Preparations for the coronation of Miss Universe Jamaica Central, one of the regional pageants under the national Miss Universe Jamaica umbrella, is scheduled for this Sunday, April 30, at Cecil Charlton Hall in Mandeville.

Trilissa Walker, pageant manager, said all plans are expect to complement a grand presentation.

“Preparations have been going well. We have amazing partners in our gown designer, JALE Designs; and swimsuit partner, TW Originals; both out of Mandeville. So that is something we are truly grateful for. Things have really fallen into place with just a few days left to the big night,” Walker disclosed in an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Thursday.

The group of finalists was in the Corporate Area making stops at AC Hotel Kingston and Emancipation Park in New Kingston.

Said Walker: “The ladies have really dedicated themselves to the process. They have been training to get the perfect walk ready, as well as interview prep and keeping up with the press on current affairs.”

In a previous interview Walker revealed that sponsorship had been a challenge. She said not much had changed.

“Not much has changed since we last spoke as far as sponsorship is concerned. I think the overall perception of pageantry in Jamaica may need to change in order for companies to believe in the impact of Miss Universe Jamaica on the lives of young women in this country. We are invested in giving young women a platform to advance the causes that are important to them and their communities,” Walker reasoned.

She added: “The ladies are so excited to showcase the best of what central Jamaica has to offer. We begin with a cocktail hour and mixer and then go right into the show. Miss Universe Jamaica 2020 Miqueal-Symone will be the host, and we’ll have appearances by our current Miss Universe Jamaica Toshami Calvin and past queens. We can’t wait to put on a fantastic show this Sunday.”

Guest performer will be D’Uptimis.

The central region includes young women from Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth.

Walker explained the process in selecting the finalists.

“We did a series of auditions, both virtually and in-person; the first one was held in Mandeville and the second in Junction, St Elizabeth, and I am truly impressed and excited about our eight finalists,” she said.

The winner gets an automatic place in the national Miss Universe Jamaica pageant.

The eight finalists competing for the Miss Universe Jamaica Central crown are: Sitara Jones, Miss Golf View Hotel; Daina-Lee Gittens, Miss Zenova Company; Shadia Johnson, Miss Fusion Fitness Gym; Suzan Dowdie, Miss Chef Rose Jamaican Cuisine; Lee-Anndra Hanson, Miss BLOOM The Aesthetic Spa; Chaslie Vaughn, Miss TW Originals; Ayanna Powell-Myles, Miss Jale Designs; and Shantavia Williams, Miss Mid-Island Service Station.