Miss Universe Jamaica Central Deidrian Downer ‘changed’ by competition
Published:Wednesday | May 1, 2024 | 12:08 AMKenrick Morgan/Gleaner Writer
Deidrian Downer, the recently crowned Miss Universe Jamaica Central, says she was always a shy and reserved girl. In fact, if it weren’t for her new-found title, Downer says she would have never even had the confidence to answer questions from The Gleaner.
“I was so so shy. But the competition really brought out this energetic part of me… that curious part of me. Even me speaking with you now, I don’t think [that] would have been possible before,” said Downer.
Deidrian isn’t the only one who noticed this change. Her father, Fitzroy Downer, is equally surprised to see the difference in his eldest child.
“For me, this experience has really helped my daughter with her development. Things I couldn’t do for her, this competition has done. For example, my daughter was always reserved and quiet, and the competition has moulded her so much so that she has this big confidence now,” Mr Downer said.
Deidrian took the top prize in an explosive performance last Saturday, when the festivities unfolded at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, Manchester.
She was selected as the favourite out of a total of nine talented and beautiful women – no easy feat. But, according to Trilissa Walker, regional director for Miss Universe Jamaica Central, all the contestants were amazing.
“The overall production went very well. We started with 10 ladies originally and then came down to nine. And these nine ladies were truly amazing and hard-working ladies. They were all passionate for their causes and I just loved the pool we got to work with,” Walker said.
So, what made Deidrian stand out? According to the regional director, it may have been her humility.
“The thing about her I think the judges really liked was her authenticity. There is something very ‘girl next door’ about her, while still being able to get on stage and turn up. So when you see Deidrian on stage, she is fantastic…but then when she gets off stage, she is able to relate to a very wide cross-section,” Walker explained.
NO REGRETS
Although several days have now passed since her crowing, Downer says she is still in disbelief. “At this point I feel like a scratch record, but I am still processing. It feels like a dream,” the 24-year-old said.
It is on this premise that she hopes to encourage other young women to enter the Miss Universe Jamaica competition.
“The person you are, compared to the person you will be, will never be the same. The level of growth you experience is out of this world. And you can look back and see the changes – you walk with your head higher, your confidence is higher, the way you speak and interact with other persons is different,” Deidrian said.
Her father echoed similar sentiments, explaining that while some concerns did arise from the experience, he had no regrets about supporting his daughter through her journey.
“To other fathers who may be in my position, just be supportive. And, if you’re not sure, do your research. While some concerns did come up, but for me they were just a part of the development process. It helped my daughter so much, and I have no regrets for supporting her,” Mr Downer said.