The judging of beauty contests
published: Wednesday | September 29, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

ALL RIGHT, I have now concluded that there is no criteria in judging beauty contests and having watched somewhat the 2004 'Miss Jamaica', the verdict is definitely in. As far as I know the contest has now been deemed 'beauty with a purpose' and while I am all in favour of this purpose, which was aptly demonstrated on coronation night, shouldn't the winner by local and international standards also be 'beautiful'?

Maybe someone should tell the judges that! Yes, I've long heard and observed that the girl who cops best figure and legs would and should be the most likely winner. However, if she is intelligent, conversant, well toned, gets the most public votes and is not 'beautiful', should she still win? I'm at a loss.

Apparently, in this age of public voting every fair thing has gone awry. What, pray tell, was the purpose of the judges? Let's get real, internationally, can our winner compete 'beauty-wise' with the girls we have seen over the years? Haughton James or someone in the know, please advise.

I am, etc.,

KAREN FERGUSON

Gore Terrace

Kingston 10.