KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Miss Universe Jamaica runner-up and another woman, who have cross cases against each other on assault charges, were referred to mediation when they appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday.

It is alleged that on March 29, 2024, Rachel Silvera, the first runner-up in the Miss Universe Jamaica 2022 pageant, and Joanna Russell were travelling in a motor car along Stony Hill main road in St Andrew when an argument developed over one of the accused wanting to go home while the other did not.

The argument escalated into a fight in which Russell is accused of punching Silvera in the face while Silvera is accused of scratching Russell and biting her finger, the court was told.

Reports were made and the women were charged with assault occasioning bodily harm.

Presiding Judge Carlo Mason, after hearing the details of the case, asked the women if they were open to mediation to which they responded in the affirmative.

Silvera and Russell are set to return to court June 28, 2024.

– Vanessa James