Miss Universe Jamaica Central embraces diversity and inclusion
Second regional showdown set for tonight
Published:Saturday | April 27, 2024 | 12:08 AMKwela Cole/ Gleaner Writer
The Miss Universe Jamaica Central pageant made history last year in crowning Ayanna Powell-Myles, a wife and mother, following adjustments to the previously rigid Miss Universe International eligibility requirements. This year the central arm of the Miss Universe Jamaica body continues steadily in the same vein of history and inclusion. The pageant’s coronation ceremony tonight, will see women over the previous age limit of 27, as well as a mother among the pool of nine ladies, compete for the 2024 title.
Trilissa Walker, regional manager of the pageant, is enthusiastic about her 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica Central cohort of prospects and about the relaxing of rules, allowing for more women to have a chance at the crown.
“A mere two years ago [these women entering Miss Universe Jamaica Central] would not have been possible. We also had applicants who would have passed the previous age limit of 27 years old. We are encouraged that this trend will continue,” she told The Gleaner.
Out of the nine beauty queens competing for the Jamaica Central title at the Golfview Hotel in Mandeville on Saturday, one will be crowned and achieve the automatic placement in the national pageant. However, all will walk away with an experience enriched with the practical skills necessary to make them ambassadors of brand Jamaica. Walker shared that the two months of training the ladies have had– from sashing to coronation– have been marked by field trips to local scenic and historical sites and training courses curated to hone their development into the ultimate potential representatives for their country at the international level.
“The ladies have gone through a gruelling two and a half months of training and they have progressed far beyond expectations. They’ve each completed the Team Jamaica Course with Yaneke Sailsman, which is a course under TPDCo that focuses on all things Jamaica and the tourist industry. Each lady is now certified to work in the tourist industry. They’ve also visited Accompong and learned about the Maroon history, Camp Irie, Jake’s Treasure Beach, and Lovers Leap. The development of each lady is the main focus of the pageant, and their ability to communicate their ideas clearly has been one of the most important aspects of the competition.”
Reigning queen Ayanna Powell-Myles has had an exceptional tenure as Miss Universe Jamaica Central. Throughout their pageant journey, all contestants are tasked with spearheading an altruistic project to raise awareness for a chosen social cause. Powell-Myles dedicated her time as queen to shedding light on kidney disease and its impact, organising various fundraising events to support patients across Jamaica. The 2024 recipient of the coveted MUJC title will have her inspiring footsteps to follow. After meeting with the nine contestants of the regional pageant, Ayanna is confident that the next exceptional queen is among them.
“I have met with the girls and I must say that they are beyond excited and ready to turn some heads on coronation night. They have been training diligently and are a very competitive batch, so may the best queen win.”
The Miss Universe Jamaica Central pageant promises to be a fierce competition marked by beauty, intelligence and activism. Walker has expressed her excitement for a showdown four weeks in the making. According to her, the contestants have had hands-on roles in the event and are excited to show audiences the fruit of their labour. The winner of MUJC will become the second beauty queen achieving official contestant status in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant joining the recently named Miss Universe Jamaica East 2024 Keri-Ann Greenwood.
“The ladies have been working to present the best show to the audience. We will be at the Golfview Hotel in Mandeville. Cocktail hour begins at 6:30 p.m. with complimentary pasta dishes from Nella’s Pasta and specially curated cocktails created by the contestants, on sale. The show will kick off at 7:30 p.m. and promises to be engaging and just an overall good time!”