Kingston, March 21, 2024– The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) is reminding young women across the island that the deadline for the submission of entries for the highly anticipated Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition has been extended to March 31, 2024.

 

The Festival Queen competition has it’s eliminations each year at the Parish level, with each Parish staging their own coronation show to select the Parish representative to the national finals – the National Festival Queen Coronation, which this year is slated for Sunday August 4 inside the Independence Village at the National Indoor Sports centre, National Stadium Complex.

 

 Lenford Salmon, Executive Director at the JCDC, in emphasizing the significant opportunities the Festival Queen Competition provides for young women aged 18 to 25 years outlined that:

 

"The Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition is more than just a beauty pageant; it is a transformative journey that equips young women with essential skills and experiences to thrive in various aspects of life. Through participation in the Competition, contestants have the opportunity to develop self-confidence, master proper etiquette, hone vocal clarity and eloquence, refine makeup skills, and elevate their overall poise and deportment. Additionally, they have the privilege of meeting esteemed leaders of the country, including the Governor General, the Prime Minister as well as to network with other experts in their chosen professional field.”

 

Salmon further highlighted the profound impact the competition has had on the lives of past contestants, stating, "The experience garnered through the Festival Queen Competition has served as a platform for countless women to advance in their careers, with many becoming broadcasters, lawyers, top boardroom executives, and making meaningful contributions in other fields. Participants have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Governor-General's Achievement Awards and Chevening Scholarship.”

 

One of the unique aspects of the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition is its focus on personal growth and development. Salmon reassured potential contestants that perfection is not a prerequisite for entry, as the training provided throughout the competition journey facilitates the development that is showcased on coronation night.

 

"We want to emphasize that participants do not need to worry about being 'perfect' to enter the competition. The training process is designed to nurture and refine their skills, whether it's speaking eloquently, mastering the art of walking gracefully in heels, or any other aspect of their presentation," Salmon added.

 

Applications for the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition can be submitted online at www.jcdc.gov.jm up to midnight on March 31, 2024. Interested individuals are encouraged to seize this opportunity to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and empowerment.