Janga’s Soundbar and Grill on Belmont Road in New Kingston was jam-packed with well-wishers and patrons who came out in their numbers on Sunday evening for the sashing and presentation of the 20 finalists in the Miss Universe Jamaica East pageant.

The finalists, who include medical doctors, university students, and representatives from corporate Jamaica, were greeted with catcalls and whistles by their friends and families when they made their appearances.

The ladies first appeared in swimwear and then in cocktail dresses before they were sashed by their respective sponsors.

According to Jermane Blair, regional manager for the Miss Universe Jamaica East franchise, a lot of preparation has started for the grand coronation in April.

“The ladies are putting in the work, they are committed, and they are all about empowering women, which is our theme this year. You can expect a great show at the finals as well as guest performances,” Blair told the Jamaica Observer shortly after the presentation.

The grand coronation is scheduled for Sunday, April 21 at the Courtleigh Auditorium in New Kingston.

Miss Universe Jamaica East is a precursor to the national pageant and the winner is an automatic finalist.

Tamika West, marketing manager, Worthy Park Estate, manufacturers of Rum-Bar Rum Cream, shared: “It was a no-brainer for us to get involved when we got the call from Jermane. As you know, Rum-Bar Rum Cream is a brand for the ladies, but it’s really a brand for everyone. And we’re here representing these confident young women, you know, taking the next phase of their lives and learning a lot about how to represent Jamaica, potentially the world, just like our brands, representing Jamaica around the world.”

“We’re excited about the partnership because Worthy Park’s brands are about socialising and having a good time, so our brands will fit right in,” she added.

Contestant Rickie-Ann Witter is an employee of Café Blue. When she decided to enter the pageant, her employer decided to support her journey.

“Rickie-Ann works for us, and we wanted to support her, and we love the cause of the pageant. Anything that the pageant asks for us to do to support her we will do,” said Café Blue’s Operations Manager Jodiann Stewart.

The 20 finalists in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica East pageant are:

Rishema Daley – Miss Lucky Dollar

Vanessa Davidson – Miss Prince D’Bruce

Tashwania Buchanan – Miss Rum-Bar Rum Cream

Taylor McKenzie – Miss Fisher’s Equipment

Britney McKenzie – Miss Janga’s Soundbar and Grill

Jahlene Thomas – Miss Tacbar

Rickie-Ann Witter – Miss Café Blue

Rhys Davis – Miss Rehab Oasis Limited

Drucelle Mills – Miss Zimii Haircare

Latoya Malcolm – Miss Edna Manley College

Brittney Dyke – Fit Farm Fitness Club

Ashli Tong – Miss Courts Optical

Aalyah Fletcher – Miss Courts Jamaica

Brittany Smith – Miss Zenith Medical Centre

India Robinson – Miss Showjam Promotions Company

Keri-Ann Greenwood – Miss Social Butterfiez Entertainment Group Ltd

Martha McGregor – Miss Wasomi Beauty

Shannon Johnson – Miss Sharkies Seafood Restaurant

Rasheeda Green – Miss Olando Denham Transport

Shania Carr – Miss P&S Events and Vacations