Portland queen Celene Hall crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2026

From Portland to the Miss Universe stage, Twenty-five-year-old businesswoman, artist and philanthropist Celene Hall was crowned Miss Universe Jamaica 2026 on Sunday night, emerging as the island's newest beauty queen after a glittering coronation at the AC Hotel Kingston.

Hall received the crown from Miss Universe Jamaica 2025 Dr Gabrielle Henry, who made her first public appearance at the pageant since the accident in Thailand last year while representing Jamaica at the international Miss Universe competition.

The Portland beauty was one of the night's biggest winners, walking away with an impressive five sectional awards before capturing the ultimate prize.

She took home Most Aware, the Altruism Award, Best in Evening Gown, Best in Swimwear and the Essence of Style Award, making her a clear standout throughout the competition.

Hall now takes over the title with a résumé that stretches beyond the pageant stage.

For the past five years, she has been building a career in shipping and logistics, developing a foundation in leadership and service. But it is her passion for community outreach that she hopes will help define her reign.

The cause closest to her heart is The Hummingbird Foundation, her own non-profit organisation through which she leads outreach and support initiatives.

Hall says she hopes to use her new platform to create meaningful change while continuing to challenge herself.

Meanwhile, 26-year-old medical doctor Dr Tianna McDaniel was named first runner-up, while Kadejah Anderson, a 30-year-old creative, marketing professional, model and singer, secured the second runner-up spot.

McDaniel also took home the Most Photogenic Award.

Other sectional winners included Andrea Hill, who received the Congeniality Award; Miss Universe Jamaica St Catherine Marci-Lee Smith, who won the Personality Award; Marsha Roberts, who claimed the Spirit of the Pageant Award; and Alanda Newman, who was named Runway Star.

With Hall's victory, Portland now has another queen to celebrate, marking the second time this year that a representative from the parish has captured a major national crown.

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