Two years ago when she made it to the Top 5 in the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant, Dr Gabrielle Henry decided that she would one day come back stronger to compete.

On Saturday, night before a sold-out audience inside the ballroom of AC Hotel Kingston, the 28-year-old ophthalmologist at University Hospital of the West Indies, beat 26 other competitors for the 2025 crown.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer moments after she was crowned, Henry said she underwent intense preparation for the big night.

“Oh, my goodness, right now I feel like I’m on cloud 9. Truly, this pageant is built on a lot of relationships, the sisterhood in the pageant, I’m so grateful for my ladies who supported me along this journey. It also helped me to build a stronger bond with my family, thank you so much,” said Henry.

She continued: “A lot of work went into this moment, lots of preparation. It is indeed rigorous work; pageantry is no joke. It involves a lot of training, walking, talking, workouts and you have to really commit yourself to the cause, you have to commit yourself to be way better and showing up for your country.”

The grand coronation show got underway almost an hour after the advertised 8:30 pm start time, with the 27 finalists appearing on stage in a choreographed piece before introducing themselves to the audience.

Shortly after, the Top 15 of Nastassia Haughton, Zoan Edwards, Marian Millaneise, Thiana Feanny, Simone Gardner, Rajivea Soman, Barbie Mudahy, Gabrielle Henry, Matea Smith, Kennya Young, Keandra Wellington, Troy Ann Anderson, Naima Scott, Shiann Excell, and Dreanna Williams was announced.

The swimwear and evening gown segments preceded the announcement of the Top 6 — Shiann Excell, Troy Ann Anderson, Gabrielle Henry, Matea Smith, Naima Scott, and Dreanna Williams — moving closer to a chance at the crown.

Sectional prize winners were announced right before the Top 3 finalists were revealed.

Best in Swimwear was a tie between Shiann Excell and Gabrielle Henry; while Rajivea Soman, an educator from St Mary, was named Most Photogenic. Matea Smith won Best in Evening Wear, while the Spirit of the Pageant award went to Akedia Morgan (Miss Universe Jamaica Central).

Henry also won Best Personality, the Media Challenge, and tied with Tasharrie McLean and Keandra Wellington for the Altruism Award.

The Social Media Award went to model and actress Esther Moore, the Essence of Style award was claimed by Shiann Excell, and 51-year-old marketer Barbie Mudahy won the Congeniality Award.

Making the Top 3 were Henry, Anderson and Smith.

Tension filled the air as cheerleading squads screamed with excitement for their favourites awaiting the final results.

Contemporary classical singer Rory Frankson brought an interpretation of Christopher Cross’s 1980 #1 Billboard Hot 100 hit
Sailing to life. The audience enjoyed every bit of it and sang along.

As emcee Debbie Bissoon reeled out the results, the audience erupted. Henry took first place, while Troy Ann Anderson, who earlier this year wont the regional Miss Universe Jamaica East title, finished in second place. Matea Smith, another crowd favourite was third.

“I feel amazing, I’m lost for words. The support that came out tonight made me feel honoured, loved, and supported. The place was just crazy,” Anderson told the Observer.

As for Smith, she said she was proud of her achievement.

“It was three months of hard work and preparation. It’s an amazing group of girls and I’m proud of myself. I believe we all performed to the best of our ability,” she said.

Henry shared how she was able to juggle studies while preparing for the crown.

“It’s really about time management, but you really have to utilise every slot of time that you have available to you. I really had to just commit.”

A former student at The Queen’s Preparatory and Immaculate Conception High schools, Henry said she is now focused on preparing for the Miss Universe pageant, which is scheduled for November 21 in Thailand.

“Just getting through this pageant and [being able to now go on] representing my country well is what my focus is right now,” she said.

Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 Dr Gabrielle Henry is flanked by first runner-up Troy-Ann Anderson (right) and second runner-up Matea Smith.

A section of cheerleaders for eventual first runner-up Troy-Ann Anderson