71st Miss World pageant postponed
Published:Sunday | October 22, 2023 | 12:06 AMKeisha Hill - Senior Gleaner Writer
The 71st edition of the highly anticipated Miss World 2023 pageant, originally scheduled to be held in India this December, has been postponed to March 2024.
Co-franchise owner of Miss Jamaica World, Dahlia Harris, said licence holders were recently informed of the decision. It is believed to have been made due to the upcoming elections in India.
Contestants from around the globe were set to gather in New Delhi for the grand event, showcasing beauty, talent, and intelligence on a global stage. However, with the impending elections, organisers have deemed it necessary to reschedule the pageant to ensure the safety and security of all participants.
Contestants are expected to arrive in New Delhi on February 3, 2024, with a month of preparations and rehearsals leading up to the final event on March 2, 2024. This rescheduling allows ample time for participants to acclimatise to their surroundings, prepare for the competition, and engage with local culture.
The Miss World pageant has long been celebrated for its emphasis on philanthropy and community service. Contestants are not only judged on their physical attributes but also on their dedication to various charitable causes. This postponement offers an extended window for participants to engage in meaningful community projects, furthering the pageant’s tradition of social impact.
Harris said the postponement will not affect their plans to host the Miss Jamaica World pageant in 2024. Their event will be launched in April 2024.
“We opted not to have a pageant, so fortunately this does not affect our plans. We launch the 2024 pageant in April,” said Harris.
Jamaica last won the title in 2019 when Toni-Ann Singh brought home the crown. Singh is the longest-reigning queen in history due to the postponement the 70th Miss World competition during the height of the coronavirus pandemic.
Shanique Singh will represent Jamaica at the 71st Miss World pageant. She is a medical student at The University of the West Indies, aiming to become an obstetrician and gynaecologist, focusing on a holistic approach to women’s health.
Contestants from more than hundred countries and territories have been selected to compete at 71st Miss World. At the end of the event, Karolina Bielawska of Poland will crown her successor.