General manager of Riu Montego Bay, Frank Sondern, hosted the contestants of the 2009 Miss Global International competition at his resort on Wednesday night. Here he is flanked by Iris Ordenana (left) of Nicaragua and Johanna Astwood of the Dominican Republic. - Photos by janet Silvera

WESTERN BUREAU:

The amphitheatre at Riu Montego Bay will ignite with the dazzling beauty and the exquisite gowns that the ladies in the 2009 Miss Global International competition will showcase at Riu Montego Bay tomorrow night.

And if the six contestants who were unveiled to an intimate crowd of unofficial judges at a cocktail reception at the resort on Wednesday are anything to go by, the verdict says, this competition will be a stiff one.

The competitors, representing Nicaragua, the Dominican Republic, Canada, The Bahamas, the United States of America and Jamaica, are being given the royal treatment as they visit a number of famous attractions, including Dolphin Cove, Dunn's River Falls, Mystic Mountain and the 'Capital of Casual', Negril.

Tonight they will pit their talents against each other on the stage at Riu Montego Bay, culminating Saturday night with the coronation show which will see the 2009 queen walking away with US$500 (J$45,000) in cash, diamond jewellery, a trophy, gift basket from Soft Sheen, vacation for two at any Riu Resort in Jamaica and a trip for two to The Bahamas.

Pageant Ambassador Lachu Ramchandani told The Gleaner that although the finals are being held at an all-inclusive resort patrons can purchase a night pass valued at US$50 (J$4,500) to participate in the event.

"The theme for the pageant is 'Beauty for Tourism' and it is hoped that this can be another avenue to attract visitors across the globe to embrace our beautiful island and experience our diverse and rich culture," said Ramchandani.

Riu Resorts' Marvin Campbell was the perfect host to Adrianna Bryan, who wears the sash Miss Jamaica in the pageant.

From left: Jodane Russell, reigning Miss Global International 2008, Jody-Anne Wallace, and Neelam Ramchandani at a cocktail reception in honour of the 2009 contestants.

Left: Odette Dyer (left) and Metty Scarlett-Jones are lovely in black and white. Right: Suelyn Simpson (left) of the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall and Michele Gray at the 2009 Miss Global International cocktail reception at Riu Montego Bay on Wednesday night.

Acting Custos of St James Enel Brydson (centre) spends time with his friends, Christiana and Eddy Lee.

Joe Hilton of the Rose Hall Resort and Spa and the Jamaica Tourist Board's Nicole Haughton are camera-ready!

Miss USA, Natoya Steadman (left), talks shop with Angella Bennett, director of sales Riu Resorts Jamaica.

Pageant organiser Lachu Ramchandani is flanked by Miss Canada, Kate Flood (left) and Miss Bahamas, Azaria Clare.

From left: Scotiabank's Rhoan Bennett and Richard Clarke with businessman Henry McCurdy are in a great mood