ST ANN FESTIVAL QUEEN BALANCING BUSINESS, UNIVERSITY AND THE CROWN
By Jodi-Ann Clarke
OCHO RIOS, St Ann- June 22, 2024
Onecia Henry’s story is one of perseverance and passion. At just 21 years old, she balances her roles as an entrepreneur and university student. Now she has added the pleasure and responsibilities of Miss St Ann Festival Queen 2024.
Onecia is pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Biochemistry and a double minor in Political Science and Political Leadership Strategy and Management.
Recently crowned as the new Miss St Ann Festival Queen, she said that winning the title was also a way to give back to her mom who is her best friend.
“My pageant journey has been a journey. I entered the Miss St Ann Festival Queen [Competition] for two reasons. One is that my mom wanted to enter when she was in the age range 18 to 25. However, before the application she found out that she was pregnant with me and so I have always said that this is something that I want to do for her, simply because she wanted to do it but didn’t get to because she had to put her dream on hold for me,” said Ms Henry
Onecia started pageantry at the age of seven by competing in Mini Miss St. Ann twice. She was second runner-up once and then first runner-up.
Then she was in the Miss Westwood High competition and was the only seventh grader to be placed in the top three. Reflecting on her early experiences, Onecia recalled the overwhelming emotions she felt when crowned Miss St. Ann Festival Queen 2024, on Sunday, June 9. The coronation took place in Runaway Bay, St Ann.
“Nobody goes into competitions wanting to lose and so I had always had it in mind that my aim is to win because I want to use this platform to create positive change. I wasn’t exactly sure I was the winner until my name was called. I was very happy. I wanted to cry but you know I couldn’t mess up the makeup,” she said with a laugh.
OVERWHELMING FAVOURITE
(Onecia Henry with runners up)
Onecia Henry was the overwhelming favourite with a big support group from her community and her sponsors, Double D. When she kept taking sectional prizes, most patrons at the show took it that she was the winner.
(Damion Duckett, Head of Double D Promotions — ‘Thrilled’)
Head of Double D Promotions, Damion Duckett, sponsors of Oneica Henry said “Double D Promotions is thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the newly crowned Miss St. Ann Festival Queen 2024, Onecia Henry. Onecia has demonstrated unwavering determination, grace, and excellence, making us immensely proud.
He said following her participation in the Mini Miss St Ann Competition “Onecia has now achieved a remarkable milestone by winning the prestigious title of Miss St. Ann Festival Queen. Her journey is a testament to her resilience and dedication.
(Onecia Henry, Miss Double D, in a stunning gown before winning the title)
Ms Henry gives credit to her family and her church for their active involvement in her life and how it has helped shape her into the driven individual she is today. She was born and raised as an only child in the community of St. Ann’s Bay, St Ann, supported by her mother Tamisha Douse, her grandmother Clarista Bell and her cousins until they migrated.
“My mother always supported my interests and dreams, never forcing me into anything. Once she saw where it would aid in my development, then she would be behind me 10 toes down. Even to this day, this is the type of relationship I have with my mother,” said the new Miss St Ann Festival Queen.
BEST FRIEND
While Onecia often speaks of her mother as her best friend and motivator, her grandmother also holds a special place in her heart.
“I speak of my mother a lot, but I am a little closer to my grandmother and that is because I grew up with her. My mother was present as well, but I was mostly stuck with my grandmother. Even when I was starting my own business my mother was not in the country and my grandmother took pictures, told everyone about it and she even helped with deliveries,” said Onecia.
Many might see her simply as the newly crowned queen for St. Ann, but Ms Henry has been balancing her academic pursuits, with being an entrepreneur and a philanthropist.
“The name of my business is the Chandler Lab; I make and sell scented candles. It has been in operation since 2021. I am also the treasurer and team lead for the Pure Poverty Arm in the iBloom Foundation. Last week Wednesday we relaunched our Sexual and Reproductive Health programme in which we gave a donation to the Marcus Garvey Technical High School,” she said.
The iBloom Foundation is a non-profit organization focused on volunteerism, outreach, and youth mentorship.
She has been recently appointed as one of the 2024 National Youth Parliamentarians of Jamaica. Despite her busy schedule, Onecia remains focused on her goals. She plans to pursue a Master’s degree after completing her undergraduate degree. Also, she wants to use her platform to raise awareness about autism. Outside of her academic and professional life, she enjoys watching anything related to sports and reading.
ADVICE TO YOUTHS
Her mother Tamisha Douse is very proud of her. She says: “There is never an opportunity that arises that Onecia has not given her best. She has always held on to every opportunity that she gets to be her true self.” And, Ms Douse has advice for her only child, “Keep being a role model to the young ladies of today’s society because you have made us all proud as family members, community members, and by and large Jamaicans. You are a gem, and you will always have our support in whatever you decide to do. We love and appreciate the effort that you have put into giving back to society and wanting to be the best you can be in today’s world.”
The new Miss St Ann Festival Queen’s advice to youths is that they should set goals and work toward them with determination and perseverance.
“Break down your big dreams into achievable goals. Surround yourself with people with similar mindsets, prioritize your mental and physical well-being, and always put God first,” said Ms Henry.
Onecia Henry expressed her gratitude to all who supported her so far and asked that they continue to support her as she prepares to represent St Ann at the National Miss Festival Queen in Kingston in August.
(This feature was made possible through the support of Double D Promotions celebrating 19 years of Pageants.)
Here is a slice of the first walk by the new Queen, Watch:
By Jodi-Ann Clarke
JOIN PG SATURDAY 6 P.M. JA TIME ON NORTH COAST TIMES TIKTOK LIVE ON WHY CHILDREN SHOULD NOT BE LOCKED UP FOR CRIMES. Talk to PG at noth_coast_times_ja
