KINGSTON, Jamaica—Fifty-four-year old Dr Sandra Swaby, who made it to the top five in the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica beauty pageant, was on Saturday night named first runner-up in the Queen of the World Pageant.

The Queen of the World pageant took place at the Symphony Space Jay Sharpe Theatre in Manhattan, New York.

Observer Online caught up with Dr Swaby earlier Sunday and she was ecstatic about her participation in the pageant, which saw more than 25 countries participating.

Dr Sandra Swaby competing at the Queen of the World Pageant

“I was encouraged by online pageant blogs that I should enter so I decided to give it a try. I wanted to prove to women my age that they were born to be the beauty that they want to be. It’s not cliche to be glam in their 50’s,” said Dr Swaby.

The Queen of the World pageant is open to women who are married and are mothers, have a full time job and are accomplished. Dr Swaby has been married for the past six years to her second husband and between them, they share four daughters. She is also a cosmetic surgeon and practices anti aging medicine.

Dr Sandra Swaby competing at the Queen of the World Pageant

“The biggest part of the preparation for this pageant was mental for me. I was thinking of the other ladies who were competing and focusing on expanding Jamaica’s name globally. The mental preparation was about connecting with me and showing people who I am as a woman. I had to tap into my inner light so it could shine on the outside,” said Dr Swaby.

Dr Swaby won three sectional prizes, People’s Choice Award, Ambassador’s Award for Public Speaking and Miss Congeniality.

Dr Sandra Swaby competing at the Queen of the World Pageant

The delegate representing Italy was crowned Queen of the World, while the USA’s delegate completed the Top 3.

Dr Swaby highlighted her take-away from the experience.

“Just be you, just go for it, just step into the ring with your gloves on and go for it,” she said.