By Claudia Gardner:
The parish of Westmoreland Parish has the distinction of being home to Jamaica’s healthiest men based on national health data, but is also known to be the home to some of Jamaica’s most stunning women.
That reality was on full display on Saturday at the Hotel Commingle in Savanna-la-mar, as contestants in the inaugural Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland 2026 intensified preparations ahead of the highly anticipated May 23 coronation night, by presenting their Altruism Impact projects.
From confident university students and ambitious young entrepreneurs to hospitality workers, professionals and aspiring community leaders, the 18 finalists represent a vibrant cross-section of modern Westmoreland womanhood. Their beauty may first capture attention, but pageant director for Westmoreland and Hanover, Hannah Sheree says the competition is equally focused on confidence, discipline, intelligence and personal growth.
Speaking during an interview with Negril Times Sheree described the journey to coronation night as both demanding and rewarding, pointing out that the contestants have undergone weeks of grooming, public speaking exercises, media preparation and personal development training.
“This is bigger than a pageant,” she explained. “It is about creating opportunities, building confidence and showing the strength, elegance and diversity of Westmoreland’s women.”
Hannah Sheree said she has been particularly impressed by the educational and professional backgrounds of this year’s contestants.
“We have nursing students, we have computer engineering students, we have law students. The articulation is up there. Intellectually, I’m very impressed,” she said.
One of the youngest contestants, she revealed, has already distinguished herself academically.
“There’s an 18-year-old in my contest right now who has 21 CXC subjects,” she disclosed proudly.
This year’s staging of the Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland pageant, is particularly historic as it marks the first time the Miss Universe Jamaica competition is being organised at the parish level islandwide, a move expected to broaden participation and uncover talent from communities that may previously have been overlooked.
Hannah Sheree told Negril Times that in light of this, one of her primary goals is to build greater awareness of the Miss Universe brand throughout the parish and strengthen Westmoreland’s connection to pageantry at that level.
“We have not been cultured as it relates to the Miss Universe brand – for obvious reasons -because it was always in Kingston. And so, as a pageant director for Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland and Hanover, I am on a mission to bring awareness to Westmoreland in regards to the Miss Universe brand – Making the connections, building the relationships, getting sponsors on board, attracting sponsors, because right now that’s my challenge, which I understand because it’s new…” she explained.
The finalists hail from communities across the parish, including Savanna-la-mar, Negril, Little London, Whitehouse and Petersfield, bringing with them stories of ambition, resilience and determination.
Organisers also revealed that the removal of the traditional age limit by the international Miss Universe organisation has opened the door for more mature contestants and could significantly reshape the competition in future years, as before 2024, the age limit was 27 and contestants could not be married or have children.
Hannah Sheree acknowledged that while younger women have dominated this year’s applicant pool, future stagings might attract even more married women, mothers and older professionals eager to challenge traditional pageant norms.
“The interest is there, but they shy away from coming forward,” she said.
Corporate support and community involvement have also played a major role in bringing the event to life, with local sponsors assisting with contestant preparation, training sessions and production planning leading into coronation night.
Pageant sponsors of the event include The Boardwalk, Chappa Auto, Flamin Wok, Royale Pharmacy, SnappazSeafood Grill and Sports Bar, Event Tents and Party Rentals, Bijoux, Alpha’s Windows and More, 12/20 Entertainment, Tan Tan Top Pastry, Chupps Apparel, Dynamic Energetic Solution, SJC Tax Services, MK Studios, Pier 1, Fania Ffrench, Yaadman and Dr. Reddy’s Medical Centre.
Whilst greater support is still needed, Hannah Sheree remains optimistic about the future of pageantry in the parish.
“We have the goods. We have the quality. We have the intellect. We have the articulation. We have it all. And it’s time for Jamaica to see the quality that we have in Westmoreland,” she declared.
As excitement builds toward May 23, Hannah Sheree says the goal is not simply to crown a winner, but to launch a new era of pageantry in Westmoreland — one rooted in empowerment, representation and parish pride.
“I want them to be proud. On coronation night, I want them (Westmorelites) to be proud. And I know that my ladies will make them proud,” she said.
Showtime: 8pm
Venue: Hotel Commingle
Tickets available at: Fontana Pharmacy and Pillbox Pharmacy in Savanna-la-mar.
