KINGSTON, Jamaica — Safiya Romans, a third-year environmental health student at the University of Technology (UTECH), was named the winner of the talent showcase in the 2025 Miss UTECH Jamaica pageant.

Romans, whose skit resonated with the audience, won from a field of 15 finalists. Orvillesha Genas finished in second place, while Shania Laird, Kimoya Samules and Malika Muqtadir were third, fourth and fifth respectively.

The event took place at the Centre for the Arts at the university on Thursday.

“The basis of my talent piece is a country girl coming to town and she wanted to audition for the gospel talent competition, but she arrived late. However, a kind judge allowed her to participate, and she got through,” Romans told Observer Online.

It was days before the talent showcase that Romans decided what her talent piece would entail.

“I did not know what I was going to do until about a week ago. I heard this song Breathe about a year ago, and I decided that I wouldn’t sing it because it’s jazz and it’s outside of my comfort zone, even though I was encouraged to do it. The idea for the skit came about three to four nights before the event. Thanks to my friends who helped me to bring my dreams to life,” Romans shared.

A former student at the Mannings High School in Westmoreland, Romans is from the community of Fort William.

She shared her reason for entering the Miss UTECH Jamaica 2025 pageant.

“I’m going into my final year, so what I wanted to do is one final thing before I leave this school,” said Romans, who is pursuing a major in Public Health.

The grand coronation of Miss UTECH Jamaica 2025 will take place on Saturday, March 29 at the university.

— Kevin Jackson