Shannon Bucknor has become the first Jamaican woman to secure a finalist spot at the Miss Eco International competition.

Bucknor placed in the top 21 during the pageant finals held on May 22 at the Helnan Palestine Hotel in Alexandria, Egypt.

This was Jamaica’s debut appearance at the competition, which was founded in 2015.

Bucknor was also the only Caribbean delegate to place in this year’s contest.

The competition was won by Palmira Ruiz of Mexico.

Following the finals, Bucknor reflected on the achievement in a post shared on Instagram.

“Last night felt absolutely surreal, not just for me, but for my entire country,” she wrote.

“To make history and carry Jamaica’s name with pride on an international stage fills my heart with so much joy, gratitude, and emotion. Knowing that our little island continues to shine so brightly on the map is a feeling I will never be able to fully put into words.”

Bucknor said the experience changed her in many ways and taught her “the true meaning of love, strength, resilience, and what it means to represent the spirit of the Jamaican people.”

She also thanked her team, family and friends for supporting her throughout the competition.

“And honestly… I cannot wait to go home and tell my grandma every single detail about this experience,” she added.