Matea Mahal Smith cops Miss Jamaica World 2026 title
Originally published by Jamaica Observer Read the original
A year after finishing third in the Miss Universe Jamaica beauty pageant, 24-year-old aspiring doctor Matea Mahal Smith, who was sponsored by Aveeno, was crowned Miss Jamaica World 2026.
Smith won from a field of 23 finalists who competed at the grand coronation on Sunday night at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College.
Daniella Bullock, who a few months ago finished second in the Miss Jamaica World Eastern Region, copped the first runner-up position and was named Miss International Jamaica. She wore the sash Miss Haven Beauty House.
Meanwhile, the towering Celine Walters, Miss Frazsiers Whip Football, was named second runner-up and crowned Miss Earth Jamaica.
Bullock won the sectional prizes for Most Aware and Beauty with a Purpose, while Smith won the Fitness Challenge.
The finalists opened the show to a choreographed routine, before the number was slashed to a Top 12 and then a Top 6.
Entertainment was provided by D Burnz, Geo Sax and Everton Pessoa.
The effervescent former Miss Jamaica Festival Queen, Brithney Clarke guided the proceedings.
Photo caption: From left to right: Celine Walters - Miss Earth Jamaica (2nd runner-up), Matea Mahal Smith (Miss Jamaica World 2026) and Daniella Bullock - Miss International Jamaica (1st runner-up).
