Saint Lucia is celebrating a major regional victory after Carnival Queen Emerle Tisson was crowned Miss Caribbean Queen 2026 at a pageant held in Sint Maarten.
Tisson secured the title shortly after 2:00 a.m. at the Jocelyn Arndell Festival Village, as part of St. Maarten’s 55th Carnival anniversary celebrations, marking a significant moment for Saint Lucian pageantry on the regional stage.
The pageant, themed “Queens of Sun and Soil,” featured contestants from across the Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Nevis, Barbados, and St. Maarten, and is regarded as one of the premier competitions showcasing Caribbean beauty, culture, and talent.
Miss Sint Maarten, Keisy Quant, placed second runner-up, while Miss St. Eustatius, Kentonea Fortin, captured the first runner-up position in the highly competitive field.
Speaking to Saint Lucia Daily Post following her victory, Tisson described the moment as both humbling and historic, not just for herself, but for Saint Lucia.
“This crown is not just mine; it belongs to Saint Lucia. It represents our culture, our resilience, and the excellence we continue to bring to every stage in the Caribbean,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey from Saint Lucia’s 2025 Carnival Queen to regional titleholder, Tisson said the experience has been one of growth, discipline, and purpose.
“My reign as Carnival Queen prepared me for this moment. It taught me how to represent with pride, how to carry responsibility, and how to stand confidently in who I am. This victory shows that Saint Lucian queens are ready for the regional and international stage,” she added.
Tisson also highlighted the broader significance of her win for the local pageant industry, noting that it reinforces Saint Lucia’s standing in regional competitions.
“This is a win for Saint Lucia and for pageantry. It shows that we have the talent, the training, and the standard to compete and win at the highest level. It raises the bar for all of us,” she said.
Delivering a message to aspiring contestants back home, Tisson urged young women to remain focused and confident in their journey.
“To every young woman in Saint Lucia who dreams of stepping on that stage, believe in yourself, trust the process, and never underestimate your power. Your moment will come, and when it does, be ready,” she said.
The event, hosted by the St. Maarten Carnival Development Foundation, drew strong regional attention and once again highlighted the role of pageantry in promoting Caribbean identity and unity.
Tisson’s victory adds to Saint Lucia’s growing list of regional achievements and reinforces the island’s reputation for producing strong, competitive representatives in Caribbean pageantry.
The newly crowned Miss Caribbean Queen is expected to carry out regional ambassadorial duties throughout her reign, representing both Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean.
