The last time a Jamaican won Miss World was in 1993, when Lisa Hanna took the crown. Singh also joins title-holders Carole Joan Crawford, who won in 1963, and Cindy Breakspeare, the 1976 winner.

Singh, 23, from St. Thomas, is a women’s studies and psychology student at Florida State University.

The Jamaica Gleaner reported that, writing on social media after her victory, Singh, who aspired to be a doctor, declared that her desire is to be an inspiration to others.

“To that little girl in St. Thomas, Jamaica, and all the girls around the world – please believe in yourself. Please know that you are worthy and capable of achieving your dreams,” she wrote.

“This crown is not mine, but yours. It’s for you to truly understand that no matter where you’re from and the cards you’re dealt in life your dreams are valid. You have a PURPOSE.”

Singh secured her spot in the final 40, from an initial field of 111 contestants, after winning the talent competition with her rendition of Whitney Houston’s ‘I Have Nothing’.

Miss World France, Ophely Mezino, was the runner-up, and Miss World India, Suman Rao, placed third.

The Cayman Islands was represented by Jaci Patrick.