Manhattan may erupt in fire, on Wednesday, August 18, when Miss Trinidad & Tobago New York launches its 2004 production at Club Mumbai, 250 West 26th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues.

The annual press party, also opened to the public, at $10 at the door, begins at 7PM sharp. The evening will showcase 16 bold, bright, and beautiful contestants, center stage, ranging in ages 17 to 27, as they give patrons a taste of what young women in New York's Trinidad & Tobago community have to offer in terms of brains and beauty.

Billed as the steamiest press party ever, this annual pre-pageant showcase of contestants participating in the 8th Annual Miss Trinidad & Tobago New York, will feature a sizzling hot swimsuit collection by Jewel Shannon, Barbados' finest designer and modeled by past Miss Trinidad & Tobago New York contestants.

According to Shannon, 30 of the hottest swimsuits will ignited when they hit the sun glazed tropical skins of these young women. Patrons can expect a night of heat, high energy and high voltage presentations and performances. Atlantic recording artist Kevin Lyttle also plans to fan the flames with his steamy hit.

Catherine Sui, the reigning Miss Trinidad & Tobago New York will host the event. Sui will give up her crown to one of the new ladies on Sunday, September 19, at Pace University, Spruce Street, in lower Manhattan, when the pageant climaxes in a night of regal splendor.

"This year, we will up the ante, and set the press party ablaze. It is all about energy and at Miss T&T New York, we have energy to burn," said Renee Cummings, pageant director. "Alize will help heat up the evening with one hour of free drinks. There will also be a complimentary buffet of some of the most mouth-watering Caribbean dishes. Wednesday night will never be the same," she added.

Each guest can also expect a free workout pass from Crunch Fitness Gym which "warmly welcomes all, regardless of shape, size, sex or ability" and complimentary copies of Smooth Magazine, among other gifts and prizes.

"Caribbean people, come out and support, that's all we ask. Come and enjoy a fun filled evening, free food, free drinks, and fabulous company. It is an event you don't want to miss" said Cummings.

Who are the Miss Trinidad & Tobago New York 2004 contestants: Cherise Alibey, 22, a classical pianist, and recent graduate of New York University with a BA in French Linguistics, Natalie Armorer, 23, pursuing a degree in Accounting at BMCC-Borough of Manhattan Community College, Laurita Dopwell, a 17 year old high school student of Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuelan heritage with aspiration to become a fashion designer, Renee Durham, 18, a freshman at Baruch College, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Business Law, Kamilah Hughes, 23, pursuing a nursing degree at New York Technical Institute, Safiya Hurdle, a 17 yearold high school student, Appolonia Mark, 18, a Nursing Anaesthesiology and Forensic Science student at Medgar Evers College, Kenyba McLean, a 17 year old high school student and a steelpan soloist, Calistia Nanton, a 24 year-old certified interior designer, Melissa Phillip, a 27 year old, fraud investigator with a BA in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice, Tasanyia Sebro, 21, studying Speech Pathology with a minor in fricana Studies and SUNY Binghampton, Kahalia Solano 18, a journalism freshman at PENN State University, Mala Subran, 23, a Biology and Chemistry major with a minor in Psychology, Crystal Voisin, a 20 year-old Fashion Merchandising student at SUNY Onienta, Candice Warde, a 20 year-old pre-law student at BMCC, and Honor Webster, 25, majoring in Information Technology at Medgar Evers College.

Photo Caption: Catherine Sui, Miss Trinidad &Tobago New York 2003 will host the event.

For More Information Contact Renee Cummings at 212-340-1334 or email missttny@hotmail.com or reborntowrite@aol.com

SEE YOU ON WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 7PM SHARP, $10 AT THE DOOR.

PRESS MUST RSVP BY EMAIL TO missttny@hotmail.com