Twenty-three-year-old international relations student at The University of the West Indies Keri-Ann Greenwood (Miss Social Butterfliez Entertainment Group) took home first place at the grand coronation of the Miss Universe Jamaica East on Sunday night inside Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College.

Greenwood described her journey in the pageant as an amazing one.

“I learnt a lot and I grew a lot. I am my best version of myself currently, and I cannot wait to see what the national finals have in store for me,” she said.

“I believe what gave me the edge was my confidence. I was very confident in whatever I did and I had fun. It was also a hectic week preparing for the finals, but it all paid off.”

She cited a need to develop her skills in public speaking as the reason for entering the pageant.

“I had a real issue with public speaking and I really wanted to develop that skill. I was also insecure about myself and I wanted to build on my brand. I’m glad that the judges were able to see the growth in me,” Greenwood shared.

She hopes to inspire young women and to focus on mental health through her altruism project.

Greenwood has now earned an automatic placement in the national Miss Universe Jamaica pageant.

Crowd favourite, Shannon Johnson, finished in second place.

Sponsored by Sharkies Seafood Restaurant, she told the Observer that she was pleasantly surprised at her placement.

“I honestly did not expect to reach this far, but I did my best. I’m so proud of all the girls,” she said.

Upon hearing her name announced as the third place winner in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica East pageant Rasheeda Green (Miss Orlando Denham Transport), a 21-year-old final year student at the Caribbean Maritime University, burst into tears.

Her mother, Sharla McDonald, could hardly contain her emotions and she too broke down.

Green had entered the pageant on the encouragement of her mother. The journey was a tough one for her, but she had one thing in mind — to break out of her shell.

“A lot was going through my mind when my name was called. Honestly, I was not expecting to make it this far in the competition. Backstage, I was a nervous wreck, you can ask any of the girls, but I came out and did what I had to do, and I am proud of the results,” Green disclosed in an interview post-pageant.

She continued: “I am a very shy and introverted person, so coming out here on-stage and doing this meant a lot to me. I almost withdrew from the competition because at one point, I wasn’t feeling confident enough. I was a little bit intimidated. But it was my mother who encouraged me; she was there from the beginning, at every training session, every weekend she was there. She realised that my self-confidence wasn’t where she wanted it to be, so she told me to enter to get the best out of me.”

McDonald told the Jamaica Observer that she made the sacrifice for her daughter to improve on her shortcomings.

“I knew she had it in her, but I wanted her to come out of her comfort zone. I wanted her to step out and be that person that she could be, and I think that this pageant had done wonders for her, because she has transformed a lot. I have to thank Jermane [Blair, regional director, Miss Universe Jamaica East pageant] for that, he did very well with her,” she said.

McDonald drove her daughter from Yallahs, St Thomas, every week for training, having to sleep in her car when rehearsals ran late.

Despite its late start, and a few technical hiccups, the coronation show was an entertaining affair.

After the opening number by the 19 finalists (one finalist, Vanessa Davidson withdrew from the pageant on Sunday due to unforeseen circumstances), the number was quickly slashed to a Top 11.

Making the first cut with the eventual winners were Rishema Daley (Miss Lucky Dollar), Dr Taylor McKenzie (Miss Fisher’s Equipment), Britney McKenzie (Miss Janga’s Soundbar and Grill), Rickie Ann Whitter (Miss Café Blue), Rhys Davis (Miss Rehab Oasis Limited), Brittany Dyke (Miss Fit Farm Fitness Club), Martha McGregor (Miss Wasomi Beauty), and Shania Carr (Miss P&S Events and Vacations).

The contestants also appeared in evening wear and swimwear (courtesy of Bulletz Fashion) before facing the gruelling interview segment.

Sectional prize winners were awarded to Vanessa Davidson – Most Congenial; Shania Carr and Shannon Johnson – Style Award; Rhys Davis – Best in Swimwear; Shannon Johnson – Most Photogenic; Britney McKenzie and Keri-Ann Greenwood – Best in Evening Gown; Dr Taylor McKenzie – Altruism Award

The pageant’s title sponsors were Rum Bar Rum Cream and Fit Farm Fitness.