Fri | Apr 10, 2026

Former Miss Jamaica World now wellness ambassador

Published:Monday | December 28, 2020 | 12:11 AM
Pause
Wellness Vibes! Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) Living Legacy 2020 Awardee, actor and comedian Oliver Samuels (second right), shares an amusing story with (from left) founder and Executive Chair of the CCRP Jean Lowrie-Chin, recently appointe
Contributed
Wellness Vibes! Caribbean Community of Retired Persons (CCRP) Living Legacy 2020 Awardee, actor and comedian Oliver Samuels (second right), shares an amusing story with (from left) founder and Executive Chair of the CCRP Jean Lowrie-Chin, recently appointed CCRP-Gallagher Wellness Ambassador Joan McDonald, and CGM Gallagher Group Chief Operating Officer Saundra Bailey.
Joan McDonald.
File
Joan McDonald.
1
2

Miss Jamaica World, coach, mentor, volunteer and philanthropist, Joan McDonald, is stepping into a new role, which she is embracing as yet another opportunity to help others to “still live a wonderful life”.

McDonald, who was crowned winner of the beauty pageant in 1978, has been appointed the CCRP-Gallagher Wellness Ambassador. Saundra Bailey, chief operating officer for Gallagher Caribbean Insurance Brokers, made the announcement recently.

As wellness ambassador, McDonald will share information on the CCRP Comprehensive Group Health Plan designed by Gallagher and underwritten by Sagicor. She will also use digital and traditional media to engage members in discussions on wellness and lifestyle topics.

McDonald notes that her work in a variety of fields in public service has enabled her to make connections between people, embracing “everything that has come my way”.

In August 2019, she was honoured with a Congressional proclamation from Yvette D Clarke, a member of the US House of Representatives, at Jamaica’s 57th Annual Black-Tie Gala in New York.

A long-serving volunteer with CCRP, McDonald was the first to hold the official title of Miss Jamaica World. She is also the first winner of full African descent. Her win, while a dance teacher at Wolmer’s Girls’ School in Kingston, came at a time when public pressure built up for winners who represented the dominant ethic group in Jamaica.

She has established a successful career as an event planner and personal development coach, grooming contestants for Miss Jamaica World and Miss Jamaica Festival Queen and mentoring teen mothers. She is also an active member of the Lions Club of Kingston, a Justice of the Peace and a trained facilitator for Restorative and Community Justice Practices.

“My life is a wonderful kaleidoscope,” smiles McDonald. She maintains a positive outlook on life despite its challenges, always seeking to “add value” in relationships and bring people together.

Gallagher has served the Caribbean for over 45 years, operating seven subsidiaries as the largest full-service broker in the region.