Annalicia Russell Wins Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland Crown

Annalicia Russell, 33, has been named Miss Universe Jamaica Westmoreland after taking the crown at The Hotel Commingle in Savanna-la-Mar last Saturday, a win that sends her straight into the national contest.

Regina McLean finished as first runner-up, while Alexsia Brady placed second runner-up. Both women will next compete in eliminations as they seek to earn their own spots in the national competition.

For Russell, the result carried a strong personal meaning and reflected the endurance that shaped her journey to the title.

"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 said getting to the crown required sacrifice and determination, noting that her background and life experiences often tested her resolve.

"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 said she wants the title to help her encourage women who may feel held back by difficult 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 said she intends to use her platform to draw attention to miscarriage and pregnancy loss, describing it as an issue many women go through quietly.

"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.

McLean, the first runner-up, called the pageant an emotional and life-changing experience, especially because she had dealt with anxiety and shyness before deciding to enter.

"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 warmth she received from people in the audience stayed with her, particularly because most of them were strangers to her.

"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 said pageantry began as a way to test herself and work on personal growth.

"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 her attention now turns to the eliminations, with hopes of advancing to nationals and, eventually, representing Jamaica beyond the local stage.

"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."

Brady, who finished as second runner-up, said the competition strengthened her confidence, helped her lean into authenticity, and supported the advocacy work she already values.

"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 crowd’s support helped her feel more comfortable being fully seen.

"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’s advocacy includes her Roots to Reef initiative, which centres on mangrove restoration, education about marine life, 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."

With eliminations ahead, Brady said she is committed to continuing her development and broadening her 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!"