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WESTERN BUREAU:
In an emotional culmination of faith, perseverance, and newfound sisterhood, 23-year-old cosmetologist Samantha McFarlane was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica West 2025 on Sunday night at the Hotel Commingle in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland.
Glowing with gratitude, McFarlane revealed that her journey into the competition was fuelled by a leap of faith more than a pursuit of the crown. “I was so nervous, but I prayed and asked God to stay at the wheel,” she shared. “I told Him, ‘Father God, lead me and direct me, whatever you want me to do.’ Moreover, here I am. I just have to give God thanks for everything that He has done.”
Growing up in a Christian home after she was adopted at three years old, McFarlane said she was determined never to be weighed down by her circumstances. She used her story to inspire resilience. “I used to question God, ‘Why?’ But, looking back, I am just grateful and blessed for the experiences. It’s not where you’re coming from, it’s where you’re going,” she reflected.
Originally from Belmont, Westmoreland, McFarlane is a graduate of Belmont Academy. Though she has only been practising as a cosmetologist for three months, she is deeply passionate about her craft. “I enjoy what I do,” she said proudly.
Winning the crown has further fuelled her desire to make a difference. “I feel empowered. I feel like the work has just begun. Improving myself, while helping and inspiring others,” she said. During the final question segment, she also impressed judges with her thoughtful response advocating for free education, particularly for those who cannot afford it, while recognising the financial needs of teachers.
The evening saw strong performances from the top five contestants, with Shanni Wallace finishing as first runner-up, followed by Gabrielle Whyte as second runner-up, Jhonelle Bernard in fourth, and Aaliyah Forrester rounding out the top five.
In addition to the main placements, several sectional prizes were awarded. Bernard received Best in Altruism; Best in Swimwear went to Whyte; Most Congenial and Best in Social Media, Tiena Brown, the oldest contestant at 30 years old, and Most Photogenic, Annieka Phillips.
Mark McDermoth, co-franchise holder, Miss Universe Jamaica, and head judge, praised the calibre of contestants assembled this year under the leadership of new regional director Hannah Sheree. “We have to commend Sheree on a job well done,” McDermoth said. “When we arrived for the sashing, we were blown away by the calibre of young women she brought together. Their growth has been incredible.”
He said McFarlane’s transformation stood out the most. “She was a little shy at first, but when she hit the stage for the interview, it was like a second wind. The young woman who stood before us was new, confident, genuine, powerful. She truly believes in what she says, and her story is strong and inspiring.”
McDermoth added that this year’s national pageant season will be marked by new initiatives, including the return of the GO-GETTER Academy, which stands for Giving Our Girls Economic Tools to Enrich and Reward, where contestants will help raise funds to send an at-risk girl through five years of high school.
For the regional pageant director, the night was a deeply personal triumph. A newcomer to organising pageants but no stranger to the world of production, she transitioned from a longtime career at Saint International to lead Miss Universe Jamaica West. “I was very excited because this is me. It’s my nature,” she shared. “The real challenge was sponsorship and building awareness in the western region, but I’m willing to make the connections and grow from here.”
Reflecting on the night, Sheree said the transformation of the contestants was what made the experience most rewarding. “When some of these girls came, they couldn’t walk in heels. It was a journey of transformation. But what touched me the most was the camaraderie – the sisterhood they built.”
She recalled a heart-warming moment when the first runner-up jumped to embrace McFarlane after the winner was announced. “That emotional support, that genuine bond, was very encouraging for me. It shows that we built something more than a pageant – we built a sisterhood.”
As McFarlane steps into her new role, she carries with her not only a crown but also the spirit of resilience, faith, and community that defined the Miss Universe Jamaica West 2025 competition.
English (US) ·