Jamaican cosmetic surgeon Dr Sandra Swaby, who was crowned the first Miss World 2026 last Saturday, said. The Gleaner that her decision to enter another big pageant was to “show women how aging can be a fun experience”. The competition, recently held in New York, had about 27 contestants from around the world, and its goal was to clarify the minimum standards of beauty by encouraging inclusion and diversity, affirming that beauty is different, aging is a right, and women should always be celebrated.
“Old age should be celebrated, even after children, marriages and jobs. We women go through a lot and, after certain years, we don’t feel seen. I had a difficult 2025, including a near-death experience, and my self-esteem was really challenged. So I also wanted to show myself that I can still do something so difficult, while encouraging the doctor and others.
Swaby, who is no stranger to advocating self-empowerment and self-love, caused a stir in the local scene during the Miss Universe Jamaica 2024 pageant as one of the oldest contestants, becoming the first person over 50 to make it to the top five. In the Miss World pageant, which has categories including Miss, Queen, Mother, and Elite, she won over the audience and judges with her style, sophistication, and message of self-love and inner beauty.
“As a surgeon, I improve the appearance on the outside – but real change starts on the inside,” said Swaby. “This platform has allowed me to share that beauty has a lot to do with self-love, discipline and emotional healing.”
Although balancing work was difficult, she said the support of her husband and business partner, along with a talented team, made it possible. “Balance also comes from knowing when to rest, knowing when to say ‘no’ to things that don’t give me strength, and knowing when to fill my cup, pray to the Almighty, exercise, eat healthy, drink water, supplement, and have a positive attitude and take care of myself.
His biggest victory, he shared, was recovering from surgery for Eagle Syndrome last year, which he said caused “a significant reduction in oxygen to my brain for a long time”.
“I had an operation to fix this, but the marks remained, and some are still there, but I thank God very much for choosing me to see them one day, and part of my mission now is to spread the message of self-healing to overcome any faces you have,” he added.
For the naysayers who feel that at her age she should cover up, wrap them up, and be a cheerleader for young women, Swaby said there is a place for those people because at the end of the day they keep you honest. I understand that some areas of society may not find older women attractive, but I can’t even respond to that because I’m hot! he said laughing. It’s okay to have different opinions. Even more important is the opinion that women of my age and I have about ourselves.
Although the critics were there, the cheerleaders are more and more, encouraging him from the sidelines, sending messages or messages with unwavering support. I received many messages after the finale from fellow ladies.
The representative of Italy was crowned Queen of the World, while the representative of the USA placed third. Swaby has also won Congeniality Queen, People’s Choice Queen, and Ambassador Queen awards for public speaking.
nicola.cunningham@gleanerjm.com
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