HALL Fifteen years ago, Miss St. Ann, Jacinth Hall, was Jamaica's National Festival Queen.
She explained that she entered the competition for some adventure. "I also thought I was a singer and this was a way to showcase my talent. I actually won best talent that year," she recalls.
Hall noted that interestingly, during the competition, the camaraderie among the girls was very strong. "Rivalry was almost non-existent. We became a group of girlfriends, one helping the other in areas in which we may be weak. It was a cultural experience."
She noted that participating in the competition contributed significantly to her personal development.
Not bashful
"I'm able to articulate in a public forum. I'm not bashful. It boosted my confidence and contributed to my career development to think on my feet. I also learnt to communicate with persons from all different levels. It made me comfortable with myself."
Hall, who is the current general manager of Lasco Financial Services, stresses the importance of having such a competition. "It's important to find all the channels to develop young persons."
She said that as our local culture continues to be infiltrated by all things American, it is becoming increasingly important to promote things that are uniquely Jamaican.
Lost
"If none of us acknowledges and perpetuates Jamaican culture, our indigenous culture will be lost. All aspects of perpetuating Jamaican culture are important. It's also important for the development of young women."
She noted that during the process of the competition, each parish chooses 12 finalists, one of whom becomes the parish queen who will go on to compete in the national finals.
Leaders
"It reaches a lot of young women each year, developing them to be leaders. Most of the past queens are public figures or at the top of their organisations, it is not a coincidence."
Though it's been well over a decade since her reign, Hall is still very involved in community development. She is president of Cambio Association of Jamaica, chair for Jamaica Money Remittances, a member of the National Festival Queen Committee, and secretary for the Grace Morrison Foundation for basic schools in the Grants Pen and Shortwood communities.
