Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 contestants.

Tanya Ellis, Gleaner Writer

The Sashing of the Miss Jamaica Universe Pageant contestants was held last Wednesday at the Hilton Kingston hotel, and what a treat it was!

As a prelude to the main entertainment segment for the night, the contestants were sashed by their individual sponsors.

The 25 finalists braved shyness and wardrobe malfunctions to make a good showing for the audience. The talent pieces ranged from dance, poetry, singing, to piano recitals. The talent pieces will not be judged, but Jeanette Linton of Pulse told The Sunday Gleaner that the "essence of the talent segment is just to allow the general public the opportunity to see a little bit of each contestant's personality".

The finals will be held on Saturday, April 12, at the National Indoor Sports Centre, where the reigning Miss Jamaica Universe, Zahra Redwood, will hand over her crown.