Jamaica’s Shanté Jarrett cops Top 20 finish at Miss International; Colombia takes crown
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Shanté Jarrett finished in the Top 20 of the 63rd edition of the Miss International pageant held in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday.
This is Jamaica’s fourth placement at the pageant, following Israel Harrison’s top eight finish in 2022, and the Top 15 placements by Denise Thompson in 1987 and Michelle Williams in 1988.
Colombia’s 26-year-old queen, Catalina Duque, won the coveted Miss International 2025 title from a field of 80 contestants at the end of the glittering event.
Rounding out the Top 5 finalists were first runner-up from Zimbabwe, Yollanda Chimbarami; second runner-up from Bolivia, Paola Guzmán Sanchez; third runner-up from Indonesia, Melliza Xaviera Yulian; and Myrna Esguerra from Philippines, who ended in the fourth runner-up position.
Along with Jamaica, the representatives of Japan, Sri Lanka, India, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Angola and Netherlands were among the Top 20 semi-finalists.
Wearing a stunning blue dress, the 24-year-old Jamaican beauty queen won the hearts of local fans during the night’s proceedings. She also wore a blue swimsuit in showcasing her overall runway skills.
Jarrett, however, did not move on to the Top 10 following the swimsuit and evening gown rounds.
Still, the official Miss International Jamaica Instagram page commended Jarrett for her performances on the night, posting videos of her runway performances.
“We made in the TOP 20!… Shanté giving it her 100 per cent in the swimsuit performance on stage. What an incredible milestone, made possible through your unwavering love and support,” the Miss International Jamaica posted.
According to the local organisation, Jarrett is a student pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
“Shante’s drive for justice and fairness continues to shape her outlook on life. She is also a vibrant member of Jamaica’s tourism ecosystem,” her profile stated.
“As a part-time model and proud Montegonian, Shante embodies both elegance and empathy. Her journey reminds others that true beauty lies in self-acceptance, compassion and the courage to break the silence around mental health,” it added.
As Miss International Jamaica, Jarrett carries the message “Her Wellness, Our Future”, according to the local organisation.
The campaign, it said, highlighted “The importance of mental wellness for women and girls, not only in Jamaica but across the world.”