Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen Launches Youth Civic Empowerment Parish Project

Young people in St. Thomas are being empowered to embrace their civic responsibilities through a project launched by Miss St. Thomas Festival Queen 2025, Fiona DaCosta.

The project, launched on International Human Rights Day (December 10) at the Anglican Church Hall in Morant Bay, is titled ‘Know Yuh Rights: Embrace Yuh Civic Responsibilities’.

Addressing the event, Ms. DaCosta said the idea was born out of a ‘simple but salient’ observation.

“Many young people know that they have rights. Many more are not aware, and fewer understand the civic responsibilities that come with those rights or how both the rights and the responsibilities must work together for communities and our nation to thrive,” she stated.

“At the same time, many of our institutions work tirelessly to uphold justice, protect rights, and maintain order. But there is often an understanding gap,” the Festival Queen added.

She explained that the project seeks to bridge the gap and will be facilitated through dialogue, education, empowerment, awareness, and trust-building, with activities scheduled over the coming months.

“There are expected to be school tours, youth engagement sessions focused on everyday rights and responsibilities, and partnerships with institutions and community leaders to provide practical guidance and support, especially where the information and growth of our youth are concerned. In these spaces, young people will be encouraged not only to ask questions but to think critically about their choices, their conduct, and the impact they have on our communities,” Ms. DaCosta outlined.

She urged collaboration, partnerships, and sponsorships in support of the project, emphasising that “civic education is not the responsibility of one person or institution”.

“It requires schools; it requires families, faith-based organisations, law enforcement, and also the youth, working together. I invite our partners, our stakeholders, and the community leaders to see this initiative not just as a Festival Queen project but as a parish investment… one that aims to create more informed, respectful, and empowered citizens,” Ms. DaCosta stated.

In her remarks, Acting Director for the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Community Cultural Development Services Division, Andrea Hinds McCurdy, commended Ms. DaCosta for the project.

“In the midst of these unprecedented times, it is heartening to know that, as a people, we continue to look for ways to serve our community. I commend Fiona for continuing this rich tradition of service,” she said.

Mrs. Hinds McCurdy hailed the parish queen for seeking to “educate the people on the importance of not only being aware of their rights as citizens but understanding that with great knowledge comes great responsibility”.

A forum was also held during the project’s launch, in commemoration of International Human Rights Day.

It brought together the youth, educators, and general residents to explore the theme, ‘Human Rights and Civic Responsibilities: The Balance for Nation-building’.

Partners of ‘Know Yuh Rights: Embrace Yuh Civic Responsibilities’ include the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Office of the Public Defender, Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), and the JCDC.