After more than 70 years, the National Carnival Queen Pageant remains a staple of the annual carnival calendar and one of the most talked-about national events of the season.
From auditions to coronation night, followers at home and abroad immerse themselves in the contestants’ journey through social media and public engagements.
In March, nine contestants were unveiled for this year’s National Carnival Queen pageant after auditions at the National Cultural Centre. On Wednesday, they were formally introduced to their sponsors at the annual sashing ceremony, a major step toward coronation night.
Organisers say the sashing ceremony at The Landings Resort is a significant milestone ahead of the highly anticipated pageant.
Chairman of the National Carnival Pageant Committee Trevor King noted that one of the most powerful expressions of who we are as a people is one of the most cherished and prestigious events.
“For over seven decades, the National Carnival Queen Pageant has served as a symbol of elegance, excellence and empowerment. It has provided a national platform where young ladies of intelligence, confidence and purpose represent their communities, share their voices and contribute meaningfully to the cultural fabric of our nation,” King said.
He went on to emphasise that the pageant was not simply about beauty or glamour, but also about leadership, character and the ability to inspire others.
Throughout the journey, contestants will receive training in public speaking, media, and communications. They will also be exposed to mentoring and cultural elements. Two new additions this year are the Queens for Change initiative and the Queen Leadership Academy.
Before meeting their sponsors, the delegates selected the numbers they will use throughout the season and on the big night.
Each delegate was later ceremoniously sashed by her sponsor as follows:
Contestant no. 1 – Miss Bank of Saint Lucia, Nayley Lewis
Contestant no. 2 – Miss Diamond Girl, Simone Sonson
Contestant no. 3 – Miss 1st National Bank, Sydney James
Contestant no. 4 – Miss Duty Free Pointe Seraphine, Eudoxia Poleon
Contestant no. 5 – Miss Republic Onboard, Shernette Rameau
Contestant no. 6 – Miss Export Saint Lucia, Darlene Francis
Contestant no. 7 – Miss Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Faith Edward
Contestant no. 8 – Miss WMB Event & Rentals, Adel Montoute
Contestant no. 9 – Miss Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate, Derelle Dubois
The Chairperson of the Carnival Planning & Management Committee (CPMS), Tamara Gibson, told the delegates that from this moment, the journey truly begins.
“It will be intense, demanding and at times overwhelming but also incredibly rewarding and transformative,” she told the in-house audience and online followers.
“We are committed to guiding our delegates every step of the way and we are excited to take all of you along for this ride as they embrace this new experience and step into their full potential.”
According to the chairperson, this year’s pageant will be repositioned as a flagship platform for leadership advocacy and cultural development within Lucian Carnival.
Minister of Culture and the Creative Industry Dr Ernest Hilaire thanked the sponsors, saying events like the pageant and carnival could not happen without their involvement. He also praised the pageant committee for organising successful events and the chair of the CPMC, adding he eagerly looks forward to this year’s pageant.
The National Carnival Queen Pageant is set to take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at The Pavilion on Rodney Bay.
This year, each delegate will receive a cash prize, while the winner will receive a full scholarship from Monroe University and an additional cash prize of EC$25,000.
The reigning National Carnival Queen is Emerle Tisson, Miss Bank of Saint Lucia.
