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Santo Domingo, November , 2024 (Haiti Wire) – Cassandre Jacques, a Dominican-Haitian model who had been selected to represent San Juan de la Maguana in the Miss World Dominican Republic 2024 competition, has announced her withdrawal from the pageant. Her decision follows an outpouring of debate over her eligibility to represent the Dominican Republic due to her previous representation of Haiti in an international beauty competition.
In a message shared on Instagram in both Spanish and French, Jacques expressed mixed emotions about her decision, emphasizing that it followed deep reflection. “With a heart full of mixed feelings and after profound reflection, I have decided to withdraw from the Miss World Dominican Republic competition,” she wrote.
A Personal Dream and Public Debate
Jacques, who had been pursuing her pageant journey with excitement and dedication, noted that competing in Miss World Dominican Republic was a personal dream. However, as she rose through the ranks in the competition, questions emerged about her eligibility due to her participation in the 2023 International Coffee Queen pageant, where she represented Haiti and won the title of First Princess.
The revelation sparked intense public discourse, with reactions ranging from support for her aspirations to criticism over dual national representation. Jacques acknowledged her supporters, including family and friends, who backed her throughout her journey and added that her experience in the pageant had been transformative. “This dream has been one of the most important experiences of my life, and I am grateful for how far I have come,” she said.
A New Chapter Ahead
Jacques clarified that stepping down from the pageant does not signify the end of her career but the beginning of new ventures. She expressed optimism about future opportunities, saying, “This is not the end of my path but the start of new projects, dreams, and opportunities that I am ready to embrace with the same passion.”
Though she didn’t directly address the controversy in her announcement, her departure has left room for speculation within the beauty pageant community. Many have noted that her identity as a Dominican-Haitian woman symbolizes a blending of cultures in a region often marked by complex national identities.
Symbol of Representation and Cultural Pride
Prior to her departure, Jacques was showcased on Miss World Dominican Republic’s official social media as a proud representative of San Juan de la Maguana. She was featured under the name “Jaquez” and was celebrated as an embodiment of Dominican cultural pride and heritage.
In concluding her message, Jacques reflected on the strength and resilience she gained through the experience. Her decision to step down marks the closing of one chapter while she looks forward to furthering her goals in new directions, committed to representing her heritage and identity.
