As Jamaica marks its 63rd Independence, the spirit of celebration is in full swing both on the island and among Jamaicans overseas. One of the week’s standout moments unfolded last night with the crowning of the 2025 Miss Jamaica Festival Queen—a beloved tradition that honors Jamaican womanhood, cultural pride, and the island’s rich heritage.
Brithney Clarke, representing Kingston & St Andrew, emerged as the new Miss Jamaica Festival Queen, captivating the judges and audience alike with her eloquence, grace, and community spirit. Her coronation was met with thunderous applause at the National Indoor Sports Center, capping off an evening of stirring performances and patriotic flair.
Though the competition usually features 13 contestants, this year’s pageant proceeded with 12, as Miss Trelawny was unable to participate due to a medical emergency. Still, the show was nothing short of spectacular, highlighting the talents and intellect of Jamaica’s finest young women from across the parishes. Under the theme: The Jamaican Woman, proud and bold.
Early standouts in the competition included representatives from the parishes of Clarendon, Kingston & St Andrew, St Catherine, and St Elizabeth. Each brought a unique expression of Jamaican identity through dance, speech, song, and advocacy, keeping the audience enthralled from start to finish.
Several sectional prizes were awarded throughout the evening:
Most Congenial went to Brithney Clarke (Kingston & St Andrew), Most Active in the Community was Rhaveen Kildare (Clarendon), Most Poised was the Queen from Kingston and St. Andrew Brithney Clarke, with Clarendon’s Rhaveen Kildare being Most Culturally Aware. Most Popular on Social Media was Britney Clarke while Best Talent Performance and Best in Gown went to Afiya Birch-Gentles (St Catherine).
The Top 5 finalists, announced in no particular order, were: Brithney Clarke (Kingston & St Andrew), Rhaveen Kildare (Clarendon), Afiya Birch-Gentles (St Catherine), Jhenel Small (Westmoreland), and Anya Graham (St Mary)
After a final round of onstage interviews and deliberations by the judges, Brithney Clarke was named Miss Jamaica Festival Queen 2025, with Rhaveen Kildare of Clarendon as 1st Runner-up and Afiya Birch-Gentles of St Catherine as 2nd Runner-up.
The evening also featured a powerful performance by veteran reggae singer Lukie D, who added to the celebratory mood with renditions that stirred hearts and sparked sing-alongs in the crowd.
The Miss Jamaica Festival Queen competition remains a cornerstone of Jamaica’s Independence celebrations. More than a beauty pageant, it is a cultural platform that champions education, leadership, volunteerism, and national pride.
As Jamaica continues its weeklong Independence festivities, from street dances and cultural exhibitions to music concerts and fireworks, the newly crowned queen will serve as an ambassador, inspiring Jamaicans at home and across the diaspora with her commitment to culture and community.
