DESPITE Toshami Calvin, Miss Universe Jamaica 2022, not advancing to the top 16 semi-finals of the Miss Universe competition on Saturday night, Mark McDermoth, local franchise holder, says she did Jamaica proud.

McDermoth was in attendance at the Miss Universe grand coronation which took place at the New Orleans Morial Convention Centre in Louisiana.

“We are very happy with Toshami’s representation and overall performance. She captured the hearts of the nation and had everyone rallying behind her because of this strong showing at Miss Universe. Even here in New Orleans on the ground, the entire buzz was about her and the island Jamaica so we have every reason to be proud,” McDermoth told the Jamaica Observer on Sunday.

“Did we expect Toshami to make the top 16 cut? Absolutely! But we understand that it was a particularly difficult year at Miss Universe this year with the competition being so intense for only 16 places. We implore Jamaica to continue supporting her, especially in her advocacy for persons with disabilities and her mission to bring awareness about children on the autism spectrum,” he continued.

R’Bonney Gabriel of the USA was crowned Miss Universe 2022 while Amanda Dudamel of Venezuela and Andreina Martinez of Dominican Republic finished in second and third place, respectively. The delegates representing Curacao and Puerto Rico completed the top 5.

Some 84 contestants competed for the title, with Australia, Canada, Colombia, Haiti, India, Trinidad and Tobago, Laos, Peru, South Africa, Portugal and Spain completing the top 16.