Kingston, Jamaica- For 22-year-old Moy-Ann Reid, becoming Miss St. Elizabeth Festival Queen 2026 is more than a title; it is an opportunity to combine her passion for service, culture, and innovation to make a lasting impact on the lives of young Jamaicans.

The aspiring Mechanical Engineer, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Engineering degree at the University of Technology (UTech), emerged victorious at the parish coronation and also captured the sectional award for Most Poised, a fitting recognition for a young woman whose confidence and determination have already distinguished her both academically and within her community.

Her victory was celebrated alongside the accomplishments of fellow contestants. Kimiko Watson was named first runner-up and earned the sectional awards for Most Congenial, Most Active in the Community, and Most Popular on Social Media, while Tasheka Salmon, who secured second runner-up honours, captured the sectional award for Best Performance.

Moy-Ann's journey reflects the spirit of this year's competition theme, "The Jamaican Woman: Beauty Without Boundaries." In a field traditionally dominated by men, she is breaking barriers and proving that talent, resilience, and leadership know no limits.

"I embody 'The Jamaican Woman: Beauty Without Boundaries' by excelling in a traditionally male-dominated field while remaining committed to leadership, service, and personal growth," she explained. "To me, beauty without boundaries means having the confidence, resilience, and compassion to break barriers and positively impact the lives of others."

Her achievements extend far beyond the competition stage. Moy-Ann recently authored a research paper examining the integration of battery storage into Jamaica's existing electricity grid, reflecting her deep interest in sustainable energy solutions. She is also proud to be the first engineer in her family, a milestone that speaks to her determination and commitment to excellence.

Adding to her unique perspective is the experience of having lived in the Turks and Caicos Islands for three years, broadening her outlook while strengthening her appreciation for Jamaican culture and identity. For Moy-Ann, the Festival Queen Competition offered a natural platform to celebrate that identity while serving her parish.

"I entered the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition because it provides a unique platform to celebrate and preserve Jamaica's rich culture while serving as an ambassador for my parish," she said. " As someone passionate about youth development, community service and cultural preservation, I saw the competition as an opportunity to use my voice to inspire others and make a meaningful impact."

Central to that mission is her community project, The Blue Circle, an initiative dedicated to supporting children and adolescents living with diabetes. Through education, mentorship, wellness activities, awareness campaigns, and a planned diabetes camp, the project seeks to create a safe and empowering space for young people and their families.

"The Blue Circle is designed to support children and adolescents living with diabetes by creating a safe and empowering environment where they can access education, mentorship, and peer support," Moy-Ann shared. "I hope the project will foster a stronger support network, encourage healthier lifestyles, and improve the overall quality of life for young persons living with diabetes across Jamaica."

Her vision for the future is equally ambitious. She hopes to contribute to Jamaica's sustainable development through research and innovation in the energy sector, while eventually becoming a lecturer and mentor to aspiring engineers.

As Miss St. Elizabeth Festival Queen, Moy-Ann intends to use the national platform to amplify her advocacy efforts, raise awareness about diabetes, and inspire young people to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles they may face.

As she prepares to represent St. Elizabeth at the national level, Moy-Ann Reid stands as a shining example of the modern Jamaican woman, driven by purpose and determined to create positive change. Through engineering, advocacy, and service, she is proving that true beauty lies not only in achievement but also in the ability to uplift others along the way.