JCDC’s extended age limit brings maturity, excellence to Festival Queen Competition

WESTERN BUREAU

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) has made a pivotal change to its competition by expanding the age limit from 24 to 30 years, a move that is said to be yielding remarkable results.

Marjorie Leyden-Kirton, director of Community Cultural Development Services at the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), is pleased with the shift, saying that it has brought a new level of maturity and academic achievement to the contestant pool.

Traditionally, the JCDC organises the Festival Queen competition for young ladies between the ages of 18 and 24 years. However, this year, Olivia Grange, the minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, announced the change, widening the age requirement to allow for diversity and representation from a greater number of young ladies from across the island.

In outlining the change, Grange said that the age limit, which was in place for several years, has been expanded to allow participants up to the age of 30 years old.

“We are seeing where we are reaping some excellent contestants. You can see the maturity and the higher academic achievement level because many of them would have gone off to study, and now they are coming back after they are finished, so we are very pleased with that change,” said Leyden-Kirton.

Leyden-Kirton, who has been with JCDC for over 20 years, in various leadership roles, including as Parish Manager for Westmoreland, Regional Manager for the Western Region, and Acting Executive Director, says that the shift in age eligibility has not only led to more accomplished participants but has also enhanced the overall quality of the competition.

“Contestants with master’s degrees and established community programmes are now stepping forward, embodying both leadership and social impact,” she explained. “Some people have already established community programmes; they have foundations that they have been working on, contributing to the development of their communities. Therefore, we at the JCDC are very pleased.”

IMPROVED LOOK AND PRESENTATION

After attending her fourth parish sashing in Westmoreland for the start of the competition, the culture advocate says she has been witnessing first-hand how the older contestants are commanding attention with poise and confidence.

Leyden-Kirton told The Gleaner that she anticipates that the upcoming showcase will be an impressive one, with the enhanced presentation setting a new standard.

“The show is going to have an improved look and presentation this year. I believe we are going to have an excellent show,” said Leyden-Kirton, who won Ms Westmoreland Festival Queen in 1986 and placed second at the National Coronation.

The competition has already completed its rounds in the eastern region, covering St Thomas, Kingston and St Andrew, and St Catherine, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.

With the new structure allowing for a richer and more mature group of participants, the JCDC’s competition is not just a display of talent but a celebration of academic excellence, community involvement, and personal growth.

Miss Royal Pharmacy, Kimberly Staple, a 26-year-old media marketing specialist, is one of two contestants who fall within the new age limit and are among the seven young ladies who have entered the Miss Westmoreland Festival Queen Competition.

She describes herself a cultural roots girl and declared that she is looking forward to taking the crown as a part of her effort to preserve the country’s cultural identity.

“I didn’t know that there was an age limit that would prevent me from entering had the rules not been adjusted,” said Staple. She expressed appreciation to the JCDC for their vision and insight in deciding to adjust the age limit.

Northern Caribbean University student Everley Graham, 29, who is wearing the sash Miss Infinity Dreams Liquor Palace, says the new age limit gives her a fighting chance of fulfilling her dream of becoming Miss Westmoreland Festival Queen and possibly the National Festival Queen.

“Regarding the age change, I am elated. It was perfect for me because the JCDC Festival Queen Competition is something I have always wanted to do,” Graham told The Gleaner. “ When I heard the news of the upward adjustment to the age limit, I was coming from Montego Bay, and I signed up immediately.”