When I entered the JCDC (Jamaica Cultural Development Commission) Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen Competition 2025, just a few hours shy of the deadline, I wasn’t battling self-doubt. Instead, I was making a deliberate decision to re-enter the public domain after years of keeping a low profile. It was a bold step because I had grown to love a quieter life. Free from public opinion. Free from trends. Free from social validations.
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Still something stirred in me. I recalled the Law of Tradeoffs. I assessed my personal values using my “growth meter”. I decided that, the impact I want to make in our society would need a platform, a spring board. In brainstorming productive yet, fun things to do, the Jamaica Festival Queen Competition came to mind. I concluded, that the desire I have to help others grow, required me to step out of the shadows. This is something I talk about in my e-book Evoke Your Growth.
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Winning the crown is only one part of the story. I’m yet to be dazzled by it. The real prize is in the transformation, the influence, the cultural preservation and the chance to help others unlock their own growing potential.
I cannot begin to imagine the immense pride young girls from my community already have, just from the coronation on Saturday, May 31, 2025. I see a brightly shining look of hope and aspiration when the little girls shout “Fee!” and smile to tell me about their wonderful experience watching the show and/or cheering me on.
Not only have they seen the fancy evening wear parade, they have also seen me articulating myself, they have seen me collect awards that have nothing to do with the current trends, they have seen me represent “them” as a woman they know, can touch and see. And nothing is the same anymore. There is representation. And that, is a spark.
The Truth About The (Miss St. Thomas) Festival Queen Competition
Let’s clear something up. The Festival Queen Competition is not about who’s the prettiest, most popular or most photographed.
It’s not about putting on a show for public approval, at least not for me.
I don’t care whether every photo is perfect, whether everyone likes me or whether there are more popular contestants. I never entered to compete with people. I entered to compete in line with the rubric, and to show up fully as my grounded, purposeful self.
The competition is about cultural intelligence, service, talents and growth. It’s about using your voice and platform to uplift others.
Why I Entered The Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen Competition
I asked myself: “Can I use this platform to do what I love, helping people grow? Can I enjoy myself while also inspiring transformation?
The answer was a resounding yes.
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So, I entered. I wanted to have fun but I wanted it to be productive fun. I wanted to meet new people whose lives I could also impact positively. I think I did. For my fellow contestants to have voted for me as Most Congenial, I feel truly honoured and it was the best part of the coronation for me.
I think the harshest judges in competitions like these are the contestants. They see you behind the scenes and on stage. They see you in your best mood and your worst. For them to, behind your back, vote you to be genuine, approachable, helpful and caring is a big deal.
This tells me, I’ve already impacted lives in a positive way. It confirms, that we don’t have to be mean, cutthroat and selfish to succeed. I’ve often heard, that “Miss Congeniality” never wins the crown. The perception is that she is too busy being kind, focusing on the needs and upliftment of others and that, the crown, under this context will evade her. My heart aims to care. My intelligence and abilities are not halted by it.
As a matter of fact, all top 8 ladies in the competition are so full of care, love and intelligence. I am so happy we all crossed path. We had loads of fun and each person helped someone along at some point in time. I’m pretty sure the points for Most Congenial were close!
Growth is the Real Crown: Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen
Throughout this journey, I activated a new dimension of myself. I have always believed in purposeful growth. Hence my philosophy: Growth requires courage and I’ll choose it every time. The competition provided me with the structure and visibility to grow and prospectively, will aid in launching initiatives that will help others grow too.
Through the trainings and exposure, I’ve emerged more disciplined, more grounded and more motivated to serve, not perform.
My St. Thomas Festival Queen Parish Project
“Know Yuh Rights, Embrace Yuh Civic Responsibilities” is one of the most exciting part of the journey. It’s a movement for public education, empowerment and national pride.
This project blends my background in law, growth and empowering people. I couldn’t be more proud to lead it.
While I already have the project proposal, I am currently making preparations for it’s launch. This includes, getting sponsors/partners on board and creating a calendar of activities.
To The Young Women Reading This
Your power is not in your volume. It’s in your values.
Don’t shy away from opportunities. The JCDC Festival Queen Competition is not about fitting the mold, It’s about stepping into your mission.
You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t need to be popular. You don’t need to prove anything to anyone. All you need is purpose, presence and the willingness to serve.
Being crowned Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen 2025 is more than a title. It’s a platform to serve. It’s a space to grow, guide and galvanize.
To the women of St. Thomas and all of Jamaica, this is your sign to step forward. Not only in this capacity. Show up for yourself in all areas of life. Dare to be bold. Dare to be proud.
We rise when we grow through whatever we go through. Keep going. Keep rooting for growth!
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