The Miss Jamaica World 2026 competition is on in earnest with 23 young ladies competing for the title at the grand coronation show scheduled for November 1 at Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, Jamaica College.

The official orientation took place last Sunday at Courtleigh Hotel & Suites in New Kingston, where presentations were made on health-care, make-up, and skincare.

Miss Jamaica World 2018 and Miss World Caribbean Dr Kadijah Robinson shared their pageant experiences and accomplishments post-competition.

Midwife and nurse Jheanell Condappa Arnold, who guided the health and wellness session, shared: “I spoke about the importance of breast examination and gave them some awareness of what they should do. A lot of people detect breast cancer at stage 3, which is very late. The ladies were quite receptive, and they asked me even more questions that I had thought.”

She told the Jamaica Observer: “The ladies wanted to know what causes cancer, and they were concerned that they hadn’t started any form of examination. So, my take-away from the session was the surprise that a lot of people in Jamaica over the age of 20, have not examined their breasts…”

Tami Monique Samuels, an experienced make-up artiste and skincare specialist, spoke to the ladies about applying the right type of make-up and skincare.

Dahlia Harris, of Crown of Beauty, organisers of the Miss Jamaica World pageant, said the sessions were meant to emphasise the importance of the pageant’s various partnerships.

“For October, we will be executing our pageant activities designated with breast cancer awareness events. Knowledge is important in order to be a good advocate, and today we ensure they are prepared to effectively play their part,” Harris explained.

The contestants will embark on a series of courtesy calls, visits, and activities before the coronation show on November 1.

Some key dates and events around the pageant include the sashing of the contestants on October 2 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel; the fast-track Miss Jamaica World Fitness Challenge on Sunday, October 4, at Emancipation Park; Miss Jamaica World Beach Beauty on October 13 at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel; Beauty with a Purpose Luncheon on October 26; Top model fast track on October 28 at the Chinese Benevolent Association; and prejudging on October 30 at Courtleigh.