Ackera Gowie is Miss Jamaica Festival Queen
Ackera Gowie has given the parish of St Mary its second win in the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen competition.
Gowie was crowned on Wednesday night inside the National Arena in St Andrew.
“I feel elated and overwhelmed with pride. I’ve been working assiduously for months and I am glad I was able to bring home the crown for my parish,” she told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Splash shortly after her crowning. “The journey has been a phenomenal one, definitely one I would share with my grandchildren years from now. I have learnt so much, it has forced me out of my comfort zone and I have grown immensely. I am happy to have this platform where I can empower others to go after the dreams that they desire.”
Hailing from the district of Ranch, she shared her reasons for entering the Festival Queen competition.
“I believe in the JCDC (Jamaica Cultural Development Commission — organisers of the pageant) and I also believe in preserving and promoting our culture. I also love my parish and my country,” said Gowie.
Gowie, a former student of St Mary High, recently obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in International Relations and Public Sector Management from the University of the West Indies, Mona campus. She has aspirations to become a media practitioner.
Aside from the main prize of $455,000, Gowie also won the Most Poised and Most Culturally Aware sectional prizes.
Shantae Grant, who represented Hanover, finished in second place and took home $255,000 among other prizes. Third place went to Chris Ann Douglas from St James, who walked away with $150,000 and other prizes. She also won Most Congenial.
Other sectional prize winners were: Leneka Rhoden (Miss Kingston & St Andrew) — Most Active in Community; Kimone Rose (Miss Clarendon) — Most Popular on Social Media; and Jessica Hartley (Miss Portland) — Best Performance.
The coronation kicked off promptly at 8:00 pm with the parish queens performing a dance routine. After their introductions, the queens then went into their talent items.
Of the talent presentations, St James, St Elizabeth (Kimberley Buckeridge), Portland and St Thomas (Shamieka Harris) were standouts.
The contestants later appeared in evening wear and were serenaded by singer Mario Evon.
Etana and 2018 Festival Song winner Nazzle Man were guest performers.
