Kristin Metz, Miss Vonessa's Salon. - photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Name: Kristin Metz

Age: 24

Height: 5'11"

Vital statistics: 34-28-38

Occupation: Student

Sponsor: Vonessa's Salon

Why did you decide to enter the competition?

"I decided to enter first of all to take advantage of an extraordinary opportunity to represent my country, Jamaica, in a gracious and dignified way and to show Jamaica, and the world, what we as Jamaicans have to offer. I also want to become a more well-rounded person by entering the contest as well as experiencing what comes along with the competition."

What is your definition of a beauty queen?

"My definition of a beauty queen is someone who is prepared to live up to the responsibilities of a beauty queen and making wise decisions. She should also posses a good personality, treating others in a way they deserve to be treated because inner beauty should outweigh outer beauty in a beauty queen."

What do you expect to achieve by entering the competition?

"I expect tremendous improvement in self, as well as in social skills and also to become a well-rounded and friendly person. I also wanted to develop friendships with other contestants and to take advantage of becoming Miss Jamaica World and be given the opportunity to show the country and the world what I'm all about."

What is your best asset?

"My willingness to go out of my way to make others happy. Life is already difficult so anything I can do to make life better for someone is worth trying."

How would you sell Jamaica to a foreigner in light of the high crime rate?

"I would first point out that Jamaica is a unique island with rich and diverse culture. The overall atmosphere in Jamaica is a very welcoming one and when one leaves the visitors want to come back. I would not ignore the high incidence of crime in Jamaica but they also need to know that crime exists everywhere and Jamaica is no different. We have accomplished so much in Jamaica and we just need to acknowledge the good aspects in our country instead of focusing so much on negatives."

What do you love the most about Jamaica?

"I would have to say the strong family ties that exist in Jamaica and with Jamaicans in other parts of the world. No matter where we go, as Jamaicans, we stick together in face of adversity."

If you could meet one person, who would it be, and why?

"It would be Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. because of his determination and perseverance in his fight for human rights and, despite the never-ending challenges, he was faithful."

If you win, what sector of the society would you work with?

"The section that is responsible for the poverty-stricken in our society because not enough is being done to get the poor out of the unfortunate situation they are in. So many people just need a start and the opportunity to make a better life for themselves."

If you were the Prime Minister, what changes would you make, and how?

"The one thing I would focus on is the poverty that exists in our society. Poverty is the source of our crime situation so I would try to at least provide basic needs to our citizens and by doing so I believe it would greatly alleviate the high incidence of poverty in our country."

What do you hope to achieve in five years?

"In five years I hope to obtain a doctorate in audiology (a doctor who specialises in hearing impairment) and also to have made a difference in Jamaica by making a positive contribution to charity organisations involved in the alleviation of poverty."