Entertainment

Garfene Grandison, Gleaner Writer

Something was different. It was supposed to be another Miss Jamaica World fast-track competition, but there was a face noticeably absent.

Miss Jamaica Western, Jodi-Ann Moser, the beauty who was the first girl to be chosen for the 2010 Miss Jamaica World pageant, had handed a letter to the pageant organisers last Monday after being ill for a number of days.

That illness meant she missed last week's Beach Beauty Competition at the Grand Palladium Resorts and Spa.

When The Gleaner contacted Moser, the 20-year-old said she had withdrawn from the competition.

"I was reluctant to leave the competition and I forcibly withdrew. My doctors recommended that I take some time off because of an ailment that I had before I entered the Miss Jamaica World competition," Moser explained.

Moser said she had enjoyed the experience and the friends and colleagues that she had made.

Despite having to leave the competition prematurely, she remains hopeful that there is still time for her to enter another year.

"The age range for this competition goes up to like 25 and I'm only 20, so I have a little more time. I definitely think that I will re-enter as soon as my body allows me to," she said. Pageant director Dr Terri-Karelle Reid also expressed disappointment at the news that Moser would be withdrawing from the competition.

Saddened but hopeful

"I'm a little saddened by the news, mainly because I know how hard she worked and how excited she was. I really felt it for her and her circumstances. Myself, as well as the pageant organisers, believe that health comes first and we wish her all the best and will welcome her with open arms the next time she decides to enter," Dr Reid said.

Despite being one contestant short, the Miss Jamaica World SoftSheen-Carson Model fast-track competition proceeded without a glitch on Wednesday night at The Deck in New Kingston.

In front of a full house, the 16 remaining ladies paraded in swimsuits provided by the Mushroom, maxi dresses from T&T Fashions, as well as trendy and tasteful fashion designs from local female designer Keneea Linton. These were paired with shoes taken from Traffic Model.

In the midst of cheers, judges had the daunting task of picking the ultimate winner.

In the end, Miss Osmosis, Salome Campbell, walked away as the winner and secured her space as one of the the top 10 who will vie to become Miss Jamaica World during the coronation ceremony on August 21. Second place went to Chantal Raymond, Miss Geddes Refrigeration, while Samantha Doyley, Miss Alcor Windows and Doors, was third.

grandison.garfene@gleanerjm.com