Miss Jamaica World Western Shanté Jarrett happy for regional contest
Published:Thursday | September 25, 2025 | 12:06 AMAshley Anguin/Gleaner Writer
The winner of the 2025 Miss Jamaica World Western Region (MJWWR), Shanté Jarrett, has expressed her gratitude for the preparation that contestants receive at the regional level, and wholeheartedly commended the organisers for “a great initiative which is a big step forward for contestants”.
Jarrett, 24, was crowned by Tahjae Bennett, Miss Jamaica World 2024, at the coronation ceremony held at the Meet Conference and Events Centre in Montego Bay on Sunday night.
“Having a regional segment assists contestants get ready for the national competition in Kingston. The franchise stands for so much, and having a regional gives contestants a feel of what it is like before they go to nationals,” said Jarrett, who is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean.
According to Jarrett, some contestants lack basic training, so the regional competition helps to correct that.
“Some ladies come in the pageant do not knowing how to answer questions or walk, so this gives them basic training,” added Jarrett.
Trelawny’s 23-year-old Brianna Foster was named second runner-up, while 19-year-old Tannevia Pottinger from St James was the first runner-up.
BREATHTAKING PERFORMANCE
Despite battling the flu, Jarrett gave a breathtaking performance and was well received by the audience.
“It was heartwarming when I won and got crowned. It was a long time coming for me,” said Jarrett, who has been involved in pageantry for a long time.
“I finally won a title such as this one, so I feel absolutely amazing and I am grateful for the support,” added Jarrett, who is eager to bring the crown back to the west.
Jarrett won the Fast Track challenges of prizes for Beach Body and Top Model in this year’s pageant.
Yakinie Mitchell, regional manager from MJWWR, told The Gleaner that the regional competition significantly improved the contestants’ confidence and community engagement.
“With the regionals back, it allows contestants to enter and to build themselves. Even if they finish in the top three or five to advance to the nationals, they would have built their personal growth and development,” Mitchell said.
Eight finalists were selected after a casting call.
The regional manager stated that, despite the competition being successful, there is a need for more corporate sponsors to enhance the programme.
“I would love to see more sponsors on board, so the ladies have more training opportunities. We would also like to mobilise them, which costs a lot of money,” said Mitchell, who looks forward to more partnership from the wider community.
Jarrett will go on to the national competition in Kingston, scheduled for the end of October.