Medical doctor Dr Gabrielle Henry bested a competitive ballroom with 26 other finalists to emerge the winner of the 12th Hyundai Miss Universe Jamaica pageant on Saturday (August 9).

She will represent Jamaica internationally in Thailand at the Miss Universe pageant this November.

This is not the first year Dr Henry has entered the competition. She was a previous contestant in 2023 and resurfaced from the ashes after not winning that competition, with 2025 being in her favour on a night when the world was experiencing August’s first full moon – a time deemed to bring positive energy, new beginnings, and good fortune.

Henry is currently pursuing ophthalmology at the University Hospital of the West Indies.

Proudly wearing the sash by her sponsor Aparajitah’s Laser & Dental, Henry copped the ‘Best Personality’ and ‘Best Essence of Style’ awards, which ultimately helped to secure her place in the top three.

Troy-Ann Anderson, Miss Rum Bar Rum Cream, was the first runner up, and Matea Smith, Miss Crocs Jamaica, was the second runner up.

During the final round of the competition, when host Debbie Bissoon quizzed Dr Henry with the question, ‘Corporal punishment has been the choice methods used to minimise crime and violence worldwide. Do you believe corporal punishment is necessary?’

In her response, she said as a medical professional for the past eight years, she has experience with different personalities and individuals who have gone through various experiences, and people should be given the opportunity to first redeem themselves through empathy.

“We must extend empathy, kindness and generosity at all times as individuals in our society,” she said.

For the question asked in the round prior while she was in top six, which was “As Miss Universe Jamaica, tell us how you will use your reign to make Jamaica a better place?”, she said, “If I am so blessed to be Miss Universe Jamaica, I’ll be so proud to showcase Jamaica’s talents, Jamaica’s artistry and of course, Jamaica’s sportsmanship,” Dr Henry said.

She continued, “I would partner with local interests to ensure we have seamless programmes that are constructed for education, health care and youth empowerment, because I believe that youth are the future. That statement will never get old, so as we continue to empower each other, let’s uplift our youth, and that is how I would make a better Jamaica.”

In her Instagram profile’s bio, Dr Henry describes herself as a “beam of light, resident ophthalmologist, plant mom and model”.

As part of her prizes, Henry was awarded a brand new Hyundai Kona motor car by title sponsor, Magna Motors Jamaica.