Kingston, Jamaica- As Jamaica approaches the 62nd anniversary of its Independence, the race is now on to determine the 13 Parish Queens who will journey to Independence Village, National Stadium to vie for the coveted crown of Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2024. These ambassadors will proudly represent their respective parishes at the highly anticipated grand coronation show on Sunday August 4, 2024.
The recent crowning of educator Sornia Samuels as Miss Hanover on June 1 has ignited excitement and anticipation for the upcoming coronations, including St. Thomas, St. Elizabeth, and St. Ann all of which will unfold this coming weekend.
St. Thomas will crown its Festival Queen on Saturday, June 8, during what promises to be a spectacular show at the Colonel Cove Complex in Morant Bay, starting at 8:00 pm. Seven contestants will vie for that prestigious title. They are Shemeka Kelly- Miss J ‘N’ R Cousins & Company; Shaniel Hay- Miss Bryford Rentals; Ricole Parsley- Miss Pow Protection and Security Services; Anna Kay Pryce -Miss St. Thomas Renaissance Inc.; Dontay Higgins -Miss Albert’s Pizza; Stephena Edwards -Miss Intown Diagnostic and Optical Limited, and Norma Lee White -Miss Supermed Lloyds Pharmacy.
St. Thomas has claimed the national title only twice in the competition's history, with Jacqueline Stultz in 1986 and Alisha Morgan in 2007. However, the organizers have renewed confidence, acknowledging the strength of this year’s pick of contestants.
The highly anticipated coronation in St. Elizabeth, famously known as the 'Bread Basket' parish, will take place on Saturday, June 8, starting at 8:30 pm, at the St. Elizabeth Technical High School in Santa Cruz. Ten aspirants are vying for this coveted title.
They are Kevena Rowe- Miss Windross Tours; Omolora Wilson- Miss Darren’s Food Palace & Caterers; Natalya Henry- Miss Sainty Car Rental; Bionca Bowen-Miss Journey Line Ltd and Serena Bruce - Miss Las Vegas Café. Jehvena Josephs- Miss Travart Visit Shop & Bar; Mackala Chambers- Miss Dunrich Cycles; Tanya Bramwell- Miss Wealth 500 Care Spa; Ashley Johnson- Miss Cawley’s Pharmacy; and Jonoya Whinstanley- Miss Courierjamaica.com.
Since they were formally revealed at the Sashing Ceremony on Saturday, May 4, the contestants have been involved in a number of official engagements and an intense training in preparation for Saturday’s show. St Elizabeth has only ever won the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen competition once when Dainalyn Swaby swept the title in 2017.
The 'Garden Parish' of St Ann takes centre stage on Sunday, June 9, as six exceptional young women showcase their talents at the Holiday Haven Resort in Runaway Bay, starting at 7:00 pm. The contestants, Bianca Johnson – Miss Square One Supermarket; Sonyah James – Miss Acid Protective Service; Chrisantia Brown – Miss New Windsor Pharmacy; Keshaunna Watkis – Miss Beauty Statement; Terest Brown - Miss Tents N’ More; and Onecia Thadian Henry – Miss Double D Promotions, are set to give the performance of their lifetime.
St Ann has won the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen competition on three occasions. Kemesha Kelly crowned Miss Jamaica Festival Queen for Jamaica's 50th Independence anniversary in 2012; Kamesha Turner won in 2009 while Jacinth Hall won in 1992
Lenford Salmon, the Executive Director of the JCDC, calls upon Jamaicans to rally behind the Festival Queen contestants in their respective parishes, outlining that "the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen competition provides a platform for highlighting the uniqueness of each parish, with the contestants not only representing themselves but also their communities. This year's group of contestants has demonstrated exceptional qualities, showcasing inner beauty, intelligence, talent, and a commitment to service. I therefore encourage everyone to attend. The shows are free and roster of guest artistes are expected to deliver top-notch performances alongside the talent pieces from the contestants.”
