Pageant season is in full swing and first out the gate is the Miss Universe Jamaica (MUJ) East. The 10 finalists who will compete for the crown on May 28 were selected at the Steak House on the Verandah at Devon House in St Andrew on Tuesday night .

Trilissa Walker is the new pageant manager for Miss Universe Jamaica East. She took over the reigns this year after the former manager, beauty contestant, Soyini Phillips, migrated.

“We chose 10 girls from 32 applicants out of two casting calls that were held at 876 Terrace in Portmore and Steak House on the Verandah at Devon House. The girls first took to the runway in outfits of their choice. Each young lady was tasked with putting together a look which best represents her style, and then they made an appearance in swimwear from 876 Beachwear. They later returned to be sashed,” Walker said.

The Miss Universe Jamaica East is one of the five regional feeder pageants to the national Miss Universe Jamaica pageant. The winner of each regional pageant is an automatic finalist in the national pageant.

According to Walker, securing sponsorship has been challenging.

“Sponsorship has been a challenge in this ‘post-COVID era’. Companies aren’t eager to sponsor because they are worried about recouping all that they’ve lost over the two-year period, which is why we are so grateful for the sponsors who have agreed to come onboard,” she said.

Walker brings some experience to the Miss Universe Jamaica East pageant.

“I have worked with the Miss Universe Jamaica national pageant for a few years, first as a liaison with a past sponsor then as contestant chaperone in 2019 onwards,” said Walker.

In preparation for the grand coronation of Miss Universe Jamaica East, the contestants will undergo a series of activities.

“The ladies will participate in a gruelling month of speech training, runway, drama and movement, make-up application. They will also have sessions which will focus on mental health and self-care, financial literacy and business management,” Walker shared.

The 10 finalists who are competing for the Miss Universe Jamaica East title are: Celine Walters (Miss Holywell); Tara Kelly (Miss Terry Cosmetics); Titania Mycko (Miss Cally’s Spot); Shanelle Rose-Spencer (Miss 876 Beachwear); Tahje Bennett (Miss Gabby Glam); Imani Prendergast (Miss Steakhouse on the Verandah); Gabrielle Grant (Miss DAREGHA Studios); Keuna Edwards (Miss 2020 Collections); Zara Holmes (Miss Legacy Aesthetics); and Safiya Dewar (Miss 876 Terrace).