After introducing regional competitions a few years ago as a lead-in to the national Miss Universe Jamaica pageant, the organisers of the event have announced a transformation in the operational structure of the 2026 staging.

In a strategic move designed to elevate Jamaica’s competitiveness on the global stage, Atelier Dermoth Williams Limited, the official management company of the Miss Universe brand in Jamaica, has officially abolished the longstanding regional preliminary system and introduced a parish-level preliminary model. This marks the first phase of a comprehensive reimagining of the national franchise.

The shift to a parish-based framework reflects a sharpened focus on inclusive national representation and a more refined recruitment process. By activating all parishes across Jamaica, the organisation aims to identify, cultivate and prepare the most exceptional delegates to represent the island internationally.

In an interview with Observer Online on Wednesday, Mark McDermoth, president of Atelier Dermoth Williams Limited, explained the decision to introduce the parish competitions.

“The decision to implement the parish completions was primarily made to strengthen and deepen the recruitment programme. We are leaving no stone unturned in our search to find that special delegate with the potential to take the Miss Universe crown home this year,” said McDermoth.

Parish directors have been appointed and will oversee the respective pageants from their parishes.

Said McDermoth, “Parish Directors were selected based on their affiliation with the Miss Universe brand and knowledge of the Miss Universe systems, pageants, entertainment and business operations in general, as well as their unique awareness of their respective parishes and their potential to stimulate those parish markets to help recruit, unearth and facilitate the growth and development of those diamonds in the rough who are based in those parishes all across Jamaica.”

The parish directors are: Shane Alric Morgan — Kingston & St Andrew; Janique McKenzie — St Catherine; Trilissa Walker — Clarendon, Manchester and St Elizabeth; Hannah Sheree Morris — Westmoreland and Hanover; Delrose Behadure, Francois Medley and Kyle Nunes — St James and Trelawny; Sara Jade Kow — St Ann and St Mary; Shanique Rogers — Portland; and Erica Beckford — St Thomas.

According to McDermoth, further changes to this year’s staging of the pageant will be announced over the next few weeks.

“We do have a few more initiatives slated for the Miss Universe Jamaica brand, however, we will be unveiling those in a phased programme, so please stay tuned.”

As it relates to Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 Gabrielle Henry’s recuperation after she suffered a fall during the preliminaries at Miss Universe 2025 in Thailand last year, McDermoth said, “We are happy to report that Gabrielle is recuperating with her team of medical experts and her family at this time, but she is not quite yet ready for active Miss Universe Jamaica duties and in the interim, Troy Ann Anderson, the first runner-up in last year’s competition, and the reigning Miss Universe Jamaica East, has been executing duties in her absence.  Atelier Dermoth Williams Limited and the Miss Universe Jamaica organisation continue to wish the very best for Gabrielle and her family and a very speedy recovery.”

Under the new structure, thirteen parish titleholders will automatically advance to the national finals, scheduled for August 23 at the AC Hotel Kingston.

Candidates who do not secure automatic placement through the parish competitions, along with additional hopefuls seeking entry, will have a final opportunity to earn a coveted “golden ticket” at the official Miss Universe Jamaica 2026 eliminations on July 5.

The successful candidates will advance to compete in the national finals.

“We are thinking of maintaining the 30 contestants who we have been selecting at the official eliminations for the past three or so seasons, a number which will be especially important to a few of the beauty, fashion and wellness activities and challenges which are a part of this year’s staging of the competition.  We are very excited about this year’s programme, which will change the face of pageantry in Jamaica,” McDermoth said.