Lachu Ramchandani, conceptualiser of the Miss Global International Pageant, says they have not adjusted their criteria to accommodate married women and mothers, despite the changes in Miss Universe rules.

“I have to see how that works out with Miss Universe and the married women. A girl that becomes a queen should be committed to the crown for the year and when they’re married or have children that becomes harder. The baby father may not want her to fly somewhere to meet her obligations. The queen has to be available at all times,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

The rule change will take effect for the 72nd Miss Universe pageant in 2023.

Miss Global Jamaica is set to return after a two-year break around May or June next year, while the international leg is slated for mid-September. Locations are still being finalised.

The organisers have extended the age limit 17-28 years old—moving from 26. Entrants must also be at least five feet, four inches tall.

The current Miss Global Jamaica is Brithney Clarke, while Miss Global International is Miss Mexico, Karla Ruiz.

Ramchandani says Ruiz is currently focused on large scale charity work and spreading brand Jamaica worldwide.

“She is promoting the brand…showing clips of the country and what it has to offer everywhere she goes,” he said.

He further noted that recruitment has begun, as they search for 25-30 women.

“We don’t want to have too many girls because they need space for talent pieces and the evening gown section on stage,” Ramchandani said.

The event, which started as Miss Commonwealth in 2004, has fielded participants from Kuwait, Iran, Japan, Nigeria, Australia, and more.