SAVANNA-LA-MAR, JAMAICA – A packed, enthusiastic crowd at Hotel Commingle witnessed a standout moment for regional pageantry Saturday night, when 33-year-old makeup artist Annalicia Russell claimed the title of Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland 2026. Outcompeting 15 fellow contestants to secure her spot in the national Miss Universe Jamaica finals scheduled for this August, Russell walked away with multiple honors beyond the overall crown, taking home the Best in Swimwear prize and sharing the Essence of Style award with fellow competitor Shaunalee Ervin.
The evening’s full results placed Regina McLean as first runner-up, with Alexsia Brady claiming third place. McLean also earned the pageant’s Most Congenial distinction, while Nicolette Gayle took home the award for Most Photogenic. Ervin added another win to her night by claiming the Best in Gown title, and Gayon Gayle rounded out the sectional awards as Best Social Media Personality.
In a special recognition of personal achievement, pageant director Hannah Sheree presented 18-year-old contestant Thrisianna Coke with the Spirit of Excellence award. The honor came in acknowledgement of Coke’s extraordinary academic accomplishment of passing 21 Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) subjects.
Shortly after her win was announced, Russell shared her emotion in an interview with Observer Online, saying the title was a long-held dream come true. “I feel very accomplished, because I always wanted one day to become Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland and seeing this manifested now, I am very happy,” she said. A mother of two young boys, Russell added that the months of preparation leading up to the pageant had been demanding, and she felt deeply honored to carry the representation of her parish forward to the national stage. “I have worked very hard for this and I feel very honoured and privileged to be able to represent my parish in the national finals,” she noted.
Sheree echoed that celebration of all participants, framing the 2026 regional pageant as exactly the spectacular event organizers had promised. She emphasized that the competition presented a difficult decision for the panel of judges, who were impressed by the caliber of all 16 contestants. “It was not an easy task for the judges. However Annalicia’s hard work and dedication from the very beginning paid off beautifully and she emerged the winner,” Sheree said.
Reflecting on the experience for all entrants, Sheree described the pageant journey as one of profound personal growth, built on the resilience and determination each contestant brought to the process. “It was indeed a transformational journey of resilience and perseverance and I must express my congratulations to all the contestants,” she said. Sheree also extended public gratitude to the network of category sponsors that supported the event, as well as the audience members who turned out to cheer on the competitors, noting their collective support was key to making the 2026 staging a resounding success.