KINGSTON, Jamaica —  Police constable Sheneka Burke made history on Saturday night, when she was crowned at the inaugural Miss 30+ Jamaica at a staging of the pageant at The Summit, 16 Chelsea Avenue, Kingston.

Burke emerged as the first woman to wear the Miss 30+ Jamaica crown following an evening that celebrated beauty, confidence, talent, experience and the accomplishments of mature Jamaican women.

The historic event brought together nine beautiful women, who performed before a packed audience of pageant lovers, family members, friends, colleagues and supporters, all eager to witness the birth of a new pageant platform.

Taking the other top spots were 40-year-old nurse Shaneka Scott, who was named second runner-up, and 33-year-old teacher Rajivea Soman, who earned the title of first runner-up.

The contestants kept the audience engaged throughout the evening, delivering impressive performances in a series of segments including a dance presentation, Jamaican costume, swimwear and evening wear.

One of the most anticipated segments was the talent presentation, where all nine contestants had an opportunity to showcase their individual talents and personalities.

The performances provided a glimpse into the women beyond their physical beauty and demonstrated the diversity, confidence and creativity that the Miss 30+ Jamaica platform seeks to celebrate.

The judging panel brought a wealth of experience from media, pageantry and entertainment to the competition.

The judges included Dennis Archer, Terri Salmon, Derrick Wilks, Miriam Rose and surprise judge Garnet Reid, president of Jamaica Small Business Association.

For founder Stephanie Elliott-Gunning, the successful staging of the inaugural pageant represents the beginning of a movement designed to change the way society views women beyond 30.

“The pageant was created for modern, mature women who have had the beauty of experience to share with the world,” Elliott-Gunning said.She noted that while each contestant brought her own unique story and experience to the competition, one story that particularly touched her was that of Sydonnie Harper, a 37-year-old dental technician and breast cancer survivor.

“Sydonnie applied to the pageant totally unaware of her power and potential. But she was there to learn, and to deliver,” Elliott-Gunning explained.

“Miss Harper wasn’t a Top 5 contestant, but her story showed strength, resilience and that life continues once a woman has decided to come into her being.”

The founder said this was ultimately the heart of the Miss 30+ Jamaica experience,  providing women with an opportunity to rediscover themselves, embrace their journeys and recognise that their best chapters can still be ahead of them.

Elliott-Gunning admitted that she had one regret following the inaugural staging.
“My only regret is that there were no women in their 50s and upwards in this year’s staging,” she said. “But once the story of the successful staging of this event is shared, they will come.”

The inaugural pageant has already generated momentum for the next staging, with active recruitment now underway for Miss 30+ Jamaica 2027.

Women interested in learning more about participating in the next pageant, as well as individuals interested in supporting or becoming involved with the initiative, can contact Compass Communication at compasscommunicationja@gmail.com.

The Miss 30+ Jamaica Pageant is part of a wider vision to celebrate mature women across Jamaica and the Caribbean, with the national winner moving forward to represent Jamaica on the regional Miss 30+ Caribbean platform.

As Burke begins her reign as Jamaica’s first Miss 30+ Jamaica, the inaugural pageant has already delivered its most important message: beauty does not have an expiry date, and a woman’s experience.

1st Runner-Up 33-year-old Teacher Rajivea Soman and 2nd Runner-Up, 40-year-old Nurse, Shaneka Scott