Kingston, Jamaica — What began as a personal vision has become a reality for the 2026 Kingston and St Andrew Festival Queen, Danielle Cox, who officially launched The Refinery: Becoming, Not Broken on Friday, October 16, 2026, at the Louise Bennett Garden Theatre in Kingston.
As part of her responsibilities as parish Festival Queen, Cox chose to empower teenage mothers, a cause close to her heart as her own mother had her during her teenage years. Through the initiative, she hopes to provide access to education, mentorship and opportunities for personal and economic development, helping young mothers recognise their potential and pursue their ambitions.
The occasion was particularly meaningful as she welcomed young mothers from the Women's Centre of Jamaica Foundation as specially invited guests. The event brought them together with educational institutions, sponsors and other partners to explore opportunities that could help them build brighter futures.
“This moment is the manifestation of a dream, of a vision that I genuinely believe the Lord has given to me. It means being able to share the value He has deposited in me and to share love, light and opportunities through this foundation. It's the beginning of something great,” she said.
That vision has already attracted tangible support. The Bob & Rita Marley Foundation contributed $150,000 towards the project, helping to fund the launch and its activities, while Wilmots Academy provided two full scholarships for Women's Centre students to pursue practical nursing. The Centre will select the two beneficiaries.
Cox also donated a stove to the Women's Centre from the prizes she received after winning the parish Festival Queen title. The appliance will support students in practical food preparation and examination preparation.
Beyond the presentations, the launch connected students with a range of educational and career opportunities. Participating institutions included Northern Caribbean University, the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean, the University of Technology, Jamaica, the University of the West Indies, Mona, Caribbean Maritime University, Shortwood Teachers' College, the Jamaica Defence Force's Caribbean Military Academy, the Department of Correctional Services, and National Commercial Bank. Career counselling was also provided by Jilesa Hudson.
Acting Centre Manager at the Morant Bay Women's Centre, Ashekia Walters, welcomed the initiative, noting its alignment with the Centre's A-STREAM programme, which supports adolescent mothers through mentorship and educational assistance. Speaking on behalf of the students, she also shared their appreciation for the experience, particularly the engaging presentation by keynote speaker Tishauna Mullings, the performance by Rhoda Isabella and the opportunity to explore the various information booths.
For Cox, however, the greatest achievement will be seeing the young women move forward with renewed confidence and determination.
“I want them to know that regardless of the situation, they should be able to forge forward. Once they do so, they will come out on the other side for sure,” she encouraged.
Her journey demonstrates how the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition provides young women with opportunities to discover their potential, develop their leadership abilities and use their talents to make a meaningful difference in their communities.
As Jamaica prepares to celebrate its 65th anniversary of Independence, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) is encouraging young Jamaican women to follow in Cox's footsteps and take their leadership potential to the next level through the Festival Queen Competition. Entries for the 2027 competition open on Sunday, November 1, 2026, with online registration at https://jcdc.awardsplatform.com/. Information on entry requirements and competition deadlines will also be available on the JCDC's website and social media pages.
