On Sunday night, inside the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College, Matea Mahal Smith was crowned Miss Jamaica World 2026.

The 24-year-old whose initiative, Love Always, Matea, supports children with disabilities, said she saw the Miss Jamaica World pageant as an opportunity to enhance the work that she started.

“What drew me to the Miss Jamaica World contest was its Beauty with a Purpose initiative. I have always believed that beauty should extend beyond what people see,” Smith told the
Jamaica Observer moments after she was announced as the winner from a field of 23 competitors.

Last year, Smith — whose father is Jamaican and mother Filipino — finished in third place in the 2025 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant. She also represented Jamaica at Miss Grand International last year.

Even though she has had previous pageant experience, Smith didn’t feel that competing for the Miss Jamaica World title would be a walk in the park.

“I think it’s difficult to describe this journey in just one word. I’ve learned so much, not only about the world around me, but about myself, the strength I carry, and the impact I can make. It’s also shown me just how blessed I am to have such an incredible support system. Their belief in me, especially on the challenging days, is what helped me keep going,” she said.

A resident of Kingston, Smith shared what she felt were highlights along the journey.

“Honestly, it was all the laughs and memories I’ve shared with my sisters throughout this journey. The friendships we’ve built and the moments we’ve shared are things I’ll cherish long after the competition is over,” she said.

Looking beyond the stage of the pageant she said she hoped to use this platform to create meaningful opportunities for others, particularly children with disabilities.

“I want to expand the reach of Love Always, Matea, and most importantly, create opportunities for children and families who may not otherwise have access to them. But to also inspire young girls who may feel uncertain about what their future holds. I want them to understand that sometimes life takes us in directions we never expected, and if we remain open to those possibilities we may discover that an even greater destiny was waiting for us all along,” Smith shared.

Sponsored by Aveeno, she won the fast-track Fitness Challenge a few weeks ago. She also made the top 3 in Beach Beauty, Top Model, and the Head-to-Head Challenge.

Daniella Bullock, who finished in second place in the regional Miss Jamaica World Eastern pageant, was named first runner-up to Smith and secured the Miss International Jamaica title.

“I’m feeling so elated, I can’t believe it,” she told the Observer. “I already felt like I won before my name was even called, because, for me, it was about improving from where I am coming from. So just going out there on the stage and not messing up my responses, I felt I already won,” said Bullock, who wore the sash Haven Beauty House.

Celine Walters, who wore the sash Frazsiers Whip Football, is the new Miss Earth Jamaica, having finished as second runner-up. She said she was shocked when her name was announced.

“I’m feeling amazing, and to be surrounded by all these amazing ladies and then to be selected as Miss Earth Jamaica, it was not easy. I was shocked when my name was called, but I am excited and I’m really just soaking it up,” Walters explained.

The coronation show got under way almost half hour after its advertised 8:00 pm start time, featuring the 23 finalists in a choreographed routine.

After the ladies introduced themselves to the audience, they appeared in evening wear and then the dreaded elimination round.

Making the Top 12 were Bullock, Smith, Walters, Seana’kaye Wright (winner of the Beach Beauty fast track), Deidre Wadsworth (winner of the Head-to-Head Challenge), Talent winner Shade’ Ashley-Ann Barrett, multi-media challenge winner Realla Benguche, winner of Top Model Dr Samantha McLeod, Regina Heron, Fiona Bartlett, Tyler Rae Rerrie, and Rasheeda Murphy.

Sectional prize winners were Seana’kaye Wright, Best Personality and Best Smile; Most Congenial and Most Photogenic – Rasheeda Murphy; Most Poised – Samantha McLeod; and Most Improved – Tyler Rae Rerrie.

Making the Top 6 were People’s Choice winner Jessie Freeman, Rerrie, Bullock, Wright, Smith, and Walters.

After the final interview segment, the winners were announced.

Among the highlights for the evening was the recognition given Cindy Breakspeare on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of being crowned Miss World 1976.

Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Festival song winner D Burnz serenaded the ladies during the evening wear segment, while Geo Sax thrilled the audience with his interpretations of popular R&B songs.

Everton Pesso was also a crowd-pleaser reeling out songs like When Somebody Loves You Back and Just Don’t Want to Be Lonely.