IF things go according to plan, Jamaica could be hosting the finals of the Miss World pageant in 2018.
Local franchise holder for the contest, Laura Butler is currently preparing to submit a document to the Miss World organisation seeking the right to stage the international pageant locally.
“When Miss World Rolene Strauss and Julia Morley, the head of the Miss World Organisation, came to Jamaica earlier this year for our finals, part of the reason they were here is to have discussions with us about the possibility of the contest coming to Jamaica in 2018.”
“We are now at the beginning stages of preparing a proposal to submit to Miss World to convince them to make Jamaica the host country in that year. I have met with public and private sector interests, including the PSOJ (Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica) and a number of tourism interests and the feedback has been positive. So right now, we are moving ahead with writing a proposal, which includes a budget to stage the pageant,” Butler continued.
She noted that the Miss World Organisation has always wanted Jamaica to be the host of the pageant long before she took over the franchise three years ago, but the offer was turned down. Butler said that in 2011, Morley and her team revisited the idea on a trip to Jamaica where they checked out the Montego Bay Convention Center and a number of north coast hotels.
“I know it will be an expensive venture. But we cannot pay for the level of exposure we will get and the global audience which tunes in for the pageant. I know they are currently in discussions with Cuba, so we have to get in there and push for 2018, piggyback on the strong international brand that is Miss World and get Jamaica some visibility in a positive light,” Butler stated.
She was speaking at a media event to showcase the wardrobe for the current Miss Jamaica World, Sanneta Myrie, at the Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston yesterday afternoon.
Myrie — who is set to depart today for the Miss World Pageant in Sanya, China — modelled a few of the looks for her one-month stay ahead of the finals, which will be held on December 19.
The organizers drew on a number of local designers and fashion houses, including Chris Moxam, Puma, Femheka, Sophia Max Brown, Amelia Morgandy and Cedella Marley.
Butler and her team are keeping the final night evening gown options as well as a doctor bird-inspired national costume under wraps at this time.
Myrie, a 24-year-old medical doctor, told the media that she was pleased with her wardrobe as she heads to China.
“I believe the styling represents Jamaica and our culture while at the same time sophisticated. I am confident, excited and thrilled to be representing my country at Miss World and just ask for the love and support of my people. I will need that Jamaican spirit and backing,” she said.
By Richard Johnson—-
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