COK fetes Festival Queens

The bevy of talented and beautiful Festival Queens toured the COK Sodality Co-operative Credit Union's head offices on Slipe Road last Thursday evening, ahead of Tuesday's coronation. Marketing and sales manager Emma Thomas took the 13 queens on a walk down memory lane with the story of the founding of COK in 1967 with total shares of £60, and a membership of 13, to today's multimillion-dollar enterprise and islandwide membership of over 270,000.

After visiting the various departments, the contestants were treated to a reception and addressed by COK's CEO, Ambassador Aloun Assamba, via Skype. She wished them well in their endeavours, while noting her own role as a former chair of the National Festival Queen Competition.

"This has been the premier competition in recognising the worth and vibe of the Jamaican woman, and is the leading vehicle to spread cultural awareness, as the main platform for showcasing intelligent, culturally aware and poised Jamaican young women seeking to contribute to nation building," she stated.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of items in song, drama and poetry by the young women who delivered moving renditions of Jamaican folk expression and popular music.