Simone Poot, Miss O'Riley's Rum Cream. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Name: Simone Poot

Age: 23

Height: 5'8"

Vital statistics: 35-26-37

Occupation: Student

Sponsor: O'Riley's Rum Cream

Gleaner: Why did you decide to enter the competition?

Simone Poot: It's a two-part reason. With the Miss Jamaica World competition they get involved in charity contributions to society ... It is also a celebration of womanhood. It was also for personal growth and it's an opportunity for you to grow and it's important to try new things and step outside of your comfort zone.

G: What is your definition of a beauty queen?

SP: I could list a whole bunch of things, but one person who really embodies all the things is Terri-Karelle Griffith, our chaperone. She is poised, elegant, charming, down-to-earth and has a great sense of humour. What her qualities are is what a good beauty queen should have.

G: What do you expect to achieve by entering the competition?

SP: The reason I entered was to learn new things and be more confident and so far I have met so many new people. I am growing and learning new stuff.

G: What is your best asset?

SP: Physically, people say I have a nice smile but, more importantly, with my personality, I am wise, open-minded, non-judgemental. I just take people for who they are and I am a very positive person. I don't look at negatives.

G: How would you sell Jamaica to a foreigner in light of the high crime rate?

SP: I would say crime is a serious problem, but it is a serious problem all over the world. Feeling safe is a state of mind, so it would really be a shame to deprive them of a wonderful country like Jamaica just because of crime. Look at our people and our environment.

G: What do you love the most about Jamaica?

SP: The beaches are nice. When I step out of a plane I just feel an energy. I live in Holland and here life is more exciting. I don't know if it's the energy of the people, the nature, the environment, the culture and music that's here.

G: If you could meet one person, who would it be, and why?

SP: If he were still alive, it would be Martin Luther King Jr., because I presently study international law and human rights. He had a major impact on human rights and he even lost his own life standing up for people who were oppressed.

G: If you win, what sector of the society would you work with?

SP: If I win I would try to help wherever, whenever, however I can. But where I can really be of help is with people with disabilities. My left hand functions slightly less than my right does; it's a condition I have had since birth and I kinda live my life and not let it affect me. I hope to inspire people and show them not to let things stop them.

G: If you were the Prime Minister, what changes would you make and how?

SP: I think most people will agree that some of the things that plague Jamaica are corruption, crime and poverty, but they are really such all-encompassing problems and not just one cause. One solution is to focus on guiding and training youths.

G: What do you hope to achieve in five years?

SP: I would like to work with international organisations like the United Nations and work on human rights issues. In my spare time I do fashion designing, so I would like to put up a business fashion line or label, or something like that.