Meet the Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 Contestants - April Jackson
Tuesday, 18 March 2008
Name: April Jackson
Age: 18
Occupation: Student
Height: 6’
Weight: 145lbs
Vital Statistics (Bust-Waist-Hips): 34”; 27”; 38”
Why did you enter this competition?
I entered Miss Jamaica Universe because I am a proud Jamaican; it would be my honour to bring the Miss Universe crown home for the first time. Having lived in England and visited elsewhere I have seen Jamaicans being portrayed both positively and negatively; I believe that Miss Jamaica Universe is an ideal platform that will enable me to defy those negative stereotypes and be a great role model by inspiring young people locally and internationally. Also, MJU will add to my portfolio of experiences by allowing me to meet new people and face challenges that will contribute to my personal development.
What personal attribute(s) you feel will give you an 'edge' over the other contestants?
All the contestants have their different strengths, however, my strengths that I believe will give me an edge are my ability to articulate, learn quickly and my maturity. It is clear that this competition is not just one of physical beauty; hence I believe that the winner will need to be able to form and express her opinions clearly in order to compete for the Miss Universe crown and advocate change in whichever platform she chooses. Miss Jamaica Universe 2008 will have to prepare for the international competition in a relatively short period, therefore it is vital that she can be trained easily. Lastly, having traveled quite extensively and worked alongside my father in business for years I am a mature young lady that has achieved and is eager to continue achieving great things.
How do you intend to take home the Miss Universe crown for Jamaica?
I intend to take home the Miss Universe crown by standing out, therefore not only focusing on single aspects of my person based on the judging requirement but focusing on me as a package. The contest carries high requirements which I have begun to familiarize myself and I will therefore need to prepare so that I not only meet these requirements but to exceed them. I plan to bring recognition to our great country by remaining in the spotlight and performing well in all the challenges I would face throughout the month prior to the final day. It would be my duty to show the world why Jamaica is so great and that is because of its people and their ability to make their mark on the world despite being the size of a dot on the map. Most importantly I would be myself and represent our beautiful island with dignity, poise and grace.
What will be your platform (charity) if you win, and why?
If I became Miss Jamaica Universe one of the things I would like to do is work alongside some of the children’s homes to create programs such as mentoring, improve the facilities and increase awareness. I am currently volunteering with the National Children’s Home of Jamaica and Marigold Children’s Home and I can see that there is a lot more that could be done for these children many of whom may remain in care until they are 18. It is necessary that these children receive counseling and are prepared to enter the real world when the time comes. I believe that is it is important that those who are more privileged and able give to the less fortunate, be it taking the time to visit the children, donating money or material goods. Being Miss Jamaica Universe would allow me to be even more successful in my efforts to effect change and advance the conditions of children’s homes islandwide.
If you could pick the winner (other than yourself), who would that be, and why?
Although the group is full of great personalities and beautiful faces making the decision even more difficult, I would pick Lauri-Ann Ainsworth based on what I have seen so far. She seems to be well aware, accomplished and down to earth; which I feel would allow her to be a good role model and represent her county well.
Describe yourself using three adjectives. Confident, sincere and jovial.
What beauty product can't you go without?
Lip gloss
Reggae or Dancehall?
Dancehall
"Fashion over style" or "Style over fashion"
Style over fashion
Bikinis or boyshorts for the beach?
Boyshorts (with a kaftan)
I still cant believe this girl won...articulate yes, but that alone wont get you far in an international pageant! Especially if the face is just so very... blah...
I have to agree a little with PDelisser. April is articulate etc., I think she would do better in the Miss World Pageant where the focus is more on talent and intelligience. But for Miss Universe, the focus is definitley on BEAUTY, STUNNING BEAUTY. We've got to remember folks, it's a Donald Trump owned competition.
She might not have the perfect face that most of us would like to represent us, but she has already won. Since we cannot change that, let's give her the support that she needs. After all, on the BIG DAY when everyone else is routing for their girl (on the inside) we are going to want to see OUR girl on top. REMEMBER it's not our fault not even April's but the JUDGES who selected her.
I hope she will do us and herself proud. How would u rate her looks versus Wendy Fitzwilliams of Trinidad?
Well done April ! you dont have to look like a Miss Venezuela to be a miss universe. Some ignorant black people tend to judge beauty by the european standards. you are a pretty girl and just go to that competetion my dear and be yourself and remember whether you are placed or not you are our miss jamaica. Wear that sash with pride. The judges chose you for a purpose. all the best.
WISH U THE BEST PUT GOD FIRST, DO NOT LET IGNORANT AND SELFISH PEOLE GET U DOWN, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP ,AND DO YOUR BEST FOR THE COUNTRY BRING THAT CROWN HOME. WEAR THE SASH , DONT FELLOW HATERS THEY WILL KEEP ON HATING BE YOUR SELF DONT WATCH THEM , A U SET THE TREND APRIL
april sweetie i known ya since i was a lil girlie an dont let them dummies that dont know how great you are for the title of a miss jamaica universe try an make you feel bad , and im not just saying this because i know you but because i am honest and un-biast , i actually had a strong strong feeling you would win as soon as i hear dyou speak , it is definately about beauty aswell but hunnn you are in fact very gorjus !!!!! not because you are not brown and perfect hair an all of those things does not make you wrong for the position , so serve out your term to the best of your ability , love ya muah !!!!
