Miss Caribbean LA, Jahmea Bent, Visits Belize

Twenty-five-year-old Jahmea Bent is visiting Belize as Miss Caribbean Los Angeles 2024.  Born and raised in LA, Jahmea’s parents are both Belizeans.  In January 2023, Jahmea made her debut in the Queen of Kingdom Day pageant where she won the crown and participated in the Queen of Kingdom Day Parade in South Central.  Earlier this year, she decided to enter the Miss Caribbean LA competition and made history as the first Belizean woman to win the coveted title.  Jahmea stopped by our office and shared more about her visit to Belize, as well as her new title.

 

Jahmea Bent, Ms. Caribbean LA

“It was a friend of mine who lives in New York who had spoken and heard about the pageant coming about and he sent me the application for it and then it was my godmother who is also a part of pageantry that had sent me the application and she told me to sign up and be a representation of Belize. So, I did and it came out to be more than I had expected. The pageant happens every year on June first, and it sets off the Caribbean Heritage Month.  The pageant is a contribution of all Caribbean countries and for me, I was a representative of Belize.  Being the first Ms. Caribbean Los Angeles is such an honor.  I’ve been able to promote and just express my gratitude and also just have everyone share into the Caribbean culture and Belizean culture as well.  And so, coming here to Belize is such a pleasure because I get to promote the culture, the tradition, the people and be a part of the community and express how great and mighty this small country is. 

 

Isani Cayetano

“So you have Belizean heritage.”

 

Jahmea Bent

“I do.”

 

Isani Cayetano

“Talk to us about where your parents are from, in terms of being here in the country.”

 

Jahmea Bent

“Both my parents, my mom and my dad are from the city and so I come multiple times and I come to visit my grandmother, my aunts, my uncles, my sister and my brother that live here in the city.  I’ve been here many times and being here, I’m just able to be with them and also immerse myself in the culture.”