Grand coronation for Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland set for May 23

Eighteen finalists are vying for the Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland title and are ready for the rigours of a platform that promises exposure, excitement, and the opportunity to represent their island on a grand scale.

Despite the challenges of recovering from Hurricane Melissa, the women of Westmoreland showed up and showed out at the Hotel Commingle in Savanna-la-Mar on March 28, for the Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland parish sashing. The evening, which boasted a tea party theme, featured specially invited guests, including Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Central Dwayne Vaz; Gabrielle Whyte, Miss Universe Jamaica West 2025 second runner-up; and Maria Marshall, deputy vice president for Miss Jamaica UK. The Gleaner spoke with Westmoreland Parish Director Hannah Sheree, who stated that this year’s crop of contestants all have what it takes to make a difference.

“I am so incredibly proud of my girls. They are still in training, and though this was just the sashing, a lot of effort and passion were put into the preparation, and it paid off beautifully,” she said.

Dubbed the Journey to the Crown, the quest is on to select the individual who will ultimately become a global ambassador. “I’m looking for more than physical beauty and appearance, but also inner beauty. She must possess excellent communication skills, confidence, resilience, the ability to lead and inspire, a voice for change, and be able to utilise her platform to make a positive difference through her chosen advocacy, thereby positively impacting the lives of others. In short, she must be memorable.”

OBSERVATION

According to Sheree, the key observation from the sashing is that people are connecting more with the competition now that it has transitioned into a parish final instead of a regional pageant. “We have 18 stunning finalists representing the parish in this year’s Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland competition who are very strong contenders in beauty, poise, elegance, articulation and authenticity. I strongly believe that our chosen representative will be a force to be reckoned with going into the national pageant this year.”

As a daughter of the parish, Sheree shared that while her parish may sometimes be underestimated, it can never be discounted. “Westmoreland is famous for our rich, authentic rural culture, scenic beauty and vibrancy. With Negril as our ‘Capital of Casual’, the parish continues to contribute greatly to our tourism industry, branded as world-renowned for our breathtaking seven-mile beach and luxurious hotels. When you add to that its thriving agricultural industry with sugarcane being one of its major products, inland attractions, historic landscapes, and enchanting rivers, you will understand the significance of our rural Jamaican charm.”

A creative director and event planner with a passion for fashion and design, Sheree recently launched her Eden by Hannah fashion collection alongside a range of inspirational writing journals –projects that reflect her creative drive.

A former tourism industry professional, she brings strong interpersonal skills to her work, shaped further by her recent roles in public relations and as a creative director. She has also served as head of the Miss Universe Jamaica West region.

Her extensive production experience with Saint International models adds to her expertise in pageantry, women’s empowerment, and mentorship.

Now, as parish director, her mission, she shared, is to motivate young Jamaican women into becoming better versions of themselves, through a transformational pageant experience under the theme ‘There’s Greatness in You’.

The grand coronation show for Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland 2026 will be held on Saturday, May 23, at the Hotel Commingle in Savanna-la-Mar.

nicola.cunningham@gleanerjm.com