New Miss Universe Jamaica to be named December 12

A new Miss Universe Jamaica (MUJ) will be announced on Saturday, December 12.

The 2020 Bahia Principe Miss Universe Jamaica Beauty, Fashion and Wellness Pageant was originally set for November 28, but was postponed due to inclement weather.

“The weather conditions for the past few weeks have impacted us severely, from the contestants’ training programmes to sponsorship activations and engagement,” said MUJ co-director Mark McDermoth. “We felt it best to take an additional few weeks to get everything in better order before broadcasting,” he continued.

The virtual coronation will feature pageant and runway coach Lu Celania Sierra as a special guest.

Lu Sierra, who is also a model, will train the new titleholder in a special Miss Universe Jamaica beauty boot camp.

The intensive week-long training plan – designed by the organisation to immerse the title winner in a broad-based regime – will focus on the new queen’s stage walk and presentation, interview skills, nutrition, grooming, wardrobe, etiquette, fitness and exercise, hair styling, make-up techniques, personal branding, public speaking and media relations.

This is part of the organisers’ strategy to fully prepare the title winner to represent Jamaica at the 69th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, which is to be held next year.

“Having Lu visit Jamaica and work with the title winner has been a long-time dream of the Miss Universe Jamaica Organisation, and we are ecstatic that she will be finally here as part of this year’s programme to do this,” says co-director Karl Williams.

Lu Sierra responded by saying, “Jamaica, I can’t wait, I’m very excited to be with you and to work with your title winner, it’s going to be fun!”

Ten finalists were sashed on November 8, during a virtual sashing ceremony hosted at The R Hotel.

They are Kimberly Dawkins, Monique Thomas, Ashanti Findley, Abigail Pinnock, Briana Russell, Liniesha Davis, Alexia Royal Eatmon, Shanique Thompson, Miqueal-Symone Williams, and Samantha Williams.

All will make their altruism presentation on social media. This will allow users to not only to see and hear the incredible philanthropic endeavours the contestants have undertaken first hand, but fans can lend support to their favourite contestants’ efforts, as well.

This year contestants were asked to consider initiatives that would help the nation in its fight against the novel coronavirus. Some of the projects include programmes to assist children with tablets, Wi-Fi and data transmission, assistance for the elderly, mental counselling, rural electrification, among other acts of kindness.

The pageant with be broadcast exclusively on FLOW 1 TV.