Three university students were on Sunday selected to represent The Rock in upcoming international pageants — Miss World, Miss International and Miss Earth.

Nevaeh Allen, 19-years old and pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business finance at the University College of the Caribbean, was crowned Miss Jamaica World 2026.

First runner-up, 20-year-old Asia Wright, who attends The University of the West Indies, was crowned Miss International Jamaica, while 23-year-old nursing student at The University of the West Indies Brianna Foster took third place and the title Miss Earth Jamaica.

The grand coronation, which was originally scheduled for last November and postponed in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa which passed in late October, was held at Karl Hendrickson Auditorium on the Jamaica College campus.

Guided by the affable host Debbie Bissoon, the event started almost half-hour late, but the entertainment value of the near-three-hour show made up for the delay.

Eighteen young ladies competed for the main title, but Allen, a resident of Ewarton in St Catherine and a former student at Ardenne High, won the hearts of the audience and the judges to claim the main title.

Allen’s family were out in their numbers cheering her on to capture the top spot. Her mother, Simone Ranks, a businesswoman, was overcome with emotion when her daughter was announced Miss Jamaica World 2026.

“I had no doubt that she would win; I predicted this from day one that the crown was coming to Linstead. We came for it and she got it; she put in the work. I’m her biggest supporter and her greatest critique,” Ranks told the Jamaica Observer post-pageant.

With tears in her eyes, Ranks said she felt like she was reliving an event from her past. As a 14-year-old, she had won the Miss Seaview Gardens title.

“I think her interest in pageants developed because I was in pageants as a young girl. Her dad is here and we have all been supportive of her decision to enter Miss Jamaica World. I really think that her charisma, charm, personality, and kindness were what gave her the edge. I grew her to be kind to everyone, care for people and animals, and be passionate in whatever she chose to do,” Ranks shared.

Nevaeh, who also won Most Congenial, was particularly appreciative of her family’s backing.

“My family’s support was very crucial,” she said. “I could not have done this pageant without the support of my family and friends. My family stayed up with me at nights practising and rehearsing countless nights, helping me to pronounce words properly, helping me with my walk, and just encouraging me. My mother herself walked around Spanish Town soliciting online votes for me every day, and I am thankful for everything that they did,” the Miss World delegate said as she fought to hold back tears.

Nevaeh shared that she entered the pageant to promote her advocacy of animal and environmental sustainability.

Asked what was going through her mind when her name was announced as the first place winner, she said: “I was very unsure of myself when my name was called. I had a moment where I felt discouraged during the competition, but that was quickly rectified with the help of my fellow contestants. The high point of the journey has been my participation in the fast-track events. The everyday journey of rehearsing with the contestants; we have a sisterhood and rallied for each other… The hard work has definitely paid off.”

Wright who is originally from Dalvey in St Thomas said she felt amazing with her second-place placement and Miss International Jamaica 2026 title.

“I feel absolutely amazing. This has been my dream since I was a child,” she told the Observer.

She said her interest in pageants came after she watched Miss Jamaica competing in an international pageant.

“It was in 2016 that I was watching Miss Jamaica on the international stage and she impressed me. She represented so well and, at that moment, I felt it was my calling. I entered pageants when I was in high school and even at the start of university. For me, Miss Jamaica World is about grace and beauty, which serve a huge purpose,” Wright said on the night after being selected Most Poised.

For Hamden, Trelawny, resident Foster, her third-place finish and Miss Earth 2026 title came as a surprise.

“I’m so happy, so ecstatic that I get to represent Jamaica on the international stage. I get to share my culture and my pride and I am so happy,” the former Mount Alvernia High School student said.

Foster continued: “My reason for entering is I thought it would help me to model. I had that dream as a child, and I couldn’t live that dream. But then I came into this pageant with advocacy, with purpose, and with service, and I’ve moved from beauty to purpose.”

She was also adjudged Best Personality.

The opening segment of the coronation show saw the 18 contestants in a choreographed piece to a rendition of Katy Perry’s Roar, performed by Kenya Benjamin.

Gem Myers and the I-5 Band were also among the night’s other performers.

After the evening wear parade, sectional prizes were handed out.

Chrisann Higgins, a policewoman, won Most Aware, while Brianna Hurston was named Most Improved. Terry Ann Wilson won for Best Smile, while Alisha Thorpe was judged Most Photogenic.

Halima Haughton won the multi-media challenge, while Tannevia Pottinger won the Head-to-Head Challenge.

Winners in the fast-track competitions were: Fitness Challenge – Asia Wright; Top Model – Halima Haughton; Beach Body – Nevaeh Allen; Talent – Danece Jacas.

Norbrya Scarlett’s heart-warming project which highlighted her efforts to help the less fortunate, including the elderly and the young at heart in a community located in Trelawny, was selected the Best Beauty with a Purpose project.

Along with the winners of the fast-track competitions, making the top 10 were Abril Walker, Alisha Thorpe, Terry Ann Wilson, Kalea Roman, and Brianna Foster.

Contestants also faced a question-and-answer session before the top spots were selected and crowned.

Miss Jamaica World 2026 Nevaeh Allen is flanked by first runner-up Asia Wright (left), Miss International Jamaica; and second runner-up Brianna Foster, who also earns the title Miss Earth Jamaica. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)