Eight contestants vie for Miss Westmoreland Festival Queen title

WESTERN BUREAU:

The 2026 staging of the Miss Westmoreland Festival Queen Competition was held last Saturday evening at the CocoLaPalm Seaside Resort, where organisers, former queens, sponsors and supporters gathered for the sashing ceremony to celebrate the eight young women vying for the coveted title. The contestants were formally introduced ahead of the June 14 coronation show at the Sean Lavery Faith Hall in Savanna-la-Mar.

Carlene Rumbolt, chairman of the Westmoreland Festival Queen Committee, said it was challenging to organise this year’s competition.

  “A lot has gone into getting this competition together. We had challenges with getting the girls together. [But], I must say thank you [to] those of you who are brave enough to put yourselves forward. And I wish you all the best.”

She also thanked the sponsors and supporters who have remained committed to the competition over the years.  

Event coordinator Geovauney Elliot welcomed patrons and praised the competition for highlighting more than outward beauty.

“The Festival Queen competition continues to be a meaningful tradition that showcases not only beauty and elegance but also intelligence, leadership and cultural pride,” Elliot said. “To our contestants, congratulations on making it this far. Enjoy every moment of this experience, support one another and shine brightly throughout the competition.”

One of the evening’s most heartfelt moments came from 1986 Miss Westmoreland Festival Queen Marjorie Leyden-Kirton, a retired Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) parish manager. She reflected on the impact winning the title had on her life as she celebrated the 40th anniversary of her reign.

 “Winning this competition has made me who I am,” said Kirton, “And I want to say to you young ladies, enjoy it to the max. If you’re really serious about being a cultural ambassador, this is where it’s going to begin.”

  She also reflected on her three decades of service with the JCDC, saying, “I have lived the life where people often say, if you do what you love, you don’t work a day. So look at me good. I have enjoyed my job over the last 30 years with JCDC.”

 Kirton announced that as part of her 40th anniversary celebration, she intends to support this year’s winner with sponsorship towards her community project.

 Meanwhile, reigning Miss Westmoreland Festival Queen Jhenelle Small used the occasion to encourage the contestants to embrace the process, reminding them that the competition is about personal growth and cultural development.

“This is not just a pageant. This is a journey,” said Small, who placed in the top five nationally last year. “It is one of the most powerful investments that you will ever make in yourself. Every training session, every appearance, every assignment has a purpose. So, show up. Go to every event. Be intentional. Be present,” she said.

She also highlighted the importance of camaraderie among contestants.

 “The ladies sitting beside you, they’re not just your competitors. They’re sisters in the making,” said Small. “Being a festival queen is not just about the crown and the sash. It is a responsibility. It is a calling.”

  In an interview with The Gleaner, JCDC Parish Manager Coretta Spence said this year’s competition season proved difficult due to challenges in recruiting contestants.

 “It wasn’t easy getting contestants. We have some who entered, then withdrew. We have to go back from scratch just to make sure that we have the amount,” said Spence. “I am very proud of the young ladies that we have [who] will be performing on June 14th. They are bright, talented, and I know we are going to have a wonderful show.”