Sheynnis Palacios from Nicaragua, who was crowned Miss Universe 2023 last November in San Salvador, El Salvador, will be the special guest at the grand coronation of the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant on July 6.

Palacios, a former model, television presenter, and journalist, will also be the guest of honour at a special welcome reception and sponsors’ gala dinner. She will also make courtesy calls on a few government leaders and visit children’s charities with outgoing Miss Universe Jamaica Dr Jordanne Lauren Levy as part of Levy’s Be-You-Tiful campaign.

Mark McDermoth, co-national director for the Miss Universe Jamaica franchise, is excited about hosting Palacios.

“It means a tremendous deal for us to have Miss Palacios here as it elevates this year’s programme, and [it] gives added value to our investors, sponsors, partners, contestants, stakeholders, and our audience, who will be able to see her in person on the night of the coronation,” McDermoth told the Jamaica Observer on Friday.

Asked how his organisation was able to land having Palacios here, McDermoth said: “It was a true partnership between the organisations, mostly facilitated by Miss Universe Vice-President Mario Búcaro.”

In a media release, Palacios said her trip to Jamaica will be like a dream come true.

“My upcoming trip to Jamaica is a great opportunity and also a dream come true, and I am filled with excitement and gratitude as I prepare to represent not only my country but the entire universe in this spectacular event,” said Palacios.

She added: “Jamaica, with its vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and warm-hearted people, holds a special place in my heart already. But beyond its natural beauty, Jamaica embodies a spirit of resilience, strength, and unity that is truly inspiring. The people of Jamaica have shown time and time again their unwavering commitment to progress, equality, and positivity in the face of adversity. It is this spirit that fuels my passion for this journey and motivates me to do my very best in representing not only Jamaica but the essence of the Miss Universe title.”

Búcaro is quoted as saying: “We are thrilled at the upcoming visit of Miss Universe to Jamaica. This visit presents a wonderful opportunity to showcase the beauty and culture of this vibrant island to a global audience. It also offers a platform to promote tourism, empower local communities, and inspire young women in Jamaica to reach for their dreams. We look forward to the positive impact this visit will have on both Jamaica and the Miss Universe Organization.”

The competition’s eligibility requirements have changed more than a year ago, with married women and mothers now able to compete.

Again, this year, the requirements have changed, whereby there is now no maximum age limit; contestants only have to be at least 18 years old to enter.

“With this new absence of a maximum age requirement we have seen a number of mature applicants, and we are proud to report that one of our applicants is in her 50s, and we look forward to seeing many more such contestants,” said Karl Williams, co-national director of the Miss Universe Jamaica Organization.

National eliminations take place today, Sunday, April 28, 2024 beginning at 10:00 am at the AC Hotel Kingston, the official hotel and home of the Miss Universe Jamaica 2024 pageant.