By Kevin Jackson From Jamaica Observer

Twenty-four-year-old Sharlene Radlein, who wore the sash Miss Eskay Catering, is Miss Universe Jamaica 2015.

Radlein, who lives in New York, was a popular winner at the coronation which took place Saturday at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. She had been a strong contender since the launch of the pageant one month ago.

Radlein won a cash prize of $1 million, and will represent Jamaica at the Miss Universe finals.

Miss Lasco Lasoy, 24-year old Tasmin Golding, daughter of justice minister Mark Golding, was runner-up. Shana Simpson, a former Miss Jamaica World runner-up, came third.

Michaela Ramlal, Kellon Williams and Rohannia Mooyin, completed the top six.

The jam-packed venue had numerous cheering squads for contestants. Most had placards bearing the names of their favorites while others knocked pot covers to show support.

Despite a spate of production glitches, promoters Uzuri International produced a decent show.

The 25-strong field was reduced to 12 which also included Melissa Tulloch, Tanya Mair, Tracyann Malcolm, Anita Clarke, Danisha Scott and Maurita Robinson.

The contestants appeared in swimwear courtesy of Loran V Designs then evening wear from Uzuri.

After the interview segment, there was entertainment by singers Gem Myers, Karen Smith and former Ebony member Patricia Edwards.

They had patrons singing along to covers of Doris Troy’s Just One Look and What You Gonna Do; as well as the Bee Gees’ To Love Somebody.

Singer Francois Medley did reasonable interpretations of Sam Smith’s Stay With Me and Omi’s Cheerleader.

Sectional prize winners were:

Social Media Award: Kellon Williams,

Public Vote: Tasmin Golding,

Runway Star: Tricelle Powell,

Best in Swimwear: Danisha Scott,

Most Congenial: Chloe Clarke,

Essence Of Style: Kerissa Nelson,

Best in Evening Wear: Sharlene Radlein, Photogenic: Samantha Williams, Most Aware: Melissa Tulloch

and Best Personality: Nicole Stoddart

IMAGE: Miss Jamaica Universe 2015 Sharlene Radlein

For more on this story go to: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Sharlene-s-ready-for-the-Universe_19226525

Related story:

Ting names Miss Jamaica Universe spokeswoman

By Kevin Bollers From Caribbean Life

It’s a Jamaican Ting! At least that’s how the saying goes for the tasty blend of sweet citrus and grapefruit flavored drink. On Aug. 21, 2015 the wildly known beverage of Jamaica made a splash at Miss Lily’s in Soho. The grapefruit infused beverage is sporting a new face and spokesperson in beauty queen, Kaci Fennell, Miss Jamaica Universe 2014.

“I’m actually going on to be Miss Jamaica again because Ting is a Jamaican thing! My mother weaned me on Ting,” said Ms. Fennel. “It’s great to be apart of the Ting family and it means so much to be a part of brand Jamaica even after my reign,”

From its early beginnings in 1976, the brand has grown tremendously and is now available in most markets in the Americas, United Kingdom, Europe, Central America, and the Caribbean, and many retailers are excited about the re-branding efforts.

“We are putting some new energy behind the Ting brand,” said Carla Hollingsworth, an export manager at Pepsi Cola Jamaica. “It will be an amazing campaign through which we hope that consumers will be seeing Ting everywhere.”

Ting is currently produced in Jamaica, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Central America, but now the brand, which also features Pink Ting, a pink grapefruit twist on the original, and Diet Ting, wants to have a greater presence in the United States market.

“The objective is to grow Ting’s market share internationally through a vibrant, engaging and versatile program that transcends culture and age,” Hollingsworth explained. “Hand in hand with our re-branding exercise is our signing of a brand ambassador. We believe that Kaci Fennell is a perfect spokesperson and the best face for true Jamaican Ting! In fact she is a long time Ting drinker,”

Ms. Fennell added, “It a huge deal! Our voices are being heard and we will continue marketing and making sure that we are never forgotten, which in reality, will never happen because people love Jamaica and every Ting that comes from Jamaica!”

For more: http://www.caribbeanlifenews.com/stories/2015/9/2015-08-25-bollers-ting-cl.html