Miss Jamaica World Nevaeh Allen owes victory to strong single mother

She did not sit down for more than five minutes throughout the entire evening. A nervous ball of energy and excitement, Simone Franks came with a sash bearing her daughter’s name and a huge sign featuring her image. Confident of her victory in the Miss Jamaica World Competition, she told everyone who would listen, “I think her performance so far is consistently good, so I’m confident that we’re carrying the crown straight back to Linstead tonight!”

And her prediction was spot on as 19-year-old Nevaeh Allen seized both the top spot and the hearts of the audience, most of whom were already her supporters and family. By the end of the evening, the rest of the audience also drifted over to her side. With her poise, looks and down-to-earth personality, she charmed even the supporters of her fellow contestants. As a result, the big announcement was met with no resistance or criticism as the general consensus was that the best girl had won.

An emotional Allen was in tears upon her coronation. The Gleaner caught up with her backstage, and she shared that she had been an emotional wreck all day as at times she did not feel like she was doing that well, but she just kept pushing through. “I’m so grateful to God and everyone who helped me to get to this stage. My parents, family and friends and the other contestants who also helped me to grow and blossom. The first thing I’m going to do tomorrow morning is say a prayer of gratitude and then do a personal shout-out to everyone on social media who helped me along my journey.”

Her mother, she said, has been her inspiration and her cheerleader in every aspect and stage of her life. “I was raised by an amazing, strong woman who was a single mother. Without her, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today as she taught me everything I know about being resilient.”

Her project going into 2026 is promoting sustainability and conservation of animal wildlife, but she is most looking forward to the international stage, where she will become Jamaica’s newest ambassador and get to meet other young girls from far-off places she has only heard about.

The other queens also crowned were Asia Wright who is Miss international and Brianna Foster, Miss Earth. The Miss Jamaica World pageant took place on Sunday at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College before a sizeable crowd and though most were elegantly dressed in gowns and high heels, they came for business with their posters, banners, Dutch pot covers and vuvuzuelas. The I-5 Band provided musical entertainment throughout the evening along with Gem Myers, who was regal as ever in a gorgeous form-fitted black gown that screamed ‘diva’. The songbird delivered the classic And I’m Telling You plus her popular hit, One Man Woman.

The 18 hopefuls first appeared in gold sequinned mini dresses as they strutted out to Katy Perry’s Roar, performed by Kenya Benjamin, before switching gears and gliding across the stage in evening wear. This was where the clear crowd favourites became known. Asia Wright, Halima Haughton, Nevaeh Allen and Brianna Foster were standouts from early. For sectional prizes, Chris-Ann Higgins copped Most Aware; Brianna Hurston won Most Improved and Brianna Foster was voted as having the Best personality. Asia Wright was deemed the Most Poised, Terri-Ann Wilson had the Best Smile and Nevaeh Allen won Most Congenial. The Most Photogenic Award went to Alisha Thorpe and the Multimedia Challenge was won by Halima Haughton.

For his contribution to pageantry and fashion for over 45 years, co-franchise holder Weston Haughton was given a lifetime achievement award, which was a surprise presentation made to him by Dahlia Harris. In accepting the award, Haughton said that he was humbled to know that his work was so valued. “Dem know seh me love bawl ennuh so dem trick me. I want to thank God for the talent he has given me and the time to do it. I also want to thank Mikey Haughton James for the opportunity he presented to me 45 years ago. It has been a wonderful journey.”

nicola.cunningham@gleanerjm,com