Miss Namibia 2023 Jameela |Uiras was yesterday morning awarded the Miss Universe Beauties “Face of the Universe” title in San Salvador, EL Salvador. She also managed a respectable Top 20 position in the beauty pageant which saw 84 women from around the world competing.
|Uiras thanked everyone for the support she has been receiving since taking over the coveted title as Miss Namibia 2023 in June this year, leading up to the finale of the 72nd Miss Universe pageant.
She posted on Instagram yesterday that she partook in Miss Namibia to honour her late mother’s memory, and “to show her that she brought me so close to the finish line, and I’d finish the race strong”.
|Uiras added: “Today, I’m representing a proud nation at Miss Universe because I’m a descendant of courageous women who paved the way for me to do greater things in life. Thank you to all my sponsors for bringing my dreams to life. Thank you all for believing in me”.
The beauty queen said she fought for acceptance and acknowledgment at the competition for her nation, adding “Top 20 is a milestone for us. It’ll only get bigger and better from here, Namibia. Miss Namibia - forward and upward”.
Nicaragua’s Sheynnis Palacios was crowned Miss Universe 2023. Miss Thailand Anntonia Porsild is the 2nd runner-up, while Miss Australia Moraya Wilson came in third.
Chief Executive Officer of the Miss Namibia Organisation, Umbi Karuaihe-Upi told VIBEZ! that this is a major achievement for the organisation and Namibia in general.
“Out of 84 countries, Namibia made it to the
Top 20. A remarkable and impressive placement.
We are overwhelmed with joy and extremely
grateful to the Namibians who solidly stood behind u,s and ensured that Jameela wins the Face of the Universe segment,” she said excitedly.
Earlier this year, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation fully took over Miss Namibia, which has now become a subsidiary of the corporation.
Karuaihe-Upi, who promised to carry this job with the dignity that it deserves, stated that |Uiras is satisfied that her hard work paid off, and that signifies the quality being put into the project.
“Thank you once again for all
your support and encouragement. We are a small population, but great in content and quality,” said the national pageant director.
Also over the moon with |Uiras’ performance at the biggest pageant stage was Miss Universe 1992 Michelle McLean from Namibia, who said she is super- excited about |Uiras and her wonderful performance at the Miss Universe pageant.
“I would like to congratulate her on a job well done. She made Namibia proud and held the flag up high, and the nation is incredibly proud,” shared McLean.
She told VIBEZ! that it brought back memories when she was on that stage several years ago. “That is an amazing accomplishment; we are looking forward to welcoming her and the team home. She is loved and appreciated by all of us. Lots of love,” she conveyed.