Dyce; female model — Bernadine Miller;

ENCORE is the brainchild of Sandals’ creative director Weston Haughton, and started in 2003 to showcase the vast array of talent present in the company.

The Jamaican champions will now compete against winners from Sandals/ Beaches Resorts in St. Lucia, Antigua, Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas for the International crowns.

The female model section was one of the highlights of the afternoon, but Miller was in dazzling form, and dressed in a Uzuri creation as she graced the runway, to turn back the challenge of her competitors.

Anderson was in fine mettle in the female vocalist section and her energised performance won the hearts of the judges.

Thompson is a natural talent and his amazing voice warmed the audience from start to finish.

Male model Rolel Dyce had the females in the audience swooning, while Forde’s creative dance piece and movement made him a unanimous winner.

The event itself was exciting from the moment master of ceremonies Weston haughton introduced the contestants and they proceeded to ignite the audience with well-choreographed routines.

According to Haughton, the company, realising the need to showcase the talents of team members from the various resorts around the Caribbean, a global Sandals and Beaches Talent and Model Search Competition (ENCORE) was introduced to encourage camaraderie, to motivate and to provide unique opportunities to staff to widen their horizons.