Moy-Ann Reid crowned Miss St Elizabeth Festival Queen 2026

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.

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.

Reid’s achievements extend far beyond the competition stage. She 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. 

Adding to her unique perspective is her experience living in the Turks and Caicos Islands for three years, which broadened her outlook and strengthened her appreciation for Jamaican culture and identity. For Reid, 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 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," Reid 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, Reid 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.