Tanya C. Ellis, Gleaner Writer

Twenty-five finalists in the Pulse International Limited's Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 eliminations pose for the camera at Villa Ronai, Old Stony Hill Road, St Andrew, on Sunday, March 9. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Pulse International has named the 25 girls who will compete for the 2008 Miss Jamaica Universe title.

Following a series of road shows over the last two months to scout for Jamaica's most beautiful, the finalists were named amidst a small gathering at Villa Ronai, Stony Hill, on Sunday.

The elimination round startedoff with 48 beautiful hopefuls, but this number was soon whittled down to a promising 25 after a colourful swimwear parade for the judges.

This year's competition offers the richest prize package in the history of Jamaican beauty pageants; Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 will walk away with a $1 million dollar cash prize as well as a brand new, fully loaded 120i BMW.

All the contestants got a taste of the top prize with a goody bag from Stewart Motors, official motor car of this year's title and sponsors of the winning motor.

Hand over crown

Last year's queen Zahra Redwood will hand over the crown to either, Salome Campbell, Xinyu Addae-Lee, Sherene Duncan, Francine Hall, Stasha-Guaye Leon, Keren O'Neil, Latoya Samuels, Roshane Suarez, Jeseka Williams, the beautifully poised Rebecca Silvera, Doneika Plowright, Jesmaine Brown, Cherrion Ebanks, Nickela Garwood, Jhnnele Eastman whom the crowd absolutely loves, Crystal Gordon, Nicole Hopkins, Noelle Kerr, Lauri-Ann Ainsworth, crowd favourite Kadia Campbell, Kimberly Gunnings, Antoinette Ming, Borzana Jones, Adrianna Bryan or April Jackson.

On April 12, the finalists will parade in swimwear by The Mushroom, and evening wear by Uzuri International in the finals that will determine the winner who will represent Jamaica in Vietnam at the prestigious Miss Universe Pageant finals in July.

The Gleaner-sponsored Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 is a Pulse production.