A goal to build her self-confidence resulted in Isabel Dalley winning Miss Universe Jamaica 2016 title.

“I entered the pageant initially to gain experience. I didn’t feel confident and I wanted to grow. Entering the pageant has helped me in those areas and now I can say that I am a better person,” Dalley told the Jamaica Observer.

Dalley beat 21 other competitors for the title at the grand coronation show last Saturday at the Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. She says winning the crown just hasn’t settled in as yet.

“I’m still surprised and I have to say thanks to all the persons who supported me including my parents and my friends. They have been supportive from day one and have always encouraged me,” she said.

Dalley won the Miss Universe North West pageant held in Montego Bay a few months ago. She was an automatic finalist in the Miss Universe Jamaica 2016 finals. She is from Reading, St James, and is a student at the Montego Bay Community College where she is studying the sciences.

“I want to become a marine biologist,” the 18-year-old beauty revealed. She also works as a search-and-rescue scuba diver at the Doctor’s Cave in Montego Bay.

Dalley says she hopes to continue to build on Brand Jamaica during her reign. She wants to assist the Montego Bay Marine Park, which requires much-needed equipment.

“I’m working on a project with the Montego Bay Marine Park. I want to raise funds for them because they really do need equipment,” she said.

As she prepares for Miss Universe pageant, she is set to undergo a lot of training.

“I will be doing voice and speech and I will also be working on posture and poise. I will be working out in the gym as well,” she said.

In addition to Dalley, Shadae Haye, Liane Chung, Renae Roye, DJ Smith, Shanice Clarke, Bianca Cisneros-Wynter, Denyque Welds, Krystal Pitt, Tamoya Lindo, Crystal Hardy and Candice McLeod made the top 12.

The Top Six included Smith, Roye, Cisneros-Wynter, Pitt and Lindo.

The final placing was Dalley in first place, Krystal Pitt in second place and Renae Roye in third.

Sectional prizes were:

Altruism Award: Renae Roye

Best in Swimwear: DJ Smith

Best in Evening Gown: Krystal Pitt

Most Aware: Shadae Scott

Spirit of the Pageant Award: Anna-Kaye Beckford

Public Vote: Crystal Hardy

Photogenic: Krystal Pitt

Lasco Icool Best in Swimsuit: Abenah Gonzalez

Caribshopper Challenge Winner: Denyque Welds

Congenial: Tamoya Lindo

Runway Star: Kemesha Empty