Queen Pageant Winner Will Get Land, EC$20,000

BASSETERRE — The winner of this year’s National Queen Pageant will receive EC$20,000 in cash and a plot of land, organizers announced Thursday night as five ambassadors were officially sashed ahead of the December 22 show for Sugarmas 55.

National Carnival Committee Chairperson Shannon Hawley said the pageant, which has been held for 55 years, is entering “a new era” with a new home, a new crown and a bigger prize package.

The show will be staged for the second time in its history at the Royal St. Kitts Event Dome, under the theme “Diamonds and Elegance.” Hawley invited the public to “come dressed to sparkle.”

She said the move to the venue was intentional. “We want to elevate the entire Queen pageant experience from the moment our ambassadors begin their journey to the moment that one of the extraordinary young women is crowned,” she said.

Hawley said the plot of land is the first land prize for a Queen pageant winner in almost 40 years. She described it as an investment in the future of the young woman who will wear the crown.

“A crown may be worn for a year, but an investment in a young woman’s future can change the trajectory of her life,” Hawley said.

The St. Kitts Nevis Anguilla National Bank was also announced as the official title sponsor of the pageant. National Bank Marketing and Communications Coordinator Sheridan Maynard said the partnership reflects the bank’s support for young women and for the country’s cultural and creative sectors.

The five ambassadors competing for the title are Xyarra Wilson, Mia Alexander, Karina Dore, Ajane Bristol and Ashley Wilson.

The 2026-2027 National Queen Pageant is set for December 22.