WITH the regional pageants out of the way it’s now time for the national Hyundai Miss Universe Jamaica pageant.

Thirty young ladies have advanced to the national pageant, five of who are regional queens and past competitors. The finalists were selected from an elimination process on Sunday at the AC Hotel Kingston.

The regional queens are Samantha McFarlane (Miss Universe Jamaica West), Troy Ann Anderson (Miss Universe Jamaica East), Akedia Morgan (Miss Universe Jamaica Central), Dreanna Williams (Miss Universe Jamaica North East) and Imani Peterkin (Miss Universe Jamaica North West).

National director of the Miss Universe Jamaica Organisation, Mark McDermoth says there’s a lot in store leading up to this year’s coronation.

“A lot of great things are in store for this year’s pageant. Firstly, we have Hyundai back on board as title partner where the lucky title winner will drive away with a brand new Hyundai Kona motor car and Hyundai ambassadorship for a year. We are reviving the GOGETTER (Giving Our Girls Economic Tools To Enrich and Reward) initiative, whereby a lucky, at-risk, primary schoolgirl from a group of 30, selected through screenings with our social partners and who are in turn partnered with the contestants, will earn a five-year high school scholarship through efforts orchestrated by the contestants as part of this year’s altruism programme,” McDermoth explained.

He also added, “The initiative comes with the appointment of two official pageant mentors: Dr Sandra Swaby, who has worked as a mentor to the contestants in the past and who herself placed in the top five last year; and Dr Maria Myers-Hamilton, who has been a benefactor to the pageant and has a genuine concern for the true mentorship and empowerment of Jamaican young people.”

A reality TV show element is also a part of the competition.

“The reality TV show forms an integral part of the selection process, with a range of challenges based on the Miss Universe system which will decide on the finalists moving forward in the competition. The twist, however, is that no one will be going home during the course of the competition, however, at the coronation finals only about 12 to 15 semi-finalists will be moving beyond the opening number. And our 2025 Contestant Training Academy will furnish intensive training to all 30 contestants as if they are all representing Jamaica in Thailand, and will present a certificate at the end of training,” McDermoth disclosed.

The official sashing of the 30 contestants will take place at AC Hotel Kingston on Sunday, May 18.

In addition to intense training, the contestants will make courtesy calls to pageant sponsors as well as government officials.

From June 26-29 the Hyundai Miss Universe Jamaica Wellness Weekend will take place at a resort on the island’s north coast where contestants will compete in swimsuit and evening gown competitions, which will replace the preliminary shows.

Other lead-up events include the GOGETTER Tea Party extravaganza on July 6 and the partner appreciation experience on July 13.

The grand coronation is scheduled for August 2 at AC Hotel Kingston, the official hotel and hub of the pageant.