Milove Fontaine crowned Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda's Milove Fontaine was crowned Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen 2026, taking top judged categories and the People’s Choice award. VINO reports the Virgin Islands' Krystle J. Maduro captured five special awards, while Jah'Millia I. Maloney of the USVI also won several category titles.
Three contestants vied for the Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen 2026 title in an evening organisers billed as one of elegance, culture and empowerment. Plus: A Golden Mix, the programme opened with a Golden Soiree and optional competitions from 5:00 PM, followed by the main show at 7:00 PM; supporters were invited to vote in the People’s Choice poll through July 11 on the pageant's verified social pages and Stripe ahead of Sunday’s finale.
When the results were announced, Antigua and Barbuda’s Milove Fontaine was crowned Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen 2026 with 489.5 points, according to Virgin Islands News Online (VINO). Fontaine, whose platform focused on promoting body positivity, dominated the judged categories, taking Top Model, Best Evening Wear, Best On-Stage Interview and Best Flag Couture Ambassadorial Presentation.
Fontaine also captured the People’s Choice Award, the public vote held before the final, underscoring strong regional support for her message of celebrating diverse body types, VINO reported. The win continues the pageant's emphasis on advocacy and self-acceptance rather than a narrow beauty standard.
Although she did not take the crown, Virgin Islands representative Krystle J. Maduro left the stage with a suite of special distinctions. VINO reports Maduro received five awards: Miss Popularity, Miss Congeniality, the Director's Golden Award, the optional Spokeswoman 2026 title, and Best Talent.
Maduro's platform, titled Growing Confident Queens to Embrace All of Their Curves, and the local online and in-person support from BVI backers helped secure widespread recognition across judged and special categories. The United States Virgin Islands' contestant, Jah'Millia I. Maloney, whose platform L.I.S.T.E.N. promotes inclusivity for autism awareness, also earned several accolades.
VINO noted Maloney won Miss Photogenic along with Best Fun Fashion, Best Opening Number and Best Resort Wear, reflecting strong staged presentations and visual impact. The reigning queen prior to this year’s show was Sylvanna I. Charles of the Virgin Islands; organisers had promised a polished showcase that highlighted Caribbean culture and the empowerment message central to this edition.
Contest organisers and contestants continued to stress that the competition is more than a beauty contest, positioning it as a platform for advocacy, body confidence and social inclusion across the Caribbean. For BVI residents, the contest offered another opportunity to support a local representative on a regional stage that champions self-acceptance and community inclusion — themes that many community groups and schools here have been increasingly discussing.
The above results and award details are based on coverage by Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).
Primary source: VINO