5 days ago
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The ballroom of the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville was filled with cheers and anticipation last Saturday as the Miss Universe Jamaica Central 2025 competition unfolded. Claiming the crown was 21-year-old Akedia Morgan of Clarendon, an undergrad student of human resource management at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean. Calm and confident throughout the night, Morgan stood out, ultimately securing the title. She was joined by 22-year-old Leanna Spencer of Manchester, named first runner-up, and fellow Clarendon native Tasharrie McLean, also 22, who placed second runner-up.
“Hearing my name was a source of gratitude and surprise,” Morgan told The Gleaner in a post interview, detailing her experience. Smiling, she continued, “I was there telling Leanna that I wasn’t going to cry, and she was telling me I shouldn’t. I was honestly so grateful, the moment was humbling, warm and very emotional.”
Though grateful for the experience, Morgan admitted that there were a few hiccups along the way, but she was determined not to give up.
GRATEFUL
“I was pushed to dig deep within myself. I woke up late one day and missed the carpool to CVM on media day. I ended up having to find my own way to Kingston. At first I thought I was going to miss the opportunity, but God said no! I wasn’t going to give up until I saw failure, and I didn’t see it,” she recalled, adding, “I was honestly so grateful as God carried me there and through every obstacle that came in my way that day.”
Beyond the stage, Morgan’s focus is on service. With her new platform, she plans to launch ‘Boys to Men’, a community outreach project aimed at supporting mental wellness among young boys, particularly in underserved areas. The initiative will begin at the primary school level.
“I believe more light needs to be given to young men and mental health in Jamaica,” she said. “I’ll make use of my new platform, to be an advocate for them and partnering with initiatives in that nature.”
Looking ahead to the national Miss Universe Jamaica competition, she is approaching the next phase with cautious optimism.
“I’m feeling anxious, honestly, it will be a whole new playground for me; I’ll be vying to represent Jamaica on an international level and so the work will be harder and the experience will be more demanding. But, I believe God’s willing I can stand a chance and I have what it takes.”
Trilissa Walker, regional manager for Miss Universe Jamaica Central, echoed the confidence felt by many in the room.
“Akedia has been a beacon of light. She was selected as Most Congenial by her peers and has a clear vision for her platform,” Walker told The Gleaner. “She speaks well and is actively improving her stage presence. We’re confident she’ll represent the region well.”
While Morgan has secured an automatic spot in the national competition, Walker confirmed that five other contestants will advance to the elimination round on Sunday, based on the strength of this year’s performances.
As Morgan continues her journey, she is committed to inspiring and uplifting others, using her platform to create a meaningful impact.
“It’s been such a great journey of self-discovery and development. I’m proud of myself that I was able to be so impactful as a young lady. I intend to leave a mark and inspire the current generation and spread awareness on the benefits of pageantry in Jamaica. Jamaica can look forward to great outcomes [from] me.”
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