Miss Universe Nicaragua Sheynnis Palacios made history over the weekend when she became the first person from her country to be crowned Miss Universe at the 2023 staging of the event.

The first runner-up went to Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild, while Miss Australia Moraya Wilson held onto the second runner-up position.

Palacios, a 23-year-old mental health activist and audiovisual producer from Managua, was among 84 women who competed for the title in the 72nd edition of the pageant. However, she reigned supreme.

Miss Universe Jamaica Dr Jordanne Lauren Levy was among the women who made to the top 20 of the competition. However, she failed to advance any further.

Levy confidently represented Jamaica in the preliminary stages of the event, proudly showcasing the country’s history through her costume that embodied the historical and protected heritage site, Port Royal.

Her costume not only represented an aspect of Jamaica’s culture, but it also issued a call for the protection of national heritage and resources.

“As we currently battle with climate change and the onslaught of increased and severe natural disasters, it becomes increasingly more important to preserve and protect our national heritage and natural treasures to ensure that they remain with us for future generations to experience and enjoy. This is a call to the universe, let’s all start playing our part in protecting our resources, and let’s begin today,” said Miss Universe Jamaica in a description of the costume.

Jamaica’s National Costume for the 2023 staging of Miss Universe was designed and created by Dermoth Williams Couture. The original headdress was designed and created by Ernesto Castro and further embellished by Dermoth Williams Couture. Sea Corals were designed and created by Ernesto Castro.