Tahje Bennett, a 25-year-old from Spanish Town, has been crowned Miss Jamaica World 2024 after a stunning performance at the grand coronation held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel ballroom in New Kingston. This was Bennett’s second attempt at the prestigious title, and her perseverance paid off, with her emerging as the new queen on Friday night.
Bennett, who is set to matriculate to the Norman Manley Law School, shared that refining her advocacy and showing up as her best self were key to securing the crown this time around. “I made sure that I showed up as my best self every single time, and that’s all that I did differently. I was true to myself,” Bennett told the Jamaica Observer. She will now go on to represent Jamaica at the 72nd Miss World pageant.
Jamila McGowan claimed the second-place spot, while third place went to Shanelle Kellyman. Bennett not only took home the crown but also won the Beauty with a Purpose fast track and the Multimedia sectional prize, and she placed in the top three of the Beach Beauty, Top Model, and Sports/Fitness fast track challenges.
Throughout her reign, Bennett plans to advocate for women and girls who have been victims of gender-based violence. She expressed a deep commitment to empowering and uplifting those who may feel their difficult experiences define them. “A lot of the time, what a woman or little girl goes through, she feels as if that’s the end of her story. And I want to be a testament that that’s not the end of your story, and your sad story doesn’t have to end there — it can be a powerful message for others,” Bennett said.
The coronation show was filled with excitement and celebration, as parents, friends, and supporters cheered for the contestants. Even those whose favorites didn’t make it to the top 10 continued to show their support, exemplifying the joyous atmosphere of the evening.
Entertainment provided by Jodian Pantry and Remone Watson added to the vibrant energy in the room. Watson, a top-five finalist in the Mr. World Jamaica pageant, wowed the audience with a soulful rendition of “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life” by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes.
Bennett also credited her success to the strong women in her life, particularly the matriarchs who have played a significant role in her journey.
