Atelier Dermoth Williams Limited, the official management company of the Miss Universe brand in Jamaica, this week today announced a historic transformation in the operational structure of the Miss Universe Jamaica Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Pageant 2026.

In a move designed to elevate Jamaica’s competitiveness on the global stage, the organisation has officially abolished the long-standing regional preliminary system and introduced a dynamic 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, say organisers.

By activating all parishes across Jamaica, the organization aims to identify, cultivate, and prepare the most exceptional delegates to represent the island internationally.

The new system is engineered to broaden access and participation across all parishes, strengthen grass roots engagement and community pride, create a more competitive and merit-driven pathway to the crown, and position Jamaica as a formidable contender at the global Miss Universe stage.

Under the leadership of CEO Karl Williams, Atelier Dermoth Williams Limited is conducting a comprehensive islandwide search to ensure that the delegate selected embodies global excellence, intelligence, cultural pride, poise, and the international readiness required to compete and succeed on the world stage.

Under the new structure, 13 parish titleholders will automatically advance to the national finals, scheduled for August 23, 2026 at 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 MUJ 2026 eliminations on July 5, 2026. Successful candidates will advance to compete in the national finals.

Several parish directors have been appointed: Shane “Alric” Morgan (Kingston & St Andrew); Janique McKenzie (St Catherine); Trilissa Walker (Clarendon, Manchester, St Elizabeth); Hannah Sheree Morris (Westmoreland, Hanover); Sara Jade Kow (St Ann, St Mary); Shanique Rogers (Portland); Erica Beckford (St Thomas), while Delrose Behadure, Francois Medley, & Kyle Nunes will share St James and Trelawny.

According to Williams, the 2026 pageant will extend far beyond a traditional competition format.

“In addition to the exciting reality of bringing the Miss Universe brand to the parish level and stimulating communities to rebound, rebuild, and reset economically, particularly MSMEs within the creative industries, this year’s pageant will form part of a much larger international venture,” Williams stated. “We are developing a collection of global beauty, fashion, and wellness activities that will redefine the face of pageantry in Jamaica. These initiatives will be unveiled in phases over the coming weeks.”

The expanded programming aims to align Jamaica’s national franchise with international standards of excellence, positioning the country as both a cultural powerhouse and a strategic player within the global pageant ecosystem.

Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 Dr Gabrielle Henry (Photo: IG/@officialgabriellehenry)

Karl Williams.