Pulse and The Miss Universe Organisation want to know the answer to this question, is there a fabulous Jamaican young woman who wants a shot at the Miss Universe crown?

Earlier this year, Pulse gave up the licence to stage the Jamaica preliminary to Miss Universe. However, the Donald Trump-led Miss Universe Organisation has requested a Jamaican queen in the competition this year. Pulse said it is prepared to organise a judges' selection on behalf of Miss Universe, but will only do so if someone worthy of the title can be found.

According to Pulse Chairman Kingsley Cooper, "This will be the final Miss Jamaica Universe that Pulse will send to the pageant. If she is not exceptional, we will not participate."

With that in mind, Pulse is inviting entries. The competition is open to young women between the ages of 18-26 years-old, who have never been married or had a child. They must also possess poise, beauty of face and body, intelligence and awareness. This year's event will be held at Atlantis Paradise Island in The Bahamas on August 23.

Last year's coronation show, which was won by 19-year-old April Jackson, attracted more than 5,000 patrons at a sold-out event which saw R&B superstar Keyshia Cole performing in Jamaica for the first time, making it one of the most successful beauty pageants ever staged in the Caribbean.

A tradition of excellence

Jamaica has had significant success at Miss Universe pageants, claiming four top-10 finishes - Sandra Foster, Nicole Haughton, Christine Straw and Kimberley Mais. Several other beauties, including Sanya Hughes, Rachel Stuart, Trudy Ferguson, Justine Willoughby, Bridgette Rhoden and Zahra Redwood, the first Rastafarian beauty queen to appear in a major international pageant, have also raised Jamaica's profile at the international pageant.

Now in its 58th year, the Miss Universe pageant features some of the planet's most beautiful and articulate women from some 85 countries, and is watched by close to a billion viewers worldwide.

Venezuelan Dayana Mendoza is the reigning Miss Universe.

Interested candidates can contact Pulse at 960-0049 or at info@pulsecaribbean.com