Keisha Shakespeare-Blackmore, Staff Reporter

Danielle Dixon, Miss Jamaica Uk, looks confidently to the future. - Contributed photos

Danielle Dixon, 22 years old, won the title of Miss Jamaica United Kingston (UK) at the 18th staging of the contest in October.

Dixon got involved in the pageant after the contest organiser, June Daley, approached her to be a part of it. The contest is geared at allowing Jamaicans living in the United Kingdom to get in touch with their Jamaican heritage.

Support programme

She points out that she wants to set up a support programme where she can work with young people who have emigrated to the UK from Jamaica.

"Often, young people coming to England don't know anyone and adjusting can be hard," she said.

She also said that when she moved to England, she did not know anyone. She remembered how difficult it was adjusting to a new environment. Thus, she wants to develop a programme that will build a positive vibe and assist them with the process.

She told The Gleaner that, being Jamaican, she is often faced with stereotyping. When she moved to England, she attended an all-girls school. The girls asked her where was she from, and when said Jamaica, they told her she does not look Jamaican.

"I asked them how Jamaicans should look. They even asked if I smoked weed or knew where they could get it. But, I explained that because I am Jamaican does not mean I smoke weed and wear tight clothing."

Dixon said that entering the contest has been rewarding, because she met many girls with whom she has maintained friendships with even after the competition.

She has also seen many of the girls who entered the competition very self-conscious and shy blossom into confident young women. Plus, the contest has helped her to be more culturally aware.

Medical studies

Currently, she is completing her medical degree at Imperial College London. It has always been her dream to be a doctor, and when she completes her studies she wants to give back to Jamaica.

"I want to get some experience then come back to Jamaica to open a clinic in Portland, my grandmother's parish."

She notes that health care is available in the rural areas, but she wants to return and create better access to it. Her future looks bright and she wants to be successful.