Tanya C. Ellis, Gleaner Writer

Rochelle Notice of Jamaica. - photos by Colin Hamilton/Freelance Photographer

Contestants faced their final competitive challenge in the television series Caribbean's Next Supermodel at Pulse Headquarters on Trafalgar Road on Friday.

Pulse's Romae Gordon said what has impressed her most this season is the hunger displayed by the contestants.

"They have all stepped up their game and to some extent, presented a difficult challenge for the judges. Each challenge was evidence of how badly these girls wanted the top prize they constantly improved their attitude and skills and were clearly driven by passion for modelling and success."

The search went much wider this year, with entrants from as far as the United Kingdom and the United States. The very beautiful contender, Jenaae Jackson from Florida, displayed such poise and grace that it would take only the strikingly strong features of Jamaican Rochelle Notice to eclipse her for the top title. Other representatives were Ambuyah Ebanks, Cayman Islands; Sasha Braithwaite, Barbados; Shareena Swinscoe, London; Jenaae Jackson, Miami; Adieliese de la Rosa, Dominican Republic; and Lackeisha Williams, St. Vincent.

It was almost hard to accept that these Caribbean beauties were not already of supermodel status as they paraded in swimwear by Mushroom, and sparkled in evening gowns by the Uzuri International.

Gordon could not stress enough that the search went wider, not because there is a lack of potential in Jamaica or even the Caribbean, but that there is a recognition of the challenges to enter the fashion industry worldwide.

Connection

"We have great talent holding Caribbean culture through heritage worldwide, and we felt that to produce an abundance of talent, we must connect with those in the diaspora. It was in the best interest of ourselves and the Caribbean that we engage with those in the wider community."

The complete Gleaner-sponsored series will be aired on CVM TV in January, next year, and will document the reality-type series, from candid shots to photo shoots and grooming to runway skills. The winner will go on to sign lucrative contracts with Selects model agency in the U.K. and Pulse Caribbean.

Left: Lackeisha Williams of St. Vincent and the Grenadines struts the catwalk during the 'Gleaner'-sponsored 'Caribbean's Next Supermodel' finals at Pulse Headquaters on Trafalgar Road, last Friday. Right: Ambuyah Ebanks of the Cayman Islands.