Nevaeh Allen, the reigning Miss Jamaica World titleholder, has described her experience at the recent Miss World pageant as transformational.

Allen represented Jamaica at the 2026 staging of the popular beauty pageant, held in Vietnam on September 5. Delegates from 111 countries participated; the pageant was won by Dominica Republic’s Joheirry Mola.

“Vietnam was a great experience,” she told Observer Online. “I went to Vietnam and spent an entire month there. To recap my journey, it was transformational and I had the most wonderful time representing Jamaica, my family and the Caribbean. I couldn’t ask for a much better time to showcase myself and my country on the world stage.”

While in Vietnam, Allen’s roommate was the delegate from Curacao, Lishantley Jennie.

“Miss Curacao is now my best friend, an honorary Jamaican, and she is amazing. The question most people asked me about Jamaica was, ‘Can I come to visit?’ That really warmed my heart to see that even across multiple borders, different traditions and cultures, Jamaica stood out. They love Jamaica, our culture, music and of course our athletes. I am just so proud to have represented such a great country,” Allen disclosed.

She recalled her fondest memory being in Vietnam.

“What I will say is, blending and connecting with the ladies from the Caribbean and the Americas. It was amazing to meet all the ladies. It was a competition and a pageant, but we blended as a family. I made so many lasting friendships, and I couldn’t ask for more.”

According to Allen, she had difficulty adjusting to the 12-hour time difference and she immersed herself in Asian cuisine. She was also pleased with the hospitality from the Miss World organisers.

“It was a rewarding journey. Miss World treated us very well, we were so well accommodated. All the outings, excursions, and the food—I was very excited to shift from Jamaican traditional food and explore Asian cuisine. To my sponsors and the organisers, thank you,” said Allen.

And what’s next on her agenda?

“I’m excited to see what the future has to hold. I hope to finish my studies at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean and hopefully divulge more into my passions and my advocacy,” Allen shared.