Amidst loud cheers and screams from friends, family members, and sponsors, the 30 finalists competing in the Miss Universe Jamaica East beauty pageant, were presented to members of the public for the first time on Saturday night when they were sashed by their respective sponsors.

The occasion took place at the Janga’s Soundbar and Grill on Belmont Road in New Kingston.

The ladies are vying for the coveted crown and a spot in the finals of the 2025 Miss Universe Jamaica national pageant, with the hope of representing Jamaica at the Miss Universe pageant later this year.

Journalist Kwela Cole, pageant first-timer, told the Jamaica Observer her reason for enlisting.

“Growing up, I absorbed the greatness of the amazing beauty queens that came out of Jamaica and I wanted to achieve that for myself. I am looking forward to sisterhood among the other ladies, growth in myself, and also to representing my country,” said Cole.

Simone Gardner, an attorney-at-law, said she wanted to highlight her charity ACTS Jamaica (Aspiring Children Through Sports).

“I have worked with clients from broken socio-economic backgrounds and I thought why not enter to enhance my charity,” Gardner shared.

Troy-Ann Anderson was encouraged by her friends at church to enter the pageant.

“I wanted to continue being a role model for [my teams], and this is something that I was always afraid of doing,” Anderson told the Observer.

“Men’s mental health is very important to me,” said Jamila LaFayette, and I needed a platform to advocate for this. So my reason for entering was to try and erase the stigma associated with mental health.”

The sole purpose of inspiring others was the reason attorney-at-law Keandra Wellington decided to join the pageant this year.

“Considering that I have a hectic lifestyle, and I always thought to myself that I’ll get to inspire other young ladies and championing for women’s rights, that’s what made me decide to enter,” shared Wellington.

The coronation of Miss Universe Jamaica East is scheduled for April 5 at the Wolmer’s Boys’ Auditorium.