The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) is currently on an island-wide hunt for empowered women that fit the criteria of intelligent, culturally-aware and poised and are in turn seeking a platform to make their contributions to nation building. An agency of the Ministry of Youth & Culture, the JCDC continues its island-wide search for entrants in each parish for the 2016 Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition which closes on Monday, February 29, 2015.
With over a million dollars in cash and prizes to be won, young ladies, between 18-25 years old will first compete at the parish level, before the Grand National Coronation, which forms part of the Emancipation and Independence Celebrations.
The festival queen programme which focuses on leadership, appreciation of the role of women, creative talent, culture and community involvement, has produced some outstanding queens who have continued to make a significant contribution to building ‘Brand Jamaica’ beyond their reign.
According to JCDC Director of Marketing & Public Relations, Stephen Davidson, “The Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition which is one of JCDC’s signature programmes provides holistic development for the young ladies who enter.”
“These young women will receive training in speech and diction, poise, talent and business and social etiquette and will leave the competition ready to lead their peers in contributing to national development.” He continued.
Davidson also noted that a major component of the competition is the social outreach aspect where the contestants are encouraged to give back to their respective communities by organizing social projects, which are always well received.
Since its inception in 1963, the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition has provided opportunities for outstanding young women to leave their mark on not only Jamaica’s culture but all spheres of our nation’s development. Some of the past queens include Dr. Marsh Barnett, Jennifer ‘Jenny-Jenny’ Small, Jacinth Hall-Tracey, Dahlia Harris, Krystal Tomlinson and Kaysia Johnson.
Entry forms and other details for the 2016 Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition can be accessed on the JCDC website at www.jcdc.gov.jm the JCDC Head Office at 3-5 Phoenix Avenue in Kingston or at any JCDC Parish Office island-wide.
