'It’s my time' ... Joddian Harper aims for Miss Universe title

Miss Universe Jamaica North East 2017 winner Joddian Harper (Miss Eco Power) is expressing supreme confidence as she prepares for the national finals on August 26.

"It's my time," Harper said.

Having been crowned at the Moon Palace Jamaica Grande, ahead of 13 contestants, the 27-year-old believes she is poised to bring further glory to her family, friends, community and the North East franchise.

"My ultimate goal is first to win the Miss Universe Jamaica title, then the Miss Universe title," she said. "I'm my only setback. Me, believing in myself, means I will go a long way and I will definitely put my best foot forward, utilising all that I've learnt from training. My family and community are 100 per cent behind me."

Having just completed her degree in hospitality and tourism management at Moneague College in St Ann, Harper is on her way to becoming a nutritionist as she seeks to make the world a healthier place.

Her victory puts her straight into the finals of Miss Universe Jamaica, and already she has started putting in the work needed to boost her chance of going all the way.

Being a shy person, she thinks the decision to enter the competition has gone a long way in helping to rid the shyness.

"I'm really proud of where I am right now," Harper says.

Given her confidence level right now, she hopes to repeat that line at the end of activities on August 26.

Harper won the regional title ahead of Camelia Gayle (Miss Pineapple Court Hotel), first runner-up, and Nekoda Diedrick (Miss Diamonds Forever), second runner-up.

Franchise holder for North East, Shelle Parchment-Tweedie, supported Harper's enthusiasm, saying that by winning the title, Harper "proved to be the very embodiment of class and beauty."