The Sean Lavery Faith Hall in Savanna-la-Mar was alive with elegance, vibrant culture, and deep parish pride June 8, as residents from across Westmoreland gathered to witness the crowning of their new Festival Queen. Seven talented young women took to the stage, each vying for the prestigious title—and by night’s end, 26-year-old attorney-at-law and civil servant, Jhenelle Small, emerged victorious.
Small’s coronation was met with roaring applause in a packed hall buzzing with community spirit. But beyond her poised presence and radiant smile, what sets her apart is a powerful vision: to launch “Justice on Wheels,” a pioneering mobile legal outreach programme aimed at delivering essential legal services directly to rural communities across Westmoreland to ensure rural residents receive the justice and support they deserve.
As she prepares to represent her parish at the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Coronation on August 2, at the Jamaica 63 Independence Village at the National Indoor Sports Centre in Kingston, Small is determined to use her platform to dismantle barriers to justice and empower residents who have long faced challenges in accessing legal support.
Representing Dionne N.S. Meyler & Associates, Small impressed judges with her grace, cultural insight, and compelling stage presence, earning three sectional titles—Most Poised, Most Active in the Community, and Most Culturally Aware.
Reflecting on her win, Small shared, “This journey has required sacrifice, and I believe God rewards those sacrifices. Along the way, I have gained so many sisters and learned so much. I am thrilled to represent the wonderful parish of Westmoreland.”
Her achievement is being celebrated as a beacon of inspiration—especially in a parish still aspiring to repeat the success of its only national winner, Katrina Grant D’Aguilar, who claimed the crown in 2008.
“I strongly believe that Westmoreland’s chances this year in the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen competition are very high," said Coretta Spence, Parish Manager for JCDC Westmoreland. "Since 1985, Westmoreland has produced 14 top-three winners, including a national winner in 2008—so this victory has been a long time coming. I have every confidence in Jhenelle. She is intelligent, talented, and poised, with a passion that truly shines. Westmoreland is ready, and we are coming to claim the crown this year.”
The competition featured seven contestants showcasing their talents and patriotism. Kimberley Staple, sponsored by Royale Pharmacy, was named first runner-up, while Euleley Graham of Infinity Dreams Entertainment Complex earned third place along with Most Popular on Social Media and Best Performance awards.
Small’s crowning was a moment of overwhelming pride and emotion for her family.
“She came into this world a fighter,” said her mother, Marcia Shaw. “She fought through her studies and graduated from law school with that same spirit. Jhenelle, thank you for becoming the incredible woman you are today.”
Her father, James Small, added, “Jhenelle is a proud woman of God. We affirm her as a champion of cause and ambassador for Christ. She is showing young women that you can serve God, serve your community, and serve your country.”
The newly crowned queen credited much of her success to mentorship and faith. “I must thank Miss Jessica Davidson from Manning’s School, the first person who encouraged me to enter. Preparing took long hours of study, practice, prayer, and fasting. I am ready to represent Westmoreland with excellence—the crème de la crème.”
She is the second attorney-at-law to be crowned this year, joining Fiona Dacosta, Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen. Both will compete for the national crown this August.
The Festival Queen Competition, produced by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), celebrates young women who embody leadership, cultural pride, and community service. This year’s event is supported by national sponsors including the CHASE Fund, Airports Authority of Jamaica, National Housing Trust, HEART/NSTA Trust, PICA, and Excelsior.
As Small looks ahead to nationals, her message to Westmoreland and Jamaica is clear: “Expect nothing but excellence. Jhenelle Small is coming for the crown.”
