RESIDENTS of Hannah Town in west Kingston appear to be taking full advantage of the peace that was agreed on recently by warring thugs and have been hosting a series of events in the community, the latest being a beauty pageant.

The pageant was launched last week at the community centre and residents said it was poised to improve the lives of the 12 female contestants and their families as well as the image of the community altogether.

Tangena Thompson, one of the main organisers of the Miss Hannah Town pageant which will culminate in August, said the last time something similar occurred in the community was in the 1990s, and said it was a joy that Sanmerna Paper Products Limited and the Sanmerna Foundation answered the call for sponsorship.

The first-place winner will receive $200,000 plus a weekend for two at one of Jamaica’s top resorts. The second-place prize is $150,000 while third place will receive $50,000. There also will many other perks, including sectional prizes.

The women, who have aspirations of making it big on the international modelling scene, now have an opportunity to earn themselves a modelling contract as part of the prizes.

Thompson, the pageant coordinator, said she was extremely happy that the young women will get a chance to put Hannah Town on the map as a place filled with talented people who can do great things, if given the push.

“When I realised that the people really wanted peace it motivated me to go ahead and reach out to the Sanmerna Foundation. They responded to find out what exactly I wanted to do. I told them I wanted a pageant — and that is now reality. The community is excited, enthused and elated. This is the second time we’re hosting a pageant. The first time was Miss Hannah Town 1999,” Thompson shared.

“I thank the ladies for the effort and time they have dedicated. I am grateful for this opportunity and platform for our beautiful young women who will get the chance to showcase their hidden talents and execute their vision.”

Robert White, managing director of Sanmerna Paper Products and director of the Sanmerna Foundation, said when he heard Thompson crying out for peace on TV earlier this year, after her uncle was murdered, he and his brother Mark, the technical director of Sanmerna Paper Products and also a director of the foundation, had to step in.

“She asked corporate Jamaica to step up and do something for the residents of Hannah Town because of the crime and what they were going through. I felt it for her because I am from the inner city and I know what it is like to live in a community that is plagued by crime. My brother and I stepped up. We have done this in Waterhouse, Payne Avenue, and Cassia Park so we said we would extend the love. Whatever we can do to save a life, we are happy to do it. It would be nice if, not just Sanmerna, but other corporate companies would go into communities and give a helping hand.”

The pageant has the full backing of Senior Superintendent of Police Michael Phipps who heads the Kingston West Police Division. He is well aware, more than many people, of the struggles and hardships residents face during times of war, and said he supports any activity that will result in peace.

“The community of Hannah Town has had some issues since the start of this year and we have done a number of intervention programmes — and this is just one such where we have the full community participation. This will help young women realise their worth and know that they can strive in Hannah Town once there is an atmosphere of peace,” he said.