Following the recent crowning of all 13 parish queens, the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition is now gearing up for National Coronation which is set for Thursday, August 1, at the National Arena. Organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition aims to select the most brilliant and promising young woman among the 13 parish queens who will then go on to become Jamaica’s cultural ambassador.

 The Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition has catapulted the careers of countless young Jamaican women for over 50 years. The programme focuses extensively on the pivotal role of women in society in various capacities. Some of the more notable past queens include Dr. Marsha Barnett, Jennifer ‘Jenny-Jenny’ Small, Jacinth Hall-Tracey, Dahlia Harris, Krystal Tomlinson and Kaysia Johnson.

  “Each year, the girls who are selected are those who best represent the brilliance and resilience of the Jamaica woman. Our theme for the competition this year is Strong Jamaican Woman: Woman of Culture, which is fitting as I believe our 13 parish queens are indeed strong women of culture.” said Andrew Clunis, Director of Marketing and Public Relations at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission.

 Not only are the potential Festival Queens intelligent and culturally aware, but they also represent the many different elements that speak boldly of the strength of the Jamaican woman. Clunis says each contestant brings their own flavor from their own home parishes and together they are a melting pot of the very best Jamaica has to offer.

 Clunis is confident that the 2019 lineup is sure to produce a Festival Queen for the history books.

 “That this competition should produce well rounded and progressive thinking young women is tradition at this point. However, I believe each year, these young women never cease to amaze. it is remarkable that for over 50 years, we have seen this programme groom and showcase such upstanding businesswomen and cultural figures.” he added. 

This year’s competitors include  Isha Nation Miss Manchester; Tamara Mcpherson Miss St Elizabeth; AnnaKay Hudson Miss Kingston and St Andrew; Khamara Wright Miss St. Catherine; ​ Chantalle Bryan Miss St Ann ; Dru-Lissa Grant Miss St Thomas; Reneise Johnson Miss Hanover;​ Elieza White Miss Portland; ​ Kimona Roache Miss Westmoreland; Nordi-Kaye Wiggan, Miss Trelawny; Sachique Williams, Miss St Mary; Chardonnae Parkins ​ Miss St. James;  ​ and Alecia Byfield Miss Clarendon.

 Tickets for the event are available at the JCDC Head Office, Independence Village, and Fontana Pharmacy locations, specifically Barbican, Ocho Rios, Mandeville, and Montego Bay.

 The competition is sponsored by Popeyes, JF Mills, This is Really Great Yogurt, Lasco Money, and Excelsior.