Nurse Tara-Gaye Evans Takes Inaugural Miss Universe Jamaica St. Thomas Crown

Registered nurse Tara-Gaye Evans is Miss Universe Jamaica St. Thomas 2026 following a historic parish coronation held at Morant Bay High School on Saturday, July 4.

The event marked the first time St. Thomas has staged its own Miss Universe Jamaica title. Evans prevailed over nine fellow contestants to claim the crown at the inaugural pageant.

In a JIS News interview, the 24-year-old former Bishop Gibson High student said she had postponed her Miss Universe Jamaica ambitions for three years before feeling ready to enter.

"It feels so great to be crowned. I have wanted to enter the Miss Universe pageant for three years. I didn't feel like I was ready, but now I think I'm more emotionally intelligent, more mature, and just ready to take on the title. I have a plan for the crown, and so I'm ready for what it has to offer," she said.

Evans also collected Best in Swimwear, Best in Gown, and Most Poised on the night.

The programme opened with a performance from all contestants, followed by swimsuit and evening-gown segments. Evans displayed her evening wear during the Morant Bay High School show before the top five faced a question-and-answer round. Her response describing Kumina as a key element of St. Thomas culture drew strong approval from the audience.

With the parish title secured, she told JIS News she will now prepare to face winners from other parishes for the national Miss Universe Jamaica crown.

"I am definitely ready to take on the national title with my project, the 'Don't Panic Project' where I will teach school-age children CPR and basic life support," Ms. Evans outlined.

To other young girls in St. Thomas with similar aspirations, her message was straightforward: "Prepare and go for it."

Sidayne Ferguson finished as first runner-up and also took Most Aware and Most Photogenic. Macaeda Sutherland was named third runner-up.

Additional sectional honours went to Amoya Besay for Most Popular on Social Media; Lateene Bryan for Most Congenial; and Leshagaye Hunter for Best Smile and Most Improved.

The debut Miss Universe Jamaica St. Thomas pageant received sponsorship from the St. Thomas Renaissance Foundation and other parish organisations.