1 month ago
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WESTERN BUREAU:
Loud cheers filled the Black River Theatre at the Iberostar Hotel in St James on Sunday night, as Kadé-Jah Baker, a former Montego Bay junior mayor, captured the coveted 2025 Miss St James Festival Queen title.
Baker, a 20-year-old law student, who wore the sash B&S Shutter Care and More, was all smiles as the crown was placed on her head. She was subsequently presented with her trophy and bouquet, signalling the beginning of her reign and triumph over eight other contenders.
“It was definitely an invigorating experience, and I understand that all the ladies here were definitely worthy of the title,” said Baker, a resident of West Green in St James. “I am just so grateful that all my hard work and dedication has paid off. I am eternally grateful and ready to represent my parish.”
In addition to the main prize, Baker also won the sectional prizes for Most Culturally Aware and Most Active in Community, in the competition, which was held under the theme, ‘The Jamaican Woman: Proud and Bold’.
During the competition, the sectional prize for Most Poised went to second-place winner Annecia Gordon, while third-placed Gavandra Gray claimed the prize for Most Popular on Social Media. Fellow contestant Isheika Richards claimed the prizes for Best Performance and Most Congenial.
Speaking about her project objectives as St James’ new festival queen, Baker said that she wants to increase civic awareness and the retention of Jamaican culture in schools, as well as raise animal and environmental awareness among young people.
“I do believe that as citizens, we have a duty to protect our environment, especially in a time [of] climate change,” said Baker. The reason why I decided to focus on these issues is because young people are not necessarily engaged with them, so as festival queen, I would like to invoke that engagement within young people, so that they understand that they do have a part to play within these aspects.”
“When it comes to civics, and when it comes to environmental protection, it is not for a niche group, it is a duty for us, as citizens, to ensure that we exercise those rights,” noted Baker.
Meanwhile, in her farewell message, Toni-Shea Grey, the 2024 St James Festival Queen, advised her successor to be humble in carrying out her new role.
“This past year has been nothing short of extraordinary. It has challenged me to constantly show up as my best self, to wear my responsibility with pride, and to give to you, my people, unrelenting service,” said Grey. “To the incoming queen, my advice to you is simple – lead with heart and serve with humility. You are about to embark on an incredible journey of self-discovery and service. Give your best, as this role does not require perfection; it requires purpose.”
Baker is the latest parish-level festival queen from western Jamaica to receive her crown, ahead of the national Jamaica Festival Queen 2025 competition on August 2. Attorney Jhenelle Small was crowned Miss Westmoreland Festival Queen, educator Ashley-Nicole Lawrence was named Miss Hanover Festival Queen, and social worker Dalian Watson claimed the title of Miss Trelawny Festival Queen.
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