Deon P. Green, Gleaner Writer

April Jackson, Miss Jamaica U.K. 2006 - Photo by Deon Green - London

London, England:

Seventeen-year-old April Jackson was crowned Ms. Jamaica U.K. 2006 at the annual beauty pageant held at the Hammersmith Palais in London earlier this month.

Born of Jamaican parents from St. Catherine, Miss Jackson took the title from a field of 17 contestants, and was among the favourites once she emerged on stage in the preliminary rounds in swimwear and wearing the sash Miss Swift Cash.

Others making the top three contestants were first runner-up Sheree Williams, whose parents are from St. Thomas and St. Ann, along with second runner-up Tamara Beckford, with parents from Kingston.

Entertainer Pam Maynard from Canada got the crowd in a Jamaican spiritual mood. Contestants emerged for the sectional prizes, and Jackson was top of the class as she captured awards for the best personality.

With the large hall decked out in Jamaican colours and each person waving a Jamaican flag, the mood was one of celebration.

Jackson Said after the show that her first objective was to show the British public the most positive side of Jamaica and Jamaicans. She lauded the other contestants and noted that such contests pave the way for the positive side of Jamaica to be exposed internationally. highest quality

Tim Campbell, who took the prestigious title of U.K.'s Apprentice 2004, noted that the show was of the highest quality and he believes the right person won. He stated, however, that the event is poised for greater recognition, especially with the quality of the beauty queens and high standard of the performers.

The event, which was staged for the 17th year, was put on by corporate business enterprises from Jamaica, with investment in the United Kingdom. The winner is expected to showcase Jamaica's cultural legacy in Britain.