New Miss Jamaica World crowned

On Sunday night, inside the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College, Matea Mahal Smith was crowned Miss Jamaica World 2026. The 24-year-old whose initiative, Love Always, Matea, supports children with disabilities, said she saw the Miss Jamaica World pageant as an opportunity to enhance the work that she started. “What drew me to the Miss Jamaica World contest was its Beauty with a Purpose initiative. I have always believed that beauty should extend beyond what people see,” Smith told the Jamaica Observer moments after she was announced as the winner from a field of 23 competitors. Last year, Smith — whose father is Jamaican and mother Filipino — finished in third place in the 2025 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant. She also represented Jamaica at Miss Grand International last year.

Even though she has had previous pageant experience, Smith didn’t feel that competing for the Miss Jamaica World title would be a walk in the park. “I think it’s difficult to describe this journey in just one word. I’ve learned so much, not only about the world around me, but about myself, the strength I carry, and the impact I can make. It’s also shown me just how blessed I am to have such an incredible support system. Their belief in me, especially on the challenging days, is what helped me keep going,” she said. A resident of Kingston, Smith shared what she felt were highlights along the journey. “Honestly, it was all the laughs and memories I’ve shared with my sisters throughout this journey. The friendships we’ve built and the moments we’ve shared are things I’ll cherish long after the competition is over,” she said. Looking beyond the stage of the pageant she said she hoped to use this platform to create meaningful opportunities for others, particularly children with disabilities.…