Daviot Kelly, Staff Reporter 
Contestants in the Ms. Jamaica National Group Competition at their sashing at the Alhambra Inn, Tucker Avenue, St. Andrew on Wednesday. Contestants are (from left) Tajmarie Marsh, Sherisse Taylor, Janice Howard, Dawnette Wright, Jacqueline Lewis, Rosemarie Spence, Joyette Johnson, Nicholle Duffus and Dahlia Smith.- WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
NINE WOMEN and five men will vie for the inaugural Mr. and Miss Jamaica National Group Competition.
The finalists were presented with their sashes and proudly showed off their, ahem, assets to an audience at the Alhambra Inn on Wednesday, June 15. The competition was created by the Jamaica National Sports and Social Club.
Now before we go any further, let's clarify that this isn't a beauty contest, although the ladies looked rather fetching with their male counterparts looking equally dashing. The competition is all about producing two Jamaica National ambassadors; versed in the group's focus. Contestants will be judged on their knowledge of the Jamaica National group, current affairs, talent and deportment. The finalists must either choose a local project, submit a proposal for a new product or enhance an existing Jamaica National product. No dumb blondes in this competition!
Speaking on behalf of General Manager Earl Jarrett, assistant General Manager Llewelyn Bailey said that the competition was one of the initiatives to build the knowledge of the staff to enable them to go to the next level.
"In the final analysis, it will be the male and female who keep up-to-date on developments ... display natural talent and who demonstrate the vision and drive that we embrace at Jamaica National Building Society, who will be crowned Mr. Ms. Jamaica National Group," he said.
After receiving their sashes, the contestants introduced themselves and then posed for photos and conversed with the guests. The public can get involved by voting for their favourite. The contestant who gets the most public votes will receive a special prize. The main prize is
valued at $100,000.
The contestants hail from various strata of the JN Group, including parish branches and subsidiaries. It was revealed that the finalists have undergone weeks of intense training concerning their grooming, presentation skills and social graces. The grand coronation takes place on Sunday, June 26 at the Chinese Benevolent Association headquarters on Old Hope Road.
