THE Jamaica finals of the Sandals and ATL Group ENCORE Talent and Model Search Competition is set to take place tonight at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in St Ann.

Starting time is 8:30 pm.

The cream of the group’s entertainment talent, drawn from the Sandals’ Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Negril and Whitehouse regions, along with representatives of the Jamaica Observer, Island Routes, Unique Vacations, and ATL Appliances will compete in a number of events.

Categories will include: Male Model, Female Models, Male Vocalist Solo, Female Vocalist Solo, Dance Solo and Group, Spoken Word and Musical Instrumentalist.

Sandals Ocho Rios region will hold one of the strong favourites, in male model Andrew Smith, but all the properties will be gunning for the top prizes.

According to group manager of entertainment Joel Ryan: “Our company continues to create a platform for employees to showcase their talent. The feedback we have gotten from the public has grown tremendously and has progressed into an event that is highly anticipated.”

ENCORE (Entertainment Now Creates Opportunities Rewarding Excellence) was created in 2003 to foster and develop talent within the Sandals and Beaches hotels. It was conceptualised by the then Creative Director Weston Haughton.

It has raised its standard and surpassed the traditional format. In that, 2015 promises for more excitement. This year the re-introduction of a Spoken Word category will be added to the line-up of activities, along with a dance solo and group performances.

The international finals, showcasing winners from across the Caribbean, will take place September 18-19 at Beaches Negril and Sandals Whitehouse.

Beaches Negril will feature the competition leg of Male and Female Vocalist, Musical Instrumentalist and Spoken Word.

Sandals Whitehouse will once again host the Grand Finale. This evening’s feature will be in the categories of Dance, Solo and Group presentations, Modelling and National Costume presentations.