From coffee to selection: Naima Scott gets surprise MUJ golden ticket
Published:Friday | May 9, 2025 | 12:06 AM
To access this article in full please login or register today
One moment, she was sipping coffee — the next, she was entering the elimination round of the Miss Universe Jamaica competition. For 20-year-old University of the West Indies student Naima Scott, a casual stop at Starbucks at the AC Hotel Kingston...
One moment, she was sipping coffee — the next, she was entering the elimination round of the Miss Universe Jamaica competition.
For 20-year-old University of the West Indies student Naima Scott, a casual stop at Starbucks at the AC Hotel Kingston turned into a life-changing moment. Living caught up with the first-year tourism management major shortly after she was selected as one of the top 30 advancing to the Miss Universe Jamaica grand coronation — a feat she hadn’t even planned for that day.
“I’m coming from dance class,” Naima recalled, still glowing with excitement. “I was like, okay, let me go to [the] AC Hotel and get some work done before I go home.”
Miss Universe Jamaica East Franchise Holder Jermaine Blair saw Scott and approached her to ask why she wasn’t entering the competition. At this point, Scott had no idea that such a competition was happening.
“As I’m there sitting down and just setting up, Jermaine comes to me, introduces himself, and he says, ‘Why are you not auditioning for Miss Jamaica?’ And I said, ‘Auditioning?’ Like, I didn’t even know this was happening today. He then says, ‘Follow me’.”
With zero preparation and still in her workout gear, a stunned Scott followed him, met the judges, and minutes later was sitting among a group of contestants awaiting results.
“As he’s walking, I’m there still trying to process what’s happening. He took me to register, and soon after, I’m there talking to the judges. Then I come out and I’m sitting in this room with a bunch of beautiful girls, and then they called me and they gave me a golden ticket and now we’re here!” she shared excitedly.
It was a whirlwind moment, but one that Scott seems born for. Although this is her first pageant ever, she’s no stranger to being told she belongs in the spotlight.
“People in my life have definitely been telling me to join and to audition,” she said. “But I’ve been waiting for the right time. So I guess God just told me that the right time was now.”
Despite being new to the scene, Scott is quickly taking it all in stride, embracing the sisterhood and support of her fellow contestants.
“This feels like an experience of girlhood. I have nothing to lose,” she said. “I feel like I’m just gonna have a great experience with these girls. I’ve already met so many of them, and they’re so kind and so loving,” she shared.
What’s ahead includes more than just gowns and glam. Scott is especially looking forward to the competition’s mentorship programme, which pairs contestants with younger girls they’ll guide and support.
“I’m excited to meet my girl and talk to her and see what we do with that whole programme. I’m really excited about that.”
When asked what unique flair she brings to the competition, Scott shared with refreshing honesty: “I really just dropped into this, so I don’t have anything prepared. But I feel that I can bring a really authentic experience and vibe to this competition. Although you know, all these girls are genuinely real and really loving and kind, but I know I can just bring something new because I’m really new to this. I have never been in a pageant before, but I know I’m bringing something new.”