Negril to host United Nation International Pageant tomorrow

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western BUREAU:The resort town of Negril will come alive tomorrow night when the scenic Seawind Resort plays host to the 2012 staging of United Nation International Pageant (UNIP).

The event is being staged by the Canada-based United Nation International Pageant Inc.

"This event will feature women from all over the world," said Jessica Thompson-Clarke, an executive director with UNIP. "These women all have extensive backgrounds in volunteering, or service, for their communities."

While it is technically only one pageant, five titles will be at stake. The titles are Miss Teen United Nation International, Miss United Nation International, Mrs United Nation International, Ms United Nation International, and Ms Elite United Nation International.

The contestants will be competing in sportswear, evening gowns, and fashion pieces. There will also be an interview segment," said Thompson-Clarke. "Interestingly, the women will be showcasing costumes from their home countries."

Jamaica made an indelible mark on the pageant last year when 24-year-old Savanna-la-Mar High School graduate Shanee King, a front-office executive at a Negril-based hotel, walked away with the coveted Ms United Nation title. She is currently pursuing a career in hotel management.

The contest is so structured that members of the audience at the grand coronation show can walk away with at least one major prize.

LUCKY WINNER

"We are very happy to announce that one lucky audience member will be going home with a notebook computer," said Thompson-Clarke. "You will also get the opportunity to meet the out-going Ms United Nation, Shanee King, as she passes her crown on to the next deserving winner."

While Jamaica is once again expected to be in the limelight, countries such as Canada, the United States, South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, Ireland, Scotland, and England are also expected to figure prominently.

"The United Nation International Pageant Inc is different from most pageants. We believe that every woman has a voice and that every woman is beautiful," said Thompson-Clarke. "The UNIP does not have a swimsuit round as we don't believe posing in a bathing suit has anything to do with what you do for your communities … . It is important for the women to feel strong and empowered to do charity work."