‘Do it scared’ - Hannah Collings-Myers crowned Miss Universe Jamaica Kingston & St Andrew

Twenty-year-old, first-year medical student, Hannah Collings-Myers is proving that courage is not the absence of fear but the determination to move forward despite it. Last Saturday, Collings-Myers was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica Kingston & St Andrew,  following an exciting evening of competition at the Douglas Orane Auditorium at Wolmer’s Boys’ School. Before an energetic crowd that turned out in full support of their favourite contestants, Collings-Myers's poise, intelligence, and authenticity ultimately secured her the coveted crown.

For Collings-Myers, however, the journey to victory was anything but straightforward.

 “Do it scared,” she said shortly after being crowned, reflecting on the mindset that carried her through months of preparation, self-doubt, and personal growth - doing something regardless of the fear.

Collings-Myers revealed that she never initially envisioned herself winning the competition and admitted that there were several moments where she doubted herself.

“Originally, I was recruited by Jermane [Blair], and I debated many times if I should stay in the competition,” she shared. “But eventually, I realised that the process was very beneficial. It was helping me grow as a person, helping my confidence and the way I carried myself, so I decided to stay and see it through. I'm very glad I did.”

That personal transformation became one of the defining aspects of her journey. Hannah admitted that she faced significant doubts, particularly during the competition's training process.

“I had lots of doubts when I was doing those walk-and-poise sessions and was being told about my hip articulation and all the things I was doing wrong,” she said. “But with practice, I got better. I highlighted my strengths, which I believe are interviewing and answering questions.”

That confidence in her communication skills would ultimately prove to be one of her greatest assets on competition night. As the field narrowed from 21 contestants to the final three, Hannah consistently impressed the judges with her responses. When her name was finally announced as the winner, the moment was almost surreal.

“Pure shock … but also excitement and happiness,” she said with a smile. “I was just overjoyed when I heard that I actually won.”

While Hannah may have experienced moments of uncertainty throughout the competition, her father, Marlon Myers, never doubted the outcome. Interestingly, he only discovered her participation through social media, but he immediately became one of her biggest supporters. 

“From she was born, I knew she would be a Miss Universe,” he said proudly. “It didn't surprise me at all. From the moment she entered, it was full encouragement. Even when she had doubts, I told her, ‘Listen, you're a winner. You don't have anything to worry about’.”

Watching his daughter advance through each stage of the competition was emotional, but he said he became increasingly confident of her chances as the night progressed.

Like many observers, he believes Hannah's communication skills ultimately gave her the competitive advantage.

“Her answers and her interview were her strongest points. She had the edge over everybody.”

That sentiment was echoed by Kemal Brown, Director of Digita Properties Limited, Hannah's official sponsor.

 “When I spoke to Hannah, I could see her raw intelligence and ambition,” he explained. “She told me she wants to become a neurosurgeon, which clearly means a lot of studying and dedication. She has natural beauty, but what really stood out to me was her eloquence, her willingness to learn, and her capacity for growth,” Brown said.

Now crowned Kingston & St. Andrew's representative, Hannah's attention is already turning towards the national Miss Universe Jamaica competition, and she will carry with her the support of her family, sponsors, and an audience inspired by her journey.

 “I definitely want to work on my walk,” she said. “That's probably the area that needs the most improvement. I also want to continue building my interview skills, even though I think they're strong already. There's always room for improvement. And of course, I want to continue developing my altruism project.”

Her father's final message to her was simple yet powerful.

 “Stay on top of your interviews, keep believing in yourself, and you'll turn out a winner again.”

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