Mikayla Ashman, Miss O'Rileys Rum Cream. - Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Age: 23

Height: 5' 8 1/2"

Occupation: Student (UWI)

Sponsor: Miss O'Rileys Rum Cream

Why did you decide to enter the competition?

"I think I possess the skills to go out there and bring something positive to our competition. I entered also to boost my confidence and increase my awareness of what is going on, to get a feel of what pageants are like. They always say pageants are beauty and no brains, I get to prove it otherwise."

How do you plan to improve Jamaica's chances at Miss Universe?

"Being that Jamaica is seen in such a negative light now, if I were to win the competition I would have to bring something new to the table. I would have to go out there and show that Jamaica posses more than just crime and violence, we have a beautiful culture. We're full of spirit, we've vibrant people and basically what is happening music, the beaches, food, everything is incorporated in the culture."

How do you plan to use your entry in the contest to boost 'Brand Jamaica' locally and Internationally?

"As I said before, you would basically use your background. I grew up in a close-knit family. We believe in strong family values and you'd have to promote that at home and abroad because people have it that we're not so close knit and violent people. But if I were to go overseas and represent my country, I would say no this is wrong and basically we have beautiful people besides beaches. I would bring something new, go out there, show my own personality and history, my culture, that is what I think would sell Jamaica more."

What would your platform be if you win the pageant?

"To be honest, my platform would be, I have more than one thing that I would put myself in. One of which would be youth empowerment. I feel that not enough time is spent on this, its most geared towards AIDS. Yes AIDS is a big thing and I would think we would have to start with the family and placing more emphasis on the youth. For instance the youth on the street, I don't think enough is being done on that, the youth need to know there is better and where to go with that. Basically build on their self-empowerment."

What does the Miss Jamaica Universe pageant say about the role of women in society?

"There's so much that is said, that these pageants belittle women because they say they are not as beautiful to enter the competition. I say otherwise because pageants are not only about beauty, it's more everything incorporated. You have to have brains, and possess some form of skill and personality to bring to the competition or there's no way you're going to make it. It's good because these girls actually look up to these women. I look up to Raquel Wright, I think she went out there and did a wonderful job, especially where the AIDS stuff was being done. Going out there and showing that I'm not just beauty but I can achieve something for my country at the same time. Pageants are good, especially for young girls growing up, 'cause these girls need guidance."

How have you benefited so far from the preparations for the pageant?

"The preparations, because it's been so tight, it's been fulfilling in a sense but tiring. It builds your confidence, 'cause I was never the one to talk this much, but as you go there you meet people, you have to be representing yourself as well as the people who train you. You have to represent your family as well, it has built my self-confidence, self-empowerment, I feel that I can take on anything now."

What are some of your interests?

"I love dancing, going out there to meet new people. As a student of history I love meeting people with different cultures. I enjoy travelling as well, dancing, socialising with my friends, I love swimming as well and spending time with my family 'cause family is my thing."