2 weeks ago
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As the exciting chapter of Rachel Silvera’s reign as Miss Universe Jamaica 2024 draws to a close, the nation is set to welcome a new queen who will carry the country’s flag on the global stage. The highly anticipated coronation will take place tonight at the AC Hotel Kingston, starting at 8:30 p.m.
For Silvera, her year with the crown has been nothing short of life-changing. “Winning the crown has been absolutely surreal. It has changed my life for the better. I have grown so much, become more polished, more aware, and I now see myself as someone who must inspire and empower every single day, especially for the children watching,” she told The Gleaner.
Among her many highlights, representing Jamaica on the international stage in Mexico remains an unforgettable memory. She was also honoured to be appointed to the board of directors for the Natural History Museum of Jamaica by Minister Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange — an achievement she describes as both humbling and inspiring.
As she prepares to pass on the title, Silvera offers heartfelt advice to the contestants vying for the crown: “Have fun. The judges can always tell when you are enjoying yourself, and that energy excites the audience. Create those moments of anticipation every time you step on stage.”
For the new queen, she offers thoughtful and important insights, “It is a huge adjustment and requires sacrifice, but focus on the bigger picture and the benefits. It is worth it.”
As for Silvera, her future plans include completing her pharmacy degree, advancing her education and career.
Co-national director of the Miss Universe Jamaica franchise, Mark McDermoth shared that this year’s final will feature 27 accomplished women from across the island. The competition began with 30 contestants at the sashing showcase, but three withdrew for personal reasons.
“This batch is truly exceptional, there are many special qualities with this batch of contestants” McDermoth noted. “We have two medical doctors, two attorneys, an engineer, two dancers, a poet, an actress, and even a 51-year-old marketer, a wife and mother of two; and so much more. The list is just endless. They have all shown tremendous heart by adopting 10 girls from the Annie Dawson Home for Children, as part of the Hyundai Miss Universe Jamaica GOGETTER initiative, and are mentoring them and enriching their lives.”
McDermoth revealed that there are no “easy standouts” this year – a rare occurrence in pageantry.
“It is very interesting this year, as there are no easy standouts. Everyone has been commenting on the level of growth that they have seen since the pageant began, which we attribute to the length of this year’s training programme. At three months, it’s perhaps the longest training period/pageant run in Jamaica’s history, and the results speak volumes.”
The new queen will go on to compete in the international leg of the competition, scheduled for late November in Thailand.
English (US) ·