Twelve women have been selected for the Miss Universe Jamaica Portland Grand Coronation on May 2 at Hotel Tim Bamboo in the parish.
From 19 to 36 years old, Shanique Rogers, director of the Miss Universe Jamaica parish in Portland, said. The Gleaner that the contestants include a diverse group of professionals – from entrepreneurs to teachers.
“This year’s representatives in Portland really represent a great mix of backgrounds, talents and personalities. I think they capture a true sense of the spirit of the parish. There is a lot of creativity and talent in this group,” said Rogers. We also had representatives in specialized fields such as quantitative analysis, as well as biotechnology and plant biology.
She said that she was impressed with the young women who showed up for the performance on February 21. “The casting call went very well. I was impressed with the enthusiasm and confidence of the women who auditioned. They came prepared, ready to play, and eager to accept the opportunity, which made the selection fun. The year’s applicants came with their goals not only well presented but also they were informed and motivated, which made the selection process exciting and competitive,” said Rogers.
Sashing for the parish took place on March 21 at Bay View Eco Resort and Spa in Port Antonio. Since the strapping ceremony, the contestants have been making great strides as they prepare for the grand crowning. “They’re really improving their skills in areas like public speaking, stage presence, and branding.” They also dedicate time to exercise, health and community service projects, to ensure they are fit and ready for the big night.
Rogers prepares competitors to do more than excel in the national competition. The winner will serve Portland as its reigning parish queen. “The woman who receives the crown of Portland needs to be a working lady; someone who understands this is not only an honor, but a real responsibility. We are looking for a real leader – someone who works hard, who deals with the community, and who embodies the values of Miss Universe Jamaica. This is a job, and we need a lady who is willing to contribute to the job, because she will speak for every aspect of Portland. Be ready, be confident, and be ready to represent Portland with Pride, we are committed to excellence, and it will be a working lady who is determined to win,” he said.
A former contestant, who has competed since his youth, Rogers said he took up the mantle as Portland parish administrator because he wanted people to recognize that the parish is about more than clean beaches and quality pork. “I was inspired by my love for Portland and the belief that this parish is a hidden gem. The national leaders reached out to me, saw something in me as a leader, and asked me to take this role, which I saw as a powerful opportunity to create a platform where women can thrive. Rain or shine, Portland is divine,” he said.
He emphasized that appeal is something he has loved since childhood. “I was runner-up in my high school competition, and from there, my passion grew. After high school, I became a local sports coach here in Portland, providing speech coaching, stage presence, and [walking]. I also served as the sports coordinator for the Portland area tournament for two consecutive years, mentoring young women along the way. Because I was competitive myself, I can see both sides. I understand the journey from stage to now leading as a director. After that, I started running in Miss Portland Festival Queen 2014, and now I reached the semi-finals of Miss Universe Jamaica 2024. I have continued to give advice, and my motto is, ‘Good preparation prevents poor production’. This principle guides every step of my leadership. ”
nicola.cunnigham@gleanerjm.com
#Portland #contestants #MUJ #set #crowned