Reigning Miss Jamaica Universe Cindy Wright (left) and Pulse CEO Kingsley Cooper greet the contestants in this year's Miss Jamaica Universe pageant. The launch was held along with that of Pulse's 'Rock the World' show at the Hilton Kingston hotel in New Kingston, yesterday. -Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer

It was a full day for Pulse at the press launch for 'Rock the World' and 'Miss Jamaica Universe 2007', held at the Jonkunnu Lounge the Hilton Kingston hotel, yesterday.

Decked out in black, fourteen of the seventeen Miss Jamaica Universe contestants anxiously sat looking around at the who's who of the fashion industry who came to the launch. Present were designers Biggy, Mutabaruka and Jackie Cohen of Mutamba and Kenea Linton. Past Miss Jamaica Universe winner Raquel Wright and reigning queen Cindy Wright along with numerous other Pulse models were also present.

Pulse CEO Kingsley Cooper was obviously pleased with this year's selection, as well as the plans for 'Rock the World 2007' to be held from Wednesday, March 14 to Sunday, March 18.

"Rock the World is the best of Jamaica's music, fashion and beauty that will be shown to the world. Superstars in reggae and dancehall acts will be on stage," Cooper said.

The event will also feature the best of Jamaica's fashion, supermodels and beauty queens of the past, as well as the Miss Jamaica Universe hopefuls in a bikini parade. A Caribbean Fashionweek preview will precede the concerts each night, with different designers featured at every show.

According to Cooper, one of the best part of this year's 'Rock the World' was the affordabilty of the extensive package, with tickets priced at $1000 and $1500, so as to allow the participation of Jamaicans and visitors alike.

Top artistes

While Mr. Cooper was not quick to advertise the names of the entertainers set to perform, if the flyer for the event is anything to go by, the likes of Sizzla, Spragga Benz, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Tessanne Chynn, Shaggy, Bounty Killer and many others may grace the stage.

As for Miss Jamaica Universe, the grand coronation show will take place on Sunday, March 25 at the Hilton Kingston hotel. This year's finalists include: Amicha Anderson, Jodi Ann Anderson, Mikayla Ashman, Esther Beckford, Renee Burgess, Alicia Griffith, Roxanne Henry, Theresa Jameson, Stacy Ann Kerlew, Kamoya Levy, Sydonie Mc Bayne, Zahra Redwood, Macia Gaye Reynolds, Toffany Smile, Rave Kia Stephens, Sanique Vaciana and Lisa Vassell.

Former Miss Jamaica Universe Racquel Wright, who will be grooming the contestants said "Miss Jamaica is such a wonderful experience, I hope this year's women will be a good representative of the past Queens."

- K.H.