KINGSTON, Jamaica — St Mary resident Danece Jacas entered the Miss Jamaica World pageant with two intentions — to grow as a person and to shine light on her advocacy against sexual abuse on women and children.

But on Wednesday night, she wowed the judges with her rendition of Lose Control, a 2023 release by Teddy Swims, and secured her place in the top ten of the finals when she was named first-place winner in the Miss Jamaica World Talent fast track event.

Held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre and powered by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), the Miss Jamaica World Talent fast track competition saw all 20 finalists competing for an automatic placement into the top ten.

Kalea Roman, who a few weeks ago won the Miss Jamaica World Eastern Region title, finished in second place, impressing the judging panel with her cover of the 2004 platinum certified hit Defying Gravity by Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth.

Brianna Foster finished third place with her spoken word piece titled Womanhood.

In an interview with Observer Online shortly after the event came to an end, Jacas said she was surprised at her win.

“It was very, very exciting, very surprising and it was also an eye opener. I did a lot of practice because I saw the other girls in rehearsals doing their talent and I said to myself, you know what, I have to come good,” said Jacas.

She is relieved that the hurdle of making it among the top ten finalists is now over.

“I feel absolutely relieved and I feel very proud of myself to have made it into the top ten,” Jacas shared.

Jacas who finished in third place at the Miss Jamaica World Northern Region a few weeks ago was also the talent winner for that region.

“When I competed in the northern region, I did an original piece titled Women’s Prayer, which spoke about sexual abuse in women and children. This is one of the core reasons why I decided to enter Miss Jamaica World this year — I wanted to raise awareness about my advocacy. I also wanted to see what I would become after this pageant has ended, because this process is so rigorous and it can only make you into a better woman. I’m looking forward to how much I’d genuinely grow,” Jacas disclosed.

The remaining Miss Jamaica World fast track event is the top model, which takes place on Saturday October 18 at the Utech Auditorium.

The Miss Jamaica World 2025 grand coronation is set for Sunday, November 2 at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College.