I would like to congratulate Carolyn Yapp who represented Jamaica so well in The Bahamas during the Miss Universe contest. Although she did not win or place highly, she was a true stateswoman from the start, a very beautiful and classy Jamaican who held her own consistently right throughout.

She was constantly featured in local and international media and was a favourite.

The Miss Universe organisation itself is already in disrepute, when they repeatedly choose only certain types (Latinos/Caucasians), and ignore other ethnic types in their selection. It's really unfortunate that in 2009, race/ethnicity is an obvious factor.

I applaud Pulse Ltd, local franchise holders, for deciding to pull out. Sometimes, by choosing not to participate, you send a strong message that you just don't condone. I wish Carolyn well. She is truly a great ambassador for our country.

I am, etc.,

Jenn longmore

longmorej@yahoo.com

Florida