Portland celebrates Miss Universe Jamaica Celene Hall

It was a day of celebrating the achievements of one of their own, so Portlanders went at it with full gusto as they revelled in the fact that it was the first time in Miss Universe Jamaica pageant history that their parish copped the national title with the crowning of Celene Hall. This meant that a full homecoming parade was in order. The parade made its way from Buff Bay all the way to Port Antonio with a few stops in between.

As a means of motivating the youths to understand that with hard work their dreams are attainable, the parade made stops at several schools in the parish, including Buff Bay Primary, St. Margaret’s Bay Primary, Boundbrook Primary, Norwich Primary, Port Antonio High and Titchfield High schools. Hall met and interacted with the students who were eager to bask in her presence and ask tons of questions about her reign and what it took for her to excel on a national platform.

The parade also included Miss Supernatural Caribbean 2026, Rasheeda Green; Miss Universe Jamaica St. Elizabeth 2026, Suzan Dowdie; Miss Universe Jamaica Portland 1st runner-up 2026 Alyssa Francis; and Mini Miss Jamaica Heritage Queen 2026, Zaya Richards. The Port Antonio Marching Band then led the parade into the town with music, dancing and a lot of fanfare. When passing the Port Antonio Fire Station, the entire crew came out, waved to the queen and turned on the fire truck’s siren.

For all of the adoration received during the homecoming parade, Hall told The Gleaner that she was truly grateful to soak up the love from the people who invested in her from day one and never wavered in their support.

“Coming home to Portland was incredibly emotional. To be surrounded by the people who believed in me, prayed for me and supported me throughout this journey reminded me that I never carried this dream alone. Seeing the love and pride on everyone’s face made the moment even more special. It truly felt that we had all won together,” Hall said.

As the new queen, Hall shared that she intends for her reign to create a real and lasting impact in Portland.

“Through the Hummingbird Effect Foundation and initiatives such as N.E.S.T. (Nurturing Educational Spaces Together), I plan to continue supporting our schools, young people and families while using my platform to bring greater attention and opportunities to the parish. Portland poured so much into me, and I intend to pour that same love back into my community,” she said.

The end of the parade led to the official homecoming ceremony held at the Errol Flynn Marina, where the mayor, member of parliament and a host of other guests gathered to greet the queen and her entourage with the expected speeches plus performances by the Port Antonio Theatre Group.

During the ceremony, National Director for Miss Universe Jamaica Karl Williams also presented Portland’s Parish Director Shanique Rogers with an award for being the Most Outstanding Director 2026. Rogers was humbled by the recognition, which she said was totally unexpected.

“For me, this is even more meaningful because I have been able to accomplish so many ‘firsts’ along this journey. I produced my first queen for Miss Universe Jamaica Portland, and seeing my queen crowned is a moment I will forever cherish,” she said.

Rogers explained that this award is not just a personal achievement because it represents what is possible when you believe in your parish, invest in your people and remain committed to your vision.

“I am incredibly proud to have been able to uplift and represent my parish, Portland, on such a significant platform. Rain or shine, Portland is divine.”

nicola.cunningham@gleanerjm.com