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The Miss Jamaica World competition has once again returned to crown one exceptional woman who will represent Jamaica on the world stage with poise, grace, and the can-do attitude the pageant is known for.
This year, the competition returns to a regional format, hosting smaller events across four regions that lead into the national finals. According to co-franchise holder Dahlia Harris, this was done to help the contestants perform at their best in a familiar environment.
Miss Universe Jamaica takes this approach with its regional competitions, staging Miss Universe Jamaica East, Central, West, Northwest, and Northeast.
“Going with the regional format gives the ladies an opportunity to do their early prep in an environment that is more comfortable. It’s closer to where they live, and so by the time they get to the nationals, they are ready to compete at a high level,” Harris told The Sunday Gleaner.
Harris explained that she was happy with the progress each region had been making. All four have already done a sashing and are currently executing their fast-track events, such as the northern region’s beach beauty competition and the eastern region’s talent show.
While the fast-track events take place, one thing Harris and her team of organisers are most excited to see is how well regional coordinators align with the national competition’s goals and mandate.
“One of the things I admire about the regional franchise holders is that they see [themselves] in alignment. They are a part of a whole, and so they don’t try to compete against each other. Each region is using their strengths to support [the] other,” Harris said.
“We are looking for one Miss Jamaica World, and whether she comes from north, south, east, or west, she will be representing us all. So I am happy they see it as a collective effort,” she added.
The co-franchise owner went on to explain that three ladies would be moving on from each region to the nationals, and then an open call would be done for another eight contestants, bringing the total number to 20.
BEAUTY WITH A PURPOSE
According to Harris, “Wearing the crown is not just about getting up and putting on the crown and taking photos. It is very long hours. So you have to have a real purpose or else it will become tedious.”
These are a few of the words of wisdom and encouragement she dishes out to her contestants as they aim to reach the top spot. In fact, Harris explained that this is one of the main points she and her team stress with contestants.
“We are very big on beauty with a purpose and staying in alignment with what the Miss World requirements are because at the end of the day, our job is to select a young lady who will make a global difference, not just a local difference,” Harris added.
Activities play a crucial role in the pageant prep process.
“The activities we engage in at a national level will tell us who [those persons are and their real passions] and purpose. Sometimes [people] will come to a pageant final and say, ‘Oh, why didn’t this girl win? She’s so gorgeous!’ But what we are looking at is how you used your beauty to make a difference,” Harris said.
“If that is not it, if you’re not making a difference, then you’re not Miss Jamaica World,” she added. To her next potential queen, Harris is advising her to be bold.
“You know, take a chance on yourself. I’d like to tell them that there’s only one crown, but everybody walks away from the experience being more fulfilled than they entered, and so I just always encourage them to come and be a part of the training, the development, the exposure. And if you are passionate about something and you want a platform, you can elevate the passion, Miss Jamaica World is it,” Harris told The Sunday Gleaner.
The Miss Jamaica World grand coronation will take place in October.
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