30 to compete for Miss Universe Jamaica 2023 title
Published:Tuesday | June 27, 2023 | 1:00 AMKeisha Hill/Gleaner Writer
It was unforgettable evening of glamour, beauty, and inspiration as 30 extraordinary contestants were sashed at the AC Hotel Kingston to compete in the 2023 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant.
With the local coronation just a few weeks away, and these stunning beauties are ready to vie for the coveted 2023 Miss Universe Jamaica crown.
National Director of the Miss Universe Jamaica Organisation, Mark McDermoth, said they were excited about the pageant this year. “We are celebrating ten years, and we are proud and happy. Although we went through some turbulent times, everything we are doing this year is larger than life. We have 30 contestants this year, and this has never before been seen on a national stage. With the calibre of these ladies, any one of them can be Miss Universe Jamaica,” McDermoth said.
“We have never opened a sashing event to the public before, but this year we have done it differently. We want the public to see the contestants and make contact with them in each and every way. Sometimes it is not the win, but the impact and the spirit of the competition that is important,” he added.
Among the contestants are twenty-three-year-old Tiffany Shields, winner of the Miss Universe Jamaica North East competition. The realtor and small business owner, who is preparing to study law, wears the sash Miss Keller Williams Jamaica Reality. Like the other contestants, Shields has expectations of winning the competition.
“The Miss Universe Jamaica pageant is such a great platform for positive change and it was such an easy decision to become involved with the brand to improve myself, on all levels and to showcase my charity. To be among such beautiful ladies from different backgrounds is a beauty in and of itself. We have learnt so many valuable lessons through our interactions and training sessions, it is incomparable to what we would have learnt in our everyday life,” Shields said.
With an associate’s degree in hospitality and tourism, Shields, who had entered the competition at the regional level before but did not place, felt she needed to re-enter with the hope of sharpening not only her determination but her tenacity to overcome failure.
“I want to win in a purposeful way which is not determined by the number I place in finals. I want to know that I have completed my journey in a holistic way, mentally and spiritually. As the reigning Ms Universe Jamaica North East, I also plan to take my platform to a national level to increase positive change to our women and society overall,” Shields said.
The finalists
The finals for the 2023 Miss Universe Jamaica will take place on August 26 at the AC Hotel Kingston.
Toshami Calvin is the reigning Miss Universe Jamaica titleholder.
The thirty finalists competing for the Miss Universe Jamaica are: Ashley White, Heaven’s Fesco; Shanice Rerrie, Kerry Kay’s Boutique; Robin Gabrielle Burnett, Elite Conceptz and Solutions Limited; Lisa Maragh, Jam Villa Resort; Tia Rutherford, Stylish Divaz Ja; Tika Rutherford, Alrobe International Corporation; Shaday Forsythe, Orda Ja; Gabrielle Henry, Maxie Department Store; Tiffany Shields, Keller Williams Ja; Olivia Alex, M24 Investments Limited; Denise Wilson, Total Energies Bryan’s Bay; Nikelle Marier, Vesper Villas; Lianne Fullwood, Zon Teason; Maria Hetey, Roast by Bresheh; Seana’Kaye Wright, Miss Creative Brands and Concepts Limited; Susan Dowdie, Chef Rose Jamaican Cusine; Imani Coleman, Berts Auto Parts; Shadia Johnson, Fusion Fitness; Shanique Robinson, Dunn’s River Falls and Park; Tia Dryden, Windsor Wellness; Zaria Diarra, Printware Group; Deborah Gordon, Gustazos; Tyra Spaulding, Virtual Reality Jamaica; Sara-Dee Palmer, Americana Enterprises 1999 Limited; Ayanna Powell-Myles, Ariskincare; Sashagay Marks, Watto’s Modern Furnishing and Construction, Alicia Sewell, Curves; Jordanne Lauren Levy, Closet Code and Robyn Kiira Lloyd, Sofia’s Bayit.