Mark McDermoth, national director and franchisee for the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant, says all is in place for the grand coronation which will take place this Sunday, August 20 at the AC Hotel Kingston.

"We are coming on very nicely... as we are ensuring that this is a show that's befitting Uzuri's tenth anniversary since acquiring the franchise. The ladies are rehearsing ardently to ensure a great show, they have been in the gym at Fit Farm fine-tuning their bodies and also working with Adrian Atkinson to polish their speech presentations," said McDermoth.

He continued: "This year the contestants have been given several challenges by our sponsors to develop their personalities, and they have been rewarded for their efforts. We are really excited as everything is falling in place very nicely, which should make this the very best year for the pageant."

Twenty-nine ladies, among them medical practitioners, businesswomen, mothers, wives, tertiary students, twins, and an attorney-at-law, are vying for the coveted title of Miss Universe Jamaica 2023 and the chance to represent Jamaica at the Miss Universe pageant.

Dancehall artiste Agent Sasco is among the performers who will excite patrons.

Said McDermoth, "Patrons can expect an enhanced experience with our partners providing amenities for sampling and purchasing at the mini expo, which precedes the main show. For the main show, the experience continues with a few surprises from the contestants. And the marquee act is Agent Sasco, who is expected to give a stellar performance, along with a few other up-and-coming musical acts."

"A few things are important for us in celebrating our tenth anniversary. Firstly, we have a title partner in Hyundai, which elevates the pageant on a variety of levels. Secondly, we feel it's important to create an environment for the contestants that influences their growth and development and so we have engaged a range of partners who are strong, iconic, and amazing women such as Jacqui Tyson, Dr Sandra Swaby, Joy Spence, and others and they have thrown life challenges at the contestants to release their inner strength and creativity," McDermoth disclosed.