Flair

Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

Perhaps it is only fitting that a lovely trio of former Miss Jamaica World (MJW) pageant winners, Sara Lawrence, Dr Terri-Karelle Reid and Regina Beavers, are the current organisers of this year's Miss Jamaica World pageant.

For many years, the pageant has been run by Mickey Haughton-James, who approached the girls to take over. He felt that, as a team, they could pool resources, brainstorm, plan and execute the 2010 MJW pageant.

"I think the bonus is that the collaborative efforts of the three of us, having all been former winners, gives us added insights to use our past experiences to help prepare this year's contestants," said Reid.

The trio told Flair that taking over the reins could not have come at a better time, with the demand for good national role models, as well as the need for more goodwill ambassadors to showcase Jamaica's beautiful culture internationally.

"Also, to be given the opportunity to organise an event which ushers in vibrant young women, who can in turn encourage national transformation, is fulfilling," notes Lawrence.

The new organisers bring fresh ideas and youthful zeal. Though many still see the value of an MJW queen nationally, and internationally, there are a few sceptics who believe the pageant is solely about looks. They said the biggest challenge is working against a stigma that beauty pageants are a waste of time; simply cosmetic with no substance. However, the young women explained that over the years, MJW contestants have been successful in various fields.

"Lisa Hanna is a parliamentarian; Regina, a talented television producer, editor and presenter; Sara, a fourth-year medical school student, I am a graduate in veterinary medicine; Desirée Depass is a pilot and the list goes on and on," notes Reid.

In addition, she said, they have been, and still continue to be, motivational speakers at schools, guest speakers at corporate functions and living examples of career-oriented individuals, still, the pageant gets a bad rap.

"It is a stigma/stereotype that we are passionate about dispelling," she added.

This year's theme will emphasise 'Peace and Love, Jamaica', in light of recent events. Customarily, the MJW winner spearheads charity projects or participates in fund-raisers. This year, through a working relationship with PALS, all 16 finalists will participate in more meaningful projects, workshops and inner-city community visits during the competition.

The public can also expect a difference in the production, with a slightly changed format and some new, creative ideas to make it even more appealing to viewers and the audience on coronation night.

There will also be a new crown for the new queen. Reid pointed out that it has become a running joke over the years about the crown always falling. Frequent remarks such as "how it always 'cotch' on the queen's head", "never fix properly yet" and "how much drop can one crown take" are the norm.

"So we are pleased to announce that this year, we will see the unveiling of three new crowns, and more buzz around the Fast Track events," she notes.

Lawrence chuckled that the incentive for entering this year is a little sweeter.

"Possibly the biggest attraction this year is the 2011 Mini Cooper S as the official car of the MJW 2010 pageant provided by Stewart Motors," she explained.

Self-growth

Though the former queens are excited and grateful to be working on the pageant, they said that this was never something they saw coming.

"It might even be a little bit ironic for me," notes Reid, who was never very keen on beauty pageants. "However, after being queens, realising the self-growth, the impact we have on the youth and the countless number of opportunities that exist, we, like so many former Miss Jamaica Worlds, feel a sense of loyalty, admiration and love for the core group and contestants. As such, we always helped out in areas, always advising and have now been given the opportunity to take charge," said a smiling Reid.

However, being a part of the MJW pageant and organising the pageant are two different things.

"As organisers, we fully understand and appreciate the work that goes on behind the scenes and commend Mickey Haughton-James for having spearheaded this virtually single-handed and putting the brand where it is today," said Lawrence. She further explained that as former contestants, they have a holistic view from the contestants' eyes.

"We can better use our insight to recruit great candidates from which (will come) an ideal representative, the perfect package, the true Jamaican queen who can represent us in all capacities and all arenas," added Reid.

They told Flair that on both sides of the fence, there are similar pressures and rewards.

"As both (former) contestant and organiser, you become open to criticism and it's up to you to make the best of it. There are great expectations from families, friends and co-workers, and there is an even greater expectation for the contest to be successful and for the group of girls to be stunning in every way and that ultimately the queen is someone who captures the true Jamaican spirit," explained Lawrence.

The current economic climate has also been a challenge for these young organisers, but they are grateful for the sponsors who have remained on-board.

Despite the challenges, the trio said that the great thing about the competition is getting the opportunity to meet brilliant girls from different backgrounds and personalities.

"We make the experience a fulfilling one for the ladies so that they can enjoy themselves but also use the pageant as a vehicle to improve self-awareness, self-esteem and self-development," said Lawrence.

"Having a close relationship with the contestants allows us to be good support systems for them, share our experiences, help guide, advise and assist them in pulling out their best and potentially being the ideal candidate to represent Jamaica. We welcome girls who are vibrant and can't wait to hit the ground running," added Reid.