The Miss World Cayman Islands organisation has replaced its 2024 titleholder Latecia Bush and named Jada Ramoon in her place, according to a statement released by the organisation on Monday.
The announcement comes after “careful consideration and in adherence to the contractual obligations that govern our pageant”, Pamela Ebanks-Small, pageant director, said.
“We have made the difficult decision to transition to a new representative. We want to emphasize that this decision was not made lightly, and we believe that Jada will showcase to the world, the values of the Miss World Cayman Islands pageant,” Ebanks-Small added.
The organisation did not specify what “contractual obligations” had led to Bush’s ousting.
‘Deep disappointment’
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, following the organisation’s announcement, Bush released a statement citing “deep disappointment” in the decision to “revoke my title- a decision made without fairness, transparency, or the opportunity for meaningful discussion”.
Bush had won the title of Miss World Cayman Islands in October and had been expected to represent the islands at the international competition in India. Bush also won the title of Miss Teen Cayman in 2018.
“With just one month before the Miss World competition, I was informed that I would no longer be representing the Cayman Islands, despite my full commitment to the role and having all my necessary preparations completed. My formal requests for a meeting and reconsideration were denied, leaving me without a voice in a matter that directly affects my life and my future,” she said on social media.
“This decision does not align with the values that any organisation committed to women’s empowerment should uphold. Time and time again, women in this role have been silenced, undermined, and cast aside without due process. I am not the first to experience this, and I refuse to be silent while this pattern continues. No organisation that claims to uplift women should be the very source of their mistreatment.”
‘An excellent choice’
Bush’s replacement, Ramoon, was announced as second runner-up during the October pageant held at the ARC in Camana Bay.
The organisation noted Ramoon’s appointment “was confirmed after the first runner-up of the competition did not finalise her contractual obligations with the pageant”.
As the new titleholder, Ramoon will now represent Cayman at the Miss World pageant scheduled for next month in India.
Ramoon is a programmes coordinator with the Cayman Islands Chamber of Commerce. Ebanks-Small noted her qualifications and dedication make her an “excellent choice”.
“She brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to community engagement. Her enthusiasm for this opportunity is evident, and we are confident she will represent the Cayman Islands with grace and distinction,” Ebanks-Small said.
Ramoon told the Cayman Compass, “I am incredibly excited to take on the role of Miss World Cayman Islands. It’s still sinking in, and I’m still in shock, but I look forward to this journey and the opportunities ahead. I am especially passionate about continuing to advocate for mental health, as well as youth and community involvement.”
Ramoon said she is looking forward to the road ahead.
“What I am looking forward to is more community involvement and also all training opportunities presented to me, as well as being able to represent my island in Telangana, India. I will do my utmost to make my island proud on the international stage and beyond,” Ramoon said.