Dr. Gabrielle Henry was named Miss Universe Jamaica on her second attempt, proving that the proverb about not giving up easily is true.
Henry, an ophthalmology specialist, won four sectional prizes in addition to the top title: Best Swimwear, Media Challenge Award, Best Personality, and Altruism Award.
The 28-year-old model told the Jamaican Observer, “Re-entering was something that I reflected on for some time now. This pageant is something of a platform that allows women to become the finest version of themselves, and I wanted to re-enter to embody that, and to show women, especially those my age, that you can do anything that you want to.”
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Reflecting on the full circle moment, Henry, who first competed in 2023 and finished in the top five, said, “This time was exhilarating.”
She told The Gleaner, “I’ve been in this pageant before in 2023. I had entered and, at the time, of course, it was a new concept to me. But, having re-entered, having experienced it before, it was just such an exhilarating process. So much fun, just forming bonds with the ladies, the sisterhood that was formed, and also just growing within my own, you know, getting some close-up form of self-improvement and self-development. I’m really glad to be the one who’s really gonna go to Thailand this year to represent my country. I’m really grateful.”
She also recounted the wave of emotions that flooded her when her name was called, knowing that it carried the weight of representing her country to the world.
“Oh my goodness! I was in shock — my eyes were watering so badly. But I’m just really grateful. I’m grateful that the judges saw something in me and that I can be a good representative for our country,” Henry told The Gleaner.
“I’m really, really grateful for that. In Thailand, you’ll see my face everywhere. I’ll be forming networks, I’ll be representing, I’ll be speaking about the resilience of our people and how proud I am of our country. There’s just so many components to Jamaica that people don’t really know about, and I’m so happy to share that with them, to share about our nature or beauty and our innovation. I’m just really glad for that.”
During the competition, she was asked how she intended to make her reign in Jamaica profitable.
“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,” Henry answered, according to Our Today.
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.”
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Karl Williams, co-director of the pageant, said the 2025 contest was among the most intense in recent times.
“It was such a competitive year and I think it was an amazing night … . I couldn’t pick a winner beforehand. The ladies fought tooth and nail. Years gone by, I could look at a bunch and say, ‘Okay, I think this lady will turn out on top.’ But, this was a difficult year as there were some really strong contenders, and I’m really proud of them all,” Williams told The Gleaner.
Williams also expressed faith in Henry’s capacity to win the 2025 Miss Universe pageant, which takes place November 21 in Nontharubi, Thailand.
“Gabrielle is a strong contender, and now our focus is on getting her 150 percent ready for Miss Universe. We’re going to just throw everything behind her. Jamaica is overdue for that Miss Universe crown,” Williams remarked.
Henry, according to the Caribbean National Weekly, is an outspoken advocate for the visually challenged. Her See Me Foundation aims to provide educational and economic opportunities for people who are blind or have difficulty seeing.
Henry received a brand-new Hyundai Kona as one of her awards from title sponsor Magna Motors Jamaica.
She is a trained pianist and singer who is studying at the University Hospital of the West Indies (Mona) as an ophthalmologist.
In response to CMV’s question on how she managed to balance her career and pageantry, Henry said she always maintained a “We’ll see” attitude.
She explained that “I think at the end of the day, we could put plans in place, but the true test of your ability to do something is just doing it. You have to really face whatever the challenge may be upfront. You know, face it afraid, do it afraid. And just do it unapologetically as well.”
