Keneil Bernard and Janeilia Hemmings are the newly crowned Mr and Miss Law (UWI) 2026 titleholders. The pageant took place last Saturday on the roof of the Faculty of Law.

Seven males and seven females competed in the keenly contested pageant, which saw a large turnout of patrons, comprising parents and fellow students from various faculties at the university.

Hemmings described the experience of being in the pageant during an interview with Observer Online.

“I would say that being in this pageant was one of the best things I’ve ever done. It was hard, for sure, but working with everyone, from fellow contestants to members of the first vice president committee, was truly such a remarkable experience,” she said. “This pageant has unlocked a side of myself that I knew was there but hadn’t seen and I’m so excited to apply this new me to everything that I do.”

“Having the opportunity of holding this title is truly an honour that I don’t take lightly. But I didn’t do it for myself. I did it for my mother, Terre-Ann Terrelonge, who truly sacrificed so much for me to take part. The title was just the cherry on top; seeing her proud face in the crowd was the true reward,” Hemmings continued.

A first-year law student, Hemmings attended Wolmer’s Girls High School. She saw the pageant as a way to assist in her personal development and growth.

“The main lesson I learnt from this competition was to give everything to God. I genuinely could not have won this competition if God’s hands had not been with me. I did my best and gave God the rest,” said Hemmings.

“During my reign alongside Mr Law, Keneil Bernard, I hope to improve the overall student experience of everyone at the faculty and the overall faculty spirit,” she added.

Bernard, who is from the community of Homestead in Spanish Town, is a former student of Calabar High School.

“The experience of being in this pageant is one that established community engagement and fostered meaningful connections, which ultimately built my confidence, personal growth and specifically my faith in Christ. Winning this title was very important as it marked a stepping stone in my journey towards success and reaching greater heights,” said Bernard.

He continued, “I entered this competition mainly because of my desire to serve the students at the faculty in the best way possible and what better way to do that than by being the face of the faculty. Additionally, the competition seemed like a great opportunity to showcase my strengths as an individual and express myself to others. Truthfully, my takeaway from this competition is quite simple: ‘And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.”

He also shared what he hopes to accomplish during his reign as Mr Law 2026.

“Firstly, creating an atmosphere that tackles spiritual development, mental health and balancing academic success. Secondly, it is my interest to launch an initiative that provides aid to social institutions which would help to put our faculty on the map not just as an academic institution but as a beacon of hope to members of our society,” said Bernard.

Jailon Bailey finished as first runner-up for Mr Law, while Jaleel Smith was second runner-up.

Kaylia Powell was named first runner-up in the Miss Law competition, while Anselena Boothe was second runner-up.

Hemmings won the Talent and Most Popular in the fast-track competitions. She was also adjudged Best in Legal Wear (female).

Bernard also picked up two sectional prizes, Talent (fast-track) and Best in Legal Wear (male).

The other fast-track winners were:

Debate — Anselena Boothe and Victor Stewart

Athletics — Javier Sellars and Shanna Kay Willis

First Global Fundraiser Fast Track — Victor Stewart and Zhuri Martin

Most Popular (Male) — Jaleel Smith

Charity — Anselena Boothe and Javier Sellars

The other sectional prize winners included:

Most Aware — Jailon Bailey and Kaylia Powell

Most Congenial — Jaleel Smith and Leomoy Harris

Most Poised — Anselena Boothe and Calbert La Beach

Best in Sports Wear — Jaleel Smith and Kaylia Powell

Best in Evening Wear — Keneil Bernard and Leomoy Harris