Simone Burke will represent Jamaica, in Manila on November 9, in the third largest global pageant, as the first Miss Earth Jamaica following her crowning at the Knutsford Court Hotel in St Andrew, on Sunday.

After a brief introduction, Ms Burke was invited onto the stage. Shortly after, the smiling but speechless Burke was sashed and crowned 'Miss Earth Jamaica', by Jo-Anne Archbald, a representative from the Ministry of Information and Culture, to the flashing of lights from a significant number of cameras. 

The criteria for the selection of the queen were not given except that Ms Burke, a former Immaculate Conception High School head girl, was chosen from a number of applicants after pre-screening and interviews and that next year, a committee will be formed to choose the new Miss Earth Jamaica.

Established in 2001 and organised by Carousel Productions, the Miss Earth pageant, which is ranked third behind Miss World and Miss Universe promotes the event to address issues concerning the environment.

Source:  Jamaica Gleaner