Twelve finalists will compete for the inaugural title of Miss Universe Jamaica Portland. The finalists were sashed last weekend at the Bayview Esco Resort & Spa in the parish.

According to Parish Director for Miss Universe Jamaica Portland, Shanique Rogers, the young ladies are from various communities across the parish. She also stated that the recruitment process was an easy one.

“I strongly believe that proper preparation prevents poor production. Even before releasing the official posters, I already had young women expressing interest in the pageant. As a result, the recruitment process was not difficult. In fact, for my first staging, I was pleasantly surprised by the turnout,” Rogers told Observer Online on Thursday.

She added, “The contestants proudly represent several communities across Portland, including, Port Antonio, Snow Hill, Drapers, Richmond Hill, Breastworks, Passley Gardens, Buff Bay, Tranquility District, Priestman’s River, Commodore District, Fruitful Vale, Chatsworth District, Orange Bay and Lennox District.”

Twenty ladies attended the initial casting for the pageant. Rogers shared that getting sponsorship wasn’t difficult.

Shanique Rogers, Parish Director for Miss Universe Jamaica Portland

“Sponsorship was not difficult, as I implemented a clear and strategic approach with the contestants. While there were minor challenges along the way, we were able to address them effectively. Overall, the strategy proved successful,” Rogers disclosed.

With the coronation set for May 2 at Hotel Tim Bamboo in Port Antonio, the contestants have embarked on a journey of intense preparation.

“Pageantry is like a baptism—a transformative journey. We are focused on renewing their minds, empowering them, and creating a fun, exciting, and meaningful experience rooted in sisterhood. This is also a historic moment for Portland, as we continue to spread the love of pageantry. The contestants are currently engaged in intensive development, including speech and diction training, walk training, mental health sessions, and interview and Q&A preparation,” said Rogers.

The winner of the Miss Universe Jamaica Portland pageant will secure an automatic spot in the national Miss Universe Jamaica pageant.

The finalists in the 2026 Miss Universe Jamaica Portland pageant are:

– Janena Greaves

Miss Hailup Influencers App

– Zariel Sleight

Miss Hunterz Club Ocho Ríos

– Shenequa Anderson

Miss Bubble Chick

– Alyssa Francis

Miss Transcendent Design Services and Solution

– Makayda Foreman

Miss Aim Financial Corporation Ltd.

– Paris-Jade Ming

Miss Portland Police Youth Club

– Naomi Anderson

Miss Radical Love Gardens

– Celene Hall

Miss ASAP Express Ltd

– Onealia Williams

Miss Roberts Fitness Center

– Alrica Daley

Miss Soldier Camp Restaurant

– Amaya Marson

Miss Skyepro Xpress Ltd

– Natasha Willis

Miss Seamart Groceries