Annalicia Russell crowned Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — Thirty-three-year-old Annalicia Russell was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland 2026 before an appreciative audience at the Hotel Commingle in Savanna-la-Mar on Saturday night.Regina McLean was first runner-up, while third place went to Alexsia Brady.Russell, a make-up artist, triumphed over 15 other contestants, securing her place in the national Miss Universe Jamaica finals, set for August.She copped the Best in Swimwear sectional prize, as well as the Essence of Style award, jointly with Shaunalee Ervin; while McLean was Most Congenial and Nicolette Gayle Most Photogenic.Ervin also won the Best in Gown award, while Gayon Gayle won the Best Social Media Personality award.Eighteen-year-old contestant Thrisianna Coke received the Spirit of Excellence award from pageant director Hannah Sheree, having obtained 21 CXC subjects.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, Russell told Observer Online after she was announced as the winner. 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, the mother of two boys added.Sheree was happy with the outcome of the event.It was truly a spectacular night as promised. I am incredibly proud of all the ladies, as 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, said the pageant director.It was indeed a transformational journey of resilience and perseverance and I must express my congratulations to alI the contestants. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to all the sponsors in the different categories who came on board and for the amazing supporters who came out to the event to make this year's staging a wonderful success.