Momentum building ahead of St Ann Miss Universe Ja casting call

Preparations are ramping up for St Ann ahead of the casting call to find the parish’s queen for the Miss Universe Jamaica competition under the organisation’s new parish-level pageant system.

At the helm of this process is Sara-Jade Kow, parish director for St Ann, who is leading efforts to identify and develop the next standout representative on the north-eastern coast. Kow recently transitioned from her role as regional manager for Miss Universe Jamaica Northeast, and while her title has changed, her core mission remains the same.

“The transition hasn’t been much of a difference,” she shared. “It’s pretty much the same role where I recruit and train young women, helping them to self-actualise and become the best versions of themselves.”

Her approach is rooted in development, equipping contestants with the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to excel not only on stage, but in life.

The success of past contestants has helped to build momentum heading into this year’s casting call. Kow reflected on the journey of Miss Universe Jamaica Northeast 2025 Dreanna Williams, whose reign was focused heavily on preparing for the national Miss Universe Jamaica stage.

Through intensive training in speech and communication, walk and poise, and presentation, Williams was able to secure a top-six placement in the national competition, an achievement that has seemingly inspired many young women to step forward this year.

Since the call for entries was announced, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. According to Kow, many young women are eager to be part of the experience after seeing the success and impact of previous stagings.

“So far, the response for auditions for Miss Universe Jamaica St Ann has been very good. We’ve had a lot of ladies reach out to us,” she explained. “They saw that the staging for 2025 went really well, and they want to be a part of the transformation, the self-development, and the growth.”

Aspiring contestants will have their chance to step forward at the official casting call, set to take place at the Lavender Moon Villas in Ocho Rios on March 29 at 3 p.m.

The event will serve as the first major step in selecting the next parish queen, who will go on to represent St Ann at the national level.

For Kow, selecting the right candidate goes far beyond physical appearance. She is focused on identifying women who are driven, confident, and committed to personal growth.

“I’m looking for someone who has a hunger to grow, to develop, to become empowered and to empower others,” she said. “Somebody who is confident, self-assured, and able to make an impression in any room they enter.”

While she plays a key role in training contestants, Kow emphasises that her job is to guide and prepare them, not to judge them.

The journey doesn’t end with the crown. The 2026 titleholder will take on a dynamic role that extends into communities across the parish.

“For the 2026 queen, during her reign, she is expected to go to different schools and empower students and serve as [an] ambassador for different brands, companies and organisations,” Kow stated. “She will also work towards the national pageant and participate in charity initiatives while encouraging others to do the same.”

A key focus of the parish’s outreach efforts is the empowerment of women, with initiatives centred on the theme “women help women”.

As March 29 draws near for the casting call, the countdown begins for many eager and hopeful young women to show their confidence, highlight their purpose and drive and to show that they can lead, inspire and empower.

o’brian.wynter@gleanerjm.com