‘I can make an impact’

The adage that the race is not for the swift but for those who endure took on special meaning for Matea Mahal Smith, who on Sunday night was crowned Miss Jamaica World (MJW) 2026 at the coronation ceremony in the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College in St Andrew.

The night also saw Daniella Bullock crowned Miss International Jamaica and Celine Walters, Miss Earth Jamaica.

While the rewards have been worth it, the journey was never an easy one for Smith, whose initial ambitions would have seen her running a different race.

“Initially, I wanted to be a track and field athlete, but a couple of injuries took that away. But I always grew up watching Miss World, and I knew that they have such an impact. And I realised that my circumstances didn’t define me, so I know I can go there; even when my future changed, I can make an impact for others as well,” Smith told The Gleaner post-win.

At a young age, Smith was diagnosed with hip dysplasia and, as a result, ended up undergoing three surgeries. Nevertheless, she turned that adversity into advocacy through her initiative, Love Always, Matea, which supports children with disabilities.

The 24-year-old also proclaimed that she would not be where she is now without the love and support of her loved ones, including her parents, who supported her throughout her journey. “I would have to say I’m very blessed for them. They’re the ones who hold me up through everything, and they make sure that I know my worth and make sure I know that I can believe in myself, and I’m so thankful. I wouldn’t be the woman I am today without them,” she said.

Speaking of her parents, they could not be prouder. The two were among the loudest supporters in the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium, waving pictures of their daughter and blowing vuvuzelas in celebration.

“Well, through our ups and downs, the journey has been really great. I mean ... we had to really work with her and just keep her motivated and focused on one thing. At the end of the day, she just [had] to remember to just be proud of what [she] can do, and that only she is in control of [her] own destiny,” said Seitu Smith, Matea’s father.

Her mother, Mari Smith, agreed, adding that “Matea has had tons of experience in pageantry. She’s represented Jamaica on [the] international stage and has gone through the rounds. But this girl never rests; she was never complacent. She did her walk training, interview training ... she didn’t take it for granted, and I am so, so proud of her for that and all her hard work.”

One such international experience was her participation in the Miss Grand International pageant, for which Smith held the Jamaican title in 2025.

Next on the agenda for the newly crowned Miss Jamaica World is preparation for the 74th edition of Miss World, which is slated to take place in Tanzania next year. And, according to co-franchise holder Dahlia Harris, the pressure is on for all three title holders.

“So, from here, we step up their training in terms of walk; we step up their training, specifically, for each pageant, because each pageant is totally different, and the requirements are different. So, for example, while Earth does have a talent element, it doesn’t go towards you winning a prize. Miss World, on the other hand, talent, fitness and all of that come together. So, we separate the three things, and then we work with them individually to strengthen them as they head out of Jamaica,” Harris told The Gleaner.

For Smith, while she looks forward to representing Jamaica on the big stage, above all, the aspiring doctor is ready to make an impact.

“I’m really looking forward to how much of a difference I can make. You know, it all started with my advocacy for children with disabilities, and I want to just continue that and touch more to those that are impoverished and don’t have the resources they can get. So, I’m hoping I’m able to partner with more organisations to make that change happen,” she explained.

kenrick.morgan@gleanerjm.com