Historic 34 Miss Universe Jamaica contestants sashed
Published:Wednesday | May 15, 2024 | 12:08 AMKenrick Morgan/Gleaner Writer
Thirty-four beautiful and talented women of all shapes, ages and sizes were sashed in preparation for the Miss Universe Jamaica Grand Coronation set for July – the largest number of contestants in the event’s history.
According to the event’s organisers, while this represented new territories, it was necessary to carry out the plans surrounding the new phase they have in mind.
“We have come all the way down from over 60 persons, including applications. Sometimes we get all these applications, and it is really a small percentage that goes to eliminations, but this year we felt that we wanted to do something exciting – and for that we knew we needed numbers,” said Mark McDermoth, co-national director of the Miss Universe Jamaica franchise.
This grand vision the event organisers are executing will take Miss Universe Jamaica to higher heights by adding a reality show-type flavour to the mix.
“We will be making cuts as we get closer to the coronation, and so we will be doing that through our next phase, which is a reality-type show. The ladies will be given challenges based on the Miss Universe criteria and if they can’t execute, they will have to go,” said Karl Williams, Miss Universe Jamaica co-national director.
The duo plan to pull out all the stops as the event’s festivities march on. And, they have no choice in the matter, as they hope to impress a special guest who will help judge this year’s finale – reigning Miss Universe Sheynnis Palacios. Palacios’ visit follows that of Miss Universe 2011 Leila Lopes who visited the island in 2012.
But with lawyers, doctors, cosmetic surgeons, and entrepreneurs among the contestant’s this year, both Williams and McDermoth both believe they’re ready to host.
JUST A NUMBER
A big factor in this year’s varied contestant pool was the recent increase in the competition’s age limit.
The change was announced in September of 2023 by the Miss Universe Organization, and allowed women aged 18 years and older to participate in the global competition – up from the previous limit of 28 years old.
“Trust me, with the maximum age limit [increase] we thought it would be exciting to just pool women of different ages, personalities and identities to just throw them in the mix and see how they do,” McDermoth told The Gleaner.
The point of diversity has really started to hit home. Not only are the contestants from the four corners of Jamaica and professionals in several different fields, but they are also sprinkled across the age line.
From 59 years old to 18 years old, the national directors are filled with pride to know they are a part of history in more ways than one.
“The good thing about the age [make up] is that it gives some ladies who may have missed out on an opportunity to participate in the competition before because of their studies or pursuing their careers, another opportunity,” Williams added.
Fifty-nine-year-old Elaine Allen-Landy and 52-year-old Dr Sandra Swaby, two of the oldest competitors in the history of Miss Universe Jamaica, were sashed on Saturday night.
According to the directors, they hope to reduce the 34 contestants down to about 25. That may be easier said than done, but they hope to excite and impress while doing so.
“This year is the turning point for us – an evolution on all levels…We have reached that level where we can only go up. And all of these factors like the age range, the diversity [and a] Miss Universe coming to be a part of it with us, it is really fuelling us to do the very best we can, and we can’t wait for everyone to see how it unfolds,” McDermoth said.
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2. Jamela Rookwood - Miss FitFarm Fitness Club
3. Dr Taylor McKenzie - Miss LFD Country Store
4. Christabelle Brown - Miss Heavens Fesco
5. Shanon Johnson - Miss Gustazos Jamaica
6. Isreal Harrison - Miss Blazing Trails PR Marketing and Ad Network
7. Zanika Witter - Miss GeeJam
8. Michalia Cowan - Miss Jones Electric Moto Rewinding
9. Brithney McKenzie - Miss Jangas Sound Bar and Grill
10. Monique Millwood - Miss Berts Auto Parts
11. Tahje Bennett - Miss The Prom Shoppe
12. Shanneil Limonious - Miss Luxe 2 Die 4
13. Deidrian Downer - Miss Davidaj Creations
14. Brittany Dyke - Miss Proven Wealth
15. Tara-Chande Anaya Giles - Miss Single Track Jamaica
16. Miqualia Folks - Miss Aubyn Foundation
17. Gabrielle Boothe - Miss Mark Anthony
18. LaToya Malcolm - Miss Zone Marketing Ltd
19. Elaine Allen-Landy - Miss Vybes Vault RNB
20. Emily Hall - Miss Le Goh Studios
21. Erieka Dixon - Miss Curves
22. Sandra Swaby - Miss Lifespan
23. Aliah Clark - Miss Kanoo
24. Sara-Jade Kow - Miss Dubai Energies
25. Drucelle Mills - Miss Dermoth Williams Couture
26. Donieve Cohen - Miss Dermoth Williams Resort Wear
27. Celine Diedrick - Miss Tuskin Financial Ltd
28. Kimberly Duffus - Miss Kimanda Misses
29. Jaida Williams - Miss Virgin’s International Trading
30. Rachel Silvera - Miss Millennium Paving Stones LTD
31. Keri-Ann Greenwood - Miss Social Butterfliez
32. Kade Shippy - Miss Emirates Facial and Dental Implant Centre
33. Anastasia Thomas - Miss Perry’s Funeral Home
34. Rishema Daley - Miss Chang’s Trading Company Ltd