Doctors, businesswomen and university students tally among the 37 semi-fina
lists who will compete for the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica title.

The selection of the ladies, which also includes the newly crowned regional queens — Miss Universe Jamaica Central Deidrian Downer and Miss Universe Jamaica East Keri- Ann Greenwood — took place on Sunday at the AC Hotel Kingston.

A reality television series will be held in which another elimination round will select the finalists of the competition.

“We have to slash the numbers again. I think we’re going to be looking at 20 something to 30, then at the start of the coronation show we slash that number in half. We’re doing reality-type programming that will eliminate 10 or so before the coronation night. We want to work with the Miss Universe programme as best as possible,” Mark McDermoth, co-national director, disclosed in an interview with the Jamaica Observer on Sunday.

According to McDermoth, there was much diversity among the applicants for this year’s pageant.

“We had over 60 ladies who applied but only 41 came out today. It wasn’t easy making the selection, because the eligibility requirements for Miss Universe again shifted this year. Contestants needed to be 18 years and older. We saw some amazing ladies in their 40s and their 50s. They all brought their A-game, and it was really exciting to see the range of contestants,” he said.

P&S Events and Vacations is a new partner for this year’s pageant and will be facilitating transportation for the winner of the Miss Universe Jamaica to Mexico to compete in the 2024 Miss Universe finals in Mexico later this year.

“Paul Eastwood is an awesome partner and he has thrown his whole support behind the event. In addition… we are also looking at utilizing the service to take the 2023 Miss Universe titleholder into Jamaica for her appearances for the national finals on July 6. Just so many exciting small parts that are moving together in harmony…” McDermoth said.