KINGSTON, Jamaica – Miss Jamaica World Dr Sanneta Myrie finished third in the Miss World Talent section of the 65th Miss World Competition in Sanya, China.

Guyana finished first and second place went to Malaysia.

According to the Miss World website, every year contestants who want to enter the Miss World Talent event must take auditions in front of a panel of judges from the world of show business and entertainment. After initial cuts, the chosen contestants have time to prepare for the Talent Competition Final, which was held on December 14 this year.

“What the judges are looking for: To put it simply, the ‘wow’ factor,” the website said of the Talent challenge. “The judges are looking for a really talented individual whose performance sends shivers down their spine. They must also have great stage presence and confidence, dominating the space around them.”

Myrie dedicated her dance piece to women around the world who are still enslaved, whether physically or mentally declaring that through her rhythm she hoped to inspire and encourage an exodus — a movement towards freedom.

“…After being adopted, my family used dance as a tool to help get me acclimatized to my new environment,” Myrie said. Whenever I felt alone or sad I always found solace in the arms of dance.

“Today, as a medical doctor, I find that dance is still important as a form of alternative medicine and healing,” she continued. “Dance being presented as my talent piece embodies the movement of an entire Caribbean region from slavery into freedom. The red symbolises the blood that was shed and the green celebrates the life and flourishing of the people while the yellow represents, not only the resilience of the Caribbean people but also the brilliant future for us all.”

The final of the Miss World competition is set for December 19, when contestants from more than 120 countries and regions will vie for the crown.