2 weeks ago
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With hearts racing, palms sweating, and the air inside the AC Hotel Kingston charged with anticipation, two stunning finalists — Troy-Ann Anderson and Dr Gabrielle Henry, stood shoulder-to-shoulder, their eyes tightly closed, waiting to hear the name that would forever change one of their lives.
That name was Dr Gabrielle Henry, a specialist in ophthalmology, a returning competitor, and now, the proud winner of the Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 crown. In a dazzling triumph, she not only took the top title but also swept four sectional awards — Best Swimwear, Media Challenge Award, Best Personality, and the Altruism Award. Her dominance made it clear: she was ready to take the crown by full force, and ready to represent Jamaica on the global stage.
Moments after the coronation, an emotional Gabrielle caught up with The Gleaner.
“Oh my goodness! I was in shock — my eyes were watering so badly. But I’m just really grateful. I’m grateful that the judges saw something in me and that I can be a good representative for our country,” Henry said.
“I’m really, really grateful for that. In Thailand, you’ll see my face everywhere. I’ll be forming networks, I’ll be representing, I’ll be speaking about the resilience of our people and how proud I am of our country. There’s just so many components to Jamaica that people don’t really know about, and I’m so happy to share that with them, to share about our nature or beauty and our innovation. I’m just really glad for that.”
It was a full-circle moment for Henry, who first entered the competition in 2023. “This time,” she shared, “was exhilarating”.
“I’ve been in this pageant before in 2023. I had entered and, at the time, of course, it was a new concept to me. But, having re-entered, having experienced it before, it was just such an exhilarating process. So much fun, just forming bonds with the ladies, the sisterhood that was formed, and also just growing within my own, you know, getting some close-up form of self-improvement and self-development. I’m really glad to be the one who’s really gonna go to Thailand this year to represent my country. I’m really grateful.”
Accepting her placement with grace, humour, and a deep sense of pride, was first runner-up Troy-Ann Anderson.
“I’m honestly feeling very excited about the next chapter, and I’m feeling so honoured and ecstatic. Regardless of what happened tonight, every single one of these ladies put in the work for months,” she said. “Gabrielle really showed up tonight, and I’m so proud of her. I just know that, as I continue, regardless of whether or not I’m going to Thailand, I’m going to continue training because, at the end of the day, I become more empowered and more equipped for anything that comes my way. At least now I get to branch off into my advocacy and really focus on it some more.”
Troy-Ann in all her glory and excitement was playful as she smiled and added:
“Gabrielle girl, I love you! I’m so so proud of you and I’m looking forward to seeing you in Thailand … . If them pay fi mi ticket, I’ll definitely come and support you!,” she stated while laughing playfully.
Pageant co-director, Karl Williams, described the 2025 competition as one of the fiercest in recent history.
“It was such a competitive year and I think it was an amazing night ... . I couldn’t pick a winner beforehand. The ladies fought tooth and nail. Years gone by, I could look at a bunch and say, ‘Okay, I think this lady will turn out on top.’ But, this was a difficult year as there were some really strong contenders, and I’m really proud of them all,” Williams said.
What’s next? Williams made it clear that the aim is to take that crown to Jamaica from Thailand, where the finals will be held in November.
“Gabrielle is a strong contender, and now our focus is on getting her 150 per cent ready for Miss Universe. We’re going to just throw everything behind her. Jamaica is overdue for that Miss Universe crown,” Williams declared.
English (US) ·