THERE will be no Miss Universe Jamaica contest this year. Dimitris Kosvogiannis, holder of the local franchise since 2011, announced his resignation on Monday evening.

The final was scheduled for Emancipation Park in St Andrew on Sunday.

Top: Yendi Phillips 2010, Bottom: Christine Straw 2004

“Due to ongoing professional obligations, which require significant commitments outside Jamaica, we believe the interests of Miss Universe and Miss Universe Jamaica would be best served by someone exclusively committed to the organisation, recruitment, and production of the pageant,” Kosvogiannis said in an email to the Jamaica Observer.

A Greece-born hotelier, Kosvogiannis succeeded Invyte Promotions as franchise holders. Prior to that, Kingsley Cooper of the Pulse model agency ran the contest for 20 years.

Kosvogiannis spoke of his commitment to the pageant even though he is no longer at the helm.

“I remain steadfast in my commitment to assist in any way possible,” he said.

Holders of one of the most popular beauty contests, the Miss Universe Organisation was founded in 1952. It is owned by American businessman Donald Trump.

Though a Jamaican has never won the title, the country has consistently been in the top tier. Yendi Phillipps was first runner-up in 2010; while Sandra Foster (1989), Kimberly Mais (1991), Nicole Haughton (1999), and Christine Straw (2004), were all Top 10 finishers.