Tonight, the Miss Universe Jamaica Beauty & Wellness pageant takes place at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel in Kingston. Sponsored by Island Energy, the pageants will see 24 finalists compete for three titles: Miss Universe Jamaica, Miss Grand Jamaica and Miss Intercontinental Jamaica.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, director of the Miss Universe Jamaica organisation, Karl Williams, said each queen will receive scholarships courtesy of the University of the District of Colombia in Washington, in the United States. The scholarships have a total value of US$64,000.

“Our pageant is about enhancing lives and I think what better way to enhance a life than with education,” said Williams.

The winner will also receive J$300,000 among other prizes, while $200,000 will go to the first runner-up and $150,000 for third place.

Last year’s winner, Davina Bennett was a hit at the Miss universe pageant held in Las Vegas. She placed third, Jamaica’s second-highest placing at this international pageant. In 2010 Yendi Phillipps became the highest placing Jamaican delegate when she finished in second spot behind Miss Mexico Jimena Navarrete. Bennett became an Internet sensation having sported a huge afro hairstyle at the finals.

This year’s final are Euricka Brown, Miss Royalton; Chavelle Williams, Miss Aristo Lashes Beverly Hills; Bermadine Fraser, Miss All Signs Ltd; Laurie-Ann Campbell, Miss Dunn’s Fine Furniture; Ayanna Powell, Miss Triple Century Sports Bar; Sara-Dee Palmer, Miss One Stop Computers; Ashly Thomas, Miss Dunn’s Hardware; Racquel Service, Miss Enterprise Exotics; Jodi-Ann Foster, Miss Loud Fashions; Britany McKenzie, Miss Dunn’s River Falls & Park; Italee Vinard, Miss RJR Communications Group; Lanae Gillette, Miss Vista Print; Marie McKenzie, Miss D’Marie Institute; Athenia Freckleton, Miss Ashley Furniture HS; Tiffany Rattray, Miss Farm Price JA; Juven Dunn, Miss Eden Gardens Wellness Resort & Spa; Kayla Smith, Miss Chick N TrendE; Shanique Thompson, Miss Curves; Emily Maddison, Miss Heaven’s Fesco; Daniellee Reddie, Miss Collie Law; Kadejah Anderson, Miss Mannequin Pieces; Denesha East, Miss Island Energy; Annecia Morgan, Miss Tanya Hair Extensions; and Jessica Jeffrey, Miss ORS Olive Oil.