The organisers of the Hyundai Miss Universe Jamaica 2023 pageant have moved up the date for the grand coronation. It is now scheduled for Sunday, August 20 at AC Hotel Kingston.

Thirty girls will compete for the title and opportunity to represent Jamaica at the Miss Universe pageant in El Salvador.

The finalists include former Miss Jamaica World 2016 Ashlie Barrett, Miss Jamaica World 2013 and 2014 Miss Universe Jamaica competitor Shanice Rerrie.

The Jamaica Observer caught up with some of the finalists shortly after they were sashed by their respective sponsors at the AC Hotel Kingston recently.

Shadae Forsythe, the reigning Miss Universe Jamaica Northwest, explained why she decided to enter the pageant.

“For me, I’ve always been positive about change. So entering the pageant is really a development story for me,” said Forsythe.

Olivia Alex, whose father is Jamaican but she was born in the United States, said: “The experience so far has been amazing. I wanted to come back to my roots because I want to achieve positive change to be a strong mentor for others.”

Tiffany Shields, Miss Universe Jamaica Northeast, for her part, said: “I’m so happy to be here. I’m from St Ann and my family and friends were the ones who encouraged me to enter and to give it my best shot.”