When Victoria Kjaer Theilvig from Denmark won the Miss Universe 2024 crown, she not only made history as the first Dane to secure the title but also reignited discussions about regional representation, particularly for the English-speaking Caribbean. With just five Caribbean islands making the semifinals and none making it past the top 12, the disparity between English and Spanish-speaking countries in the Caribbean has once again come under the spotlight.
The English-speaking Caribbean, home to rich cultural diversity and extraordinary beauty, has been historically underrepresented in the Miss Universe pageant. With the notable exceptions of Janelle Commissiong (1977) and Wendy Fitzwilliam (1998)—both from Trinidad and Tobago—this sub-region has struggled to make its mark. Meanwhile, Spanish-speaking nations like Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico continue to thrive.
This year’s competition, held in the vibrant cultural hub of Mexico, saw significant Caribbean representation in the semifinals: Miss Cuba (Marianela Ancheta), Miss Aruba (Anouk Eman), Miss Dominican Republic (Celinee Santos), Miss Puerto Rico (Jennifer Colón Alvarado), and Miss Mexico (Maria Fernanda Beltrón Figueroa). Yet, when the dust settled, only Jennifer Colón of Puerto Rico reached the top 12, and Maria Fernanda Beltrón from Mexico finished as the second runner-up.
Language, Influence, and Visibility: A Divide Too Wide?
One glaring factor is the role of language and media. Spanish-speaking Caribbean nations are often plugged into larger networks of influence, including Latin America’s robust beauty pageant infrastructure. Countries like Puerto Rico and Mexico treat pageantry as a national sport, with rigorous training camps, experienced coaches, and substantial financial backing.
In contrast, English-speaking Caribbean contestants often face challenges in acquiring comparable resources. Pageant preparation—ranging from catwalk training to wardrobe—is expensive and, in many cases, underfunded. This disparity limits their ability to compete at the same level as their Spanish-speaking counterparts.
Additionally, the global reach of the Spanish language enhances contestants’ visibility in the international arena. With Spanish being one of the most widely spoken languages worldwide, candidates from Puerto Rico or Mexico often command broader media attention and fan support, which can sway public voting and, potentially, the judges.
Cultural Standards of Beauty: Are They Working Against Us?
Another element worth examining is the subtle biases in cultural beauty standards. While the pageant industry has made strides in embracing diversity, some argue that Western-centric ideals still dominate. Victoria Kjaer Theilvig, with her Scandinavian beauty, fits a conventional mold that has historically been celebrated by global pageant platforms.
The English-speaking Caribbean, known for its vibrant mix of African, Indian, and European heritage, presents a more nuanced standard of beauty—one that, arguably, hasn’t always been fully embraced by the pageant world. Janelle Commissiong broke barriers in 1977 as the first woman of African descent to win Miss Universe. However, her victory, alongside Wendy Fitzwilliam’s in 1998, remains more an exception than a rule.
Location Bias: Did hosting in Mexico tilt the scales?
Hosting Miss Universe 2024 in Mexico may have also played a role. Historically, host nations tend to perform well, with home-field advantage offering both psychological and logistical benefits. Maria Fernanda Beltrón’s second runner-up placement underscores this point.
Furthermore, the proximity of the competition to Spanish-speaking regions like Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic likely amplified their support. Fans from these countries turned out in droves, creating a palpable energy that judges and organizers could not ignore.
Looking Ahead: What Needs to Change?
For English-speaking Caribbean nations to reclaim their spot on the global stage, systemic changes are necessary:
Increased Investment: Governments and private sponsors must recognize pageantry as a cultural and tourism asset. Increased funding for training and preparation could level the playing field.
Strategic Training Partnerships: Collaborations with established pageant coaches and organizations in Latin America could help English-speaking Caribbean contestants compete more effectively.
Media Outreach: Enhancing the visibility of contestants through digital platforms and regional networks could help build global fan bases.
Cultural Advocacy: Contestants need to embrace and celebrate their unique Caribbean heritage unapologetically, using the platform to redefine beauty standards rather than conforming to them.
A Wake-Up Call for the Caribbean
Victoria Kjaer Theilvig’s win and the underwhelming performance of English-speaking Caribbean contestants are a call to action. With such a rich history of cultural brilliance and diversity, the region has all the ingredients needed to succeed. The challenge lies in bridging the gap—between resources, visibility, and influence—and ensuring that Caribbean queens can once again bring home the Miss Universe crown.
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