In a dazzling ceremony held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel ballroom in New Kingston, 25-year-old Tahje Bennett was crowned Miss Jamaica World 2024, marking a triumphant second attempt for the Spanish Town native. Bennett, who is set to matriculate to Norman Manley Law School, credited her victory to a refined approach and her unwavering authenticity.
“I refined my advocacy; 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. I’ve always been authentic to who I am, so going back, refining the advocacy, and showing up as my best self are what I did differently,” Bennett shared in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.
As Miss Jamaica World 2024, Bennett will represent Jamaica at the 72nd Miss World pageant. Her impressive performance also earned her the Beauty with a Purpose fast track and Multimedia sectional prizes, with notable placements in the Beach Beauty, Top Model, and Sports/Fitness fast track challenges.
Bennett plans to use her platform to advocate for females who have been victims of gender-based violence. “I plan to use my platform to empower and uplift young women and girls, because 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,” she explained.
The grand coronation show was filled with jubilation, with a lively audience of parents, friends, and well-wishers cheering throughout the evening. Talia Soares Brown expertly hosted the event, ensuring each segment went off without a hitch.
The celebrations continued even after some initial supporters did not advance to the top 10, with enthusiastic cheers for those who made it to the finals. One proud parent expressed satisfaction with her 18-year-old daughter’s achievement as a finalist, despite not making it to the top five.
Entertainment performances by Jodian Pantry and Remone Watson further enlivened the evening. Watson, a former top five contestant in the Mr. World Jamaica pageant, delivered a memorable rendition of Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes’ “(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life.”
Bennett also attributed her success to the support of her primary matriarchal figures, highlighting the role they played in her journey to the crown.
