History of Miss Universe Jamaica in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 18, 2026

Miss Universe Jamaica is a national beauty pageant held in Jamaica. Its primary purpose is to select the representative who will compete for Jamaica in the international Miss Universe competition. The pageant showcases Jamaican beauty and talent on a global stage, contributing to the country's presence in the world of beauty and fashion.

1961: Jamaica started competing at the Miss Universe Pageant

In 1961, Jamaica began participating in the Miss Universe Pageant.

1982: Miss Universe Jamaica pageant officially started

In 1982, the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant officially commenced, organized by Ed Wallace to select Jamaica's representative. Nancy Martin won the title but was unable to compete at Miss Universe.

1986: Miss Universe Jamaica pageant was held

From 1986, the Miss Universe Jamaica contest was held again.

1988: Miss Universe Jamaica pageant was held

The Miss Universe Jamaica contest was held again in 1988.

1989: Pulse was asked to host the Jamaica preliminary to Miss Universe

In 1989, Pulse was invited to organize the Jamaica preliminary for Miss Universe.

1998: Uzuri International was founded

In 1998, Karl Williams and Mark McDermoth founded Uzuri International.

2008: Williams and McDermoth designed gowns for Miss World

In 2008, Williams and McDermoth designed the opening number gowns for all 112 contestants at the Miss World pageant in Johannesburg.

2010: Invyte Promotions promoted the pageant

From 2010, Invyte Promotions took over the promotion of the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant.

2010: Yendi Phillipps crowned Miss Universe Jamaica and placed first runner-up at Miss Universe

In 2010, Yendi Phillipps was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica under Invyte Promotions and achieved the position of first runner-up at Miss Universe in Las Vegas, Nevada.

2011: Invyte Promotions promoted the pageant

In 2011, Invyte Promotions continued to promote the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant.

2012: Hotelier Dimitris Kosvogiannis promoted the pageant

In 2012, hotelier Dimitris Kosvogiannis promoted the Miss Universe Jamaica pageant.

2013: Uzuri International assumed the Miss Universe Jamaica franchise

In March 2013, Uzuri International acquired the Miss Universe Jamaica franchise from Dimitris Kosvogiannis before the national competition.

2014: Kaci Fennell placed as 4th runner-up

In 2014, Kaci Fennell represented Jamaica and achieved the position of 4th runner-up at Miss Universe.

2014: Kaci Fennell placed fourth runner-up at Miss Universe

In 2014, Kaci Fennell represented Jamaica at Miss Universe in Doral, Florida, securing the position of fourth runner-up. Her natural hair presentation gained significant international media attention during the competition.

2017: Davina Bennett placed as 2nd runner-up

In 2017, Davina Bennett represented Jamaica and achieved the position of 2nd runner-up at Miss Universe.

2017: Davina Bennett placed second runner-up at Miss Universe

In 2017, Davina Bennett represented Jamaica at Miss Universe in Las Vegas, achieving the position of second runner-up, marking Jamaica's second-highest international finish.

2020: Miqueal-Symone Williams placed in the Top 10

In 2020, Miqueal-Symone Williams represented Jamaica and secured a spot in the Top 10 at Miss Universe.

2023: Jordanne Levy placed in the Top 20

In 2023, Jordanne Levy represented Jamaica and achieved a place in the Top 20 at Miss Universe.

August 2025: Dr. Gabrielle Henry crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2025

On 9 August 2025, Dr. Gabrielle Henry was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 at the AC Hotel Kingston. The ophthalmology resident and See Me Foundation founder also won four sectional awards.

November 2025: Gabrielle Henry fell through a stage opening during Miss Universe preliminaries

On 19 November 2025, during the preliminary evening gown round at the Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi, Thailand, Gabrielle Henry fell through an unguarded opening in the stage floor at the 74th Miss Universe competition. She was hospitalised in intensive care in Bangkok.

December 2025: Miss Universe Organization issued a statement regarding Henry's accident and repatriation

In December 2025, the Miss Universe Organization and the Henry family released a joint statement confirming that Dr. Henry sustained an intracranial haemorrhage, a fracture, a collapsed lung, and facial lacerations. The Organization assumed responsibility for the incident. Henry was repatriated to Jamaica under medical escort.

March 2026: Henry remained under supervision following Miss Universe accident

As of March 2026, Dr. Gabrielle Henry remained under outpatient supervision in Jamaica, following injuries sustained at the Miss Universe pageant. She was unable to return to her residency.

March 2026: Shift to a parish-level preliminary model announced

In March 2026, Atelier Dermoth Williams Limited announced a transition from a regional to a parish-level preliminary model for the 2026 Miss Universe Jamaica competition.