LUCEA, Hanover — Minister of National Security, Senator Dwight Nelson, recently launched the 2011 staging of the Miss Global International Pageant for which he is patron.

The function was held at the Grand Palladium Resort in Lucea, Hanover.

Describing it as a special honour, Senator Nelson said the fact that the Miss Global Pageant was the only one of its kind to bring contestants from all over the world to Jamaica, meant it was making a useful contribution to promoting the country’s tourism product. He said therefore, the pageant was deserving of much greater support than it has been receiving to date.

Senator Nelson praised the pageant’s organiser, Montego Bay businessman Lachu Ramchandani for being true to the cause, including making personal sacrifices to keep the pageant going year after year.

Already, contestants from more than 20 countries have signed up for the Miss Global International Pageant which will take place at the Grand Palladium in September.

In endorsing the pageant, chairman of the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), Godfrey Dyer said it was good for Jamaica’s tourism.

Meanwhile, general manager of the Palladium, Dimitris Kosvogiannis said the hotel was pleased to be on board again this year, noting that it had received “a tremendously positive response” from its involvement last year.

At the launch were several of the early contestants vying for the Miss Global Jamaica title and the chance to represent the country at the international pageant in September. Selection of the finalists for the local leg of the pageant and crowning of the local queen will take place on May 28, also at the Grand Palladium.