Culture and Entertainment Minister, Olivia Grange has announced changes to the criteria for the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition.

Traditionally, the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission organizes the Festival Queen competition for young ladies between the ages of 18 and 24. However, this year, the guidelines have been expanded to allow participants up to 30 years old.

In announcing the change, Minister Grange noted that this widening of the age requirements allows for diversity and representation from a greater number of young ladies from across the island.

The Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition begins annually with eliminations at the parish level, where each parish hosts its own coronation to select a representative for the national finals. The parish queens then advance to the national stage, where they compete for the prestigious title at the National Festival Queen Coronation.

Applications for the 2025 Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition can be submitted to JCDC’s website up to midnight on March 14.