Seven ladies from different communities in St Catherine, including Portmore, Treadways, Linstead, and Spanish Town, are competing for the 2026 Miss Universe Jamaica St Catherine title.

The coronation is scheduled for Thursday, June 25, at Portmore HEART Academy and, according to Janique McKenzie, parish director for the St Catherine franchise, the shows promises to be an evening of entertainment and excitement.

“We’re very excited about what patrons can expect on coronation night. It will be an evening filled with fun, excitement, entertainment, and a few surprises,” McKenzie told the Jamaica Observer recently. “For our VIP patrons, we’re offering a premium all-inclusive experience that includes food and drinks, allowing them to fully enjoy the evening while taking in all the excitement of the competition and entertainment.”

She disclosed that to help highlight the creativity of the contestants, one of the highlights will be a costume segment inspired by a Cruella de Vil theme. It will allow contestants to showcase their individuality in an exciting way.

McKenzie made the point that the journey has been a team effort.

“I’ve also been fortunate to have an amazing production team by my side. Pure Majic Productions has been instrumental in assisting with stage management, lighting, and the overall production of the event… I would like to sincerely thank all of our sponsors, including Lifespan, Caribbean Cooling Solutions, H & A Group, Pure Majic Productions, RBT Stones and Fabrication, Jamaican Ideale, Yaad Way, Yardie Mart, G&O Simms Entertainment, Triple J’s Delectable Delight, Cecil’s Restaurant, Grab N Go, Tweedle Tews, Paramount Royalties, Derrimon Trading, Tamian Gevani Foundation, Perry’s Funeral Home, CR Carless and Associates, Alli Studios Make-up Artistery, M&M Loans, Vain Obsessions, and members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force,” she shared.

The contestants, McKenzie stated, are ready and raring to go.

“The level of training they have been exposed to has been intense. Through the support of our fitness sponsor Classic Body Fitness Center, the ladies have received comprehensive fitness training, along with coaching in walk and poise. The trainers have worked diligently to prepare them for competition, and we’re extremely grateful that they have invested their time and expertise in our contestants,” she said.

Some 20 ladies auditioned for the pageant before the number was whittled down to seven.

Said McKenzie: “The training process has been demanding, but the ladies have risen to the challenge. They are putting in the work every single day, and it shows. I also want to acknowledge the incredible team working behind the scenes to make this competition possible. We have Assistant Director Juneith McKenzie-Campbell, Administrator Jordon Williams, Media Consultant Damion Mitchell, and administrative support team members Nicolette Clayton and Julien Mills. Their dedication, along with the support of my production team, friends, and family, has made this undertaking possible,” adding that “It certainly has not been easy retaining these young women throughout the competition, particularly because sponsorship remains one of the biggest challenges we face.”

While contestant will adjudged on walk and poise, swimwear and formal wear presentations, the pageant also scores community involvement.

The winner receives an automatic spot in the national finals.