From Starbucks to Top 6

From an unexpected start to the pageant stage, Naima Scott quickly proved she belonged in the Miss Universe Jamaica competition.

For many contestants, the road to Miss Universe Jamaica is years in the making — a journey filled with runway training, public speaking drills, and countless hours perfecting their platform. For Scott, then 20 years old, it started with a casual stop at Starbucks. The University of the West Indies student was fresh from dance class when she decided to swing by the AC Hotel Kingston to get some work done. “I was just coming from dance class, and I thought, let me go to AC Hotel and get some work done before I go home,” she recalled. That simple decision turned into a life-changing moment. It was elimination day for Miss Universe Jamaica, and before she knew it, she was spotted, drafted, and made the cut.

On Saturday night, at the very AC Hotel where she was discovered, she graced the stage alongside 26 other women. She was cheered on by her family and friends, which may have been the largest and loudest crowd of the evening, and made it all the way to the top six. “Coming in the top six, to be honest, I really didn’t expect it,” she admitted to Living after the show. “I’ve grown a lot doing this pageant, and I’ve seen the grit it really takes to be a top contender in a pageant. I’m just really grateful.”

WHAT’S NEXT

While her journey for the crown ended there, Scott is already setting her sights on what’s next. “Who knows? I’m doing a programme next year with some high schools, partnering with ID Pioneers, where we will be going into the schools and doing workshops about mindfulness and holistic well-being, which is my advocacy. So that’s what’s next for now,” she stated. “About pageantry, I don’t know – we’ll see. I’ll keep you posted,” she laughed.

Her admiration for the new queen, Dr Gabrielle Henry, was clear. “Gabby already knows I love her down! She deserves this so much. This was her second time, and she came back better than ever. Her development just throughout this pageant alone has been so transformative, and I’m so proud of her. I’m so happy for her, and I’m excited to see what she does with the platform.”

GRATEFUL

To her supporters, she is immensely grateful for everything. “I love, love, love them. I can’t be more grateful for my support system. Like, they are literally my whole heart. I’m so grateful for every single person who came out and supported me. I do not take it for granted,” she said.

Scott’s mother, Donna Duncan-Scott, group executive director of culture and leadership development at JMMB, is no stranger to pageantry. She is the older sister of Imani Duncan-Price, a former beauty queen and senator, who was crowned Miss Jamaica World 1995. Speaking with Living, she said the journey was as thrilling as it was unexpected.

“Oh my! When she told us she was discovered here at Starbucks, we were excited. I like the fact that when she said it to us, she said that she was going to do it and just be her authentic self, and we felt comfortable with that. She’s grown so much through this experience,” said Duncan-Scott.

Describing her daughter as compassionate, bubbly, and deeply empathetic, Duncan-Scott beamed with pride over Scott’s achievement. “She’s a safe space for her friends, non-judgemental, and caring. She cares about everybody and what’s going on for them. Just the fact that I’ve seen her grow through the competition and find her voice is great. This really pushes you to rise to the occasion and develops you. And, so, I already felt she’s a winner,” the proud mother said.

Duncan-Scott shared that the 21-year-old is looking forward to working on her altruism project.

“She said coming in this competition, she knows and feels that this is a divine appointment for her to be here. And secondly, she said that no matter what, win, lose, or draw, she’s gonna do her altruism project. Which is standing for young people, understanding who they are and walking in purpose and taking responsibility for their well-being, holistically, spiritually, mentally, and emotionally,” Duncan-Scott told Living.

o’brian.wynter@gleanerjm.com