Annalicia Russell is Miss Universe JamaicaWestmoreland

WESTERN BUREAU:

During an exciting showdown at The Hotel Commingle in Savanna-la-Mar, 33-year-old Annalicia Russell was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland, earning an automatic spot in the national competition. Regina McLean was first runner-up, while Alexsia Brady secured the second runner-up position.

McLean and Brady will now head to eliminations, where they hope to advance to the national competition.

For Russell, last Saturday’s victory was deeply personal and symbolic of perseverance.

“This victory means everything to me personally because it is proof that it is never too late to go after your dreams,” she told The Gleaner. “As a 33-year-old woman and a mother, I stand as a reminder that your journey does not end because of age, motherhood, or life’s struggles.”

Russell shared that her path to the crown was strewn with sacrifices and challenges.

“My journey to this crown was not easy. I came from a very humble background, and life presented many challenges along the way,” she said. “There were moments of self-doubt and balancing motherhood while trying to pursue my goals. I had to sacrifice comfort, time, and sometimes even rest to stay focused on this dream.”

She added that the title now gives her an opportunity to inspire women who may feel discouraged by their circumstances.

“I want Westmoreland and Jamaica to see a woman who is unapologetically herself and who uses her story to uplift others,” Russell said. “My message is that no matter where you come from or what obstacles you face, you can still rise and achieve greatness.”

Russell also hopes to use her platform to bring greater awareness to issues such as miscarriage and pregnancy loss.

“I also hope to use my platform to bring awareness to miscarriage and pregnancy loss, a subject that many women experience, but often suffer through in silence,” she said.

First runner-up Regina McLean described the experience as emotional and life-changing, particularly as someone who struggled with anxiety and shyness before entering the competition.

“I'm feeling truly blessed and elated,” McLean said. “I'm feeling proud. Proud of myself and proud of all the women in the pageant and especially the women whom I had the pleasure of standing beside on the night.”

McLean, who is from St Ann, said the overwhelming support she received from strangers in the audience touched her deeply.

“I only had three people in the crowd that I'm family with and seeing the support from the others in the crowd, people who I've never even shared a word with, to see them cheer for me, it filled my heart,” she said. “I keep saying my heart is full and that's because it truly is.”

She explained that entering pageantry was initially meant to be a personal challenge and a journey of self-improvement.

“I'm kind of shy, but more so just really anxious,” McLean shared. “I view this as a challenge for myself and I came out a victor in my own story.”

McLean said she is now focused on advancing through the eliminations and eventually representing Jamaica on larger stages.

“I'm going to try out for nationals and if that goes well, then I'll give it my all,” she said. “Hopefully international stage will be next.”

Second runner-up, Alexsia Brady, said the competition helped her embrace confidence and authenticity while strengthening her advocacy work.

“Firstly, I'm incredibly grateful,” Brady said. “Coming out as second runner-up in Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland feels like a victory in itself because this journey really and truly challenged me in ways I never expected.”

She said the support from the audience encouraged her to step fully into who she is.

“This experience showed me that I'm capable of taking up space, showing up confidently, and allowing people to see me fully,” Brady said. “Seeing that support reminded me that being authentically yourself is powerful.”

Brady also highlighted her environmental advocacy work through her Roots to Reef initiative, which focuses on mangrove restoration, marine life education, and climate advocacy.

“The most rewarding part of competing was the personal growth, the platform itself, and the sisterhood,” she said. “This experience reminded me that leadership is not only about impact and service, but showing up fully as yourself.”

As she prepares for eliminations, Brady said she remains determined to continue growing and making an impact.

“This competition taught me that growth happens when you step beyond fear and you allow yourself to evolve,” she said. “So to me, this is not the end of the journey, it's only the beginning. Nationals, here I come!”

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