Miss Universe 2026: Meet the Caribbean Delegates Competing for the Crown in Puerto Rico
Twenty-one Caribbean countries and territories are represented on published contestant lists for the 75th Miss Universe competition, bringing the region's beauty, culture, and national pride to the international stage.
November 9, 2026 | Caribbean EMagazine | Beauty & Pageantry
The Caribbean is preparing for a spectacular showing at the 75th Miss Universe competition, scheduled for November 24, 2026, at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
With contestants from across the globe gathering on the island, the competition promises an extraordinary celebration of beauty, culture, confidence, and international representation.
For the Caribbean, this year's pageant carries special significance. Not only is Puerto Rico hosting the prestigious event, but 21 Caribbean countries and territories appear on published contestant lists, representing the region's remarkable cultural diversity.
From Jamaica, Haiti, and Trinidad and Tobago to Aruba, Curaçao, Guyana, and the smaller island territories, the Caribbean delegates are preparing to showcase their personalities, national identities, and ambitions before an international audience.
The competition also marks a milestone for the Miss Universe Organization as it celebrates 75 editions of one of the world's most recognized beauty pageants.
Meet the Caribbean Delegates for Miss Universe 2026
The Caribbean representatives come from English-, Spanish-, French-, and Dutch-speaking countries and territories, reflecting the region's rich multicultural heritage.
The following delegates have been identified on published contestant lists for the 2026 competition.
Country / Territory | Miss Universe 2026 Delegate |
Aruba | Elizabeth Johnson |
Bahamas | Shawndra Henfield |
Belize | Caleigh-Rose West |
Bonaire | Caroline Porras |
British Virgin Islands | Orealia Eugenie Thomas |
Cayman Islands | Juliana May Myers |
Cuba | Mia Donadio (Mia Dio) |
Curaçao | Bianty Rojer-Gomperts |
Dominican Republic | Melissa Núñez |
Guadeloupe | Chloé Deher |
Guyana | Angel Bhathal |
Haiti | Tatenda Rameau |
Jamaica | Celene Hall |
Martinique | Larissa Ségarel |
Puerto Rico | Jennifer Barreto |
Saint Lucia | Bernella Velinor |
Saint Martin | Madly Marian |
Trinidad and Tobago | Vinita Manoo |
Turks and Caicos Islands | Selena Grant |
United States Virgin Islands | Jenna-Monét Queeley |
Editor's note: The list reflects published contestant information available as of November 9, 2026. Final participation remains subject to confirmation by the Miss Universe Organization. Saint Martin's representative appears as Madly Marian on one updated roster.
Puerto Rico Takes Center Stage for Miss Universe 2026
Puerto Rico is preparing to welcome the world as the host of the 75th Miss Universe competition.
The island's selection as host provides an opportunity to showcase its vibrant culture, tourism attractions, entertainment industry, and longstanding connection to international pageantry.
The José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, commonly known as the Choliseo, will serve as the venue for the competition's three major presentation nights.
For Puerto Rico's representative, Jennifer Barreto, competing on home soil adds another dimension to the experience.
She will have the opportunity to represent her island before an enthusiastic home audience while seeking to extend Puerto Rico's impressive Miss Universe legacy.
Puerto Rico has produced five Miss Universe winners, making it one of the most successful territories in the competition's history.
Its titleholders include Marisol Malaret (1970), Deborah Carthy-Deu (1985), Dayanara Torres (1993), Denise Quiñones (2001), and Zuleyka Rivera (2006).
Former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres is also expected to participate in this year's presentation, bringing another celebrated Puerto Rican connection to the international event.
Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Haiti Among the Caribbean Contenders
Several Caribbean nations enter the competition with established pageant traditions and passionate supporters.
Jamaica: Celene Hall
Jamaica will be represented by Celene Hall, who carries the hopes of a nation with a strong history of international pageant success.
Although Jamaica has yet to capture the Miss Universe crown, Jamaican contestants have achieved notable placements over the years.
Hall will seek to build on that legacy while representing Jamaica's beauty, confidence, and cultural identity.
Trinidad and Tobago: Vinita Manoo
Trinidad and Tobago's representative, Vinita Manoo, follows in the footsteps of two historic Miss Universe winners.
In 1977, Janelle Commissiong became the first Black woman to win Miss Universe, creating a landmark moment in international pageantry.
Wendy Fitzwilliam brought the crown back to Trinidad and Tobago in 1998.
Their achievements remain significant milestones in Caribbean pageant history and continue to inspire contestants throughout the region.
Haiti: Tatenda Rameau
Representing Haiti, Tatenda Rameau joins the international competition as another ambassador for Caribbean beauty and cultural identity.
Haiti has produced memorable Miss Universe contestants, including Raquel Pélissier, who finished as first runner-up at Miss Universe 2016.
Rameau's participation offers another opportunity to celebrate Haiti's heritage, creativity, and resilience before a global audience.
Dominican Republic: Melissa Núñez
The Dominican Republic will be represented by Melissa Núñez.
The country has a distinguished Miss Universe history, highlighted by Amelia Vega's historic victory in 2003.
Vega became the first Dominican woman to win the international crown, establishing an enduring legacy for future representatives.
Núñez will seek to continue that tradition as she competes alongside contestants from around the world.
Smaller Caribbean Territories Bring Their Own Spotlight
One of the most exciting aspects of Miss Universe is the opportunity it provides for smaller countries and territories to gain international visibility.
This year's Caribbean lineup includes representatives from Bonaire, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Lucia, Saint Martin, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
For these territories, participation extends beyond the competition itself.
National costume presentations, interviews, and international media coverage provide opportunities to introduce audiences to their cultural traditions, tourism attractions, and creative industries.
The participation of representatives from the Dutch and French Caribbean also highlights the diversity of the wider Caribbean community.
Each delegate brings a distinct national identity to a competition that celebrates women from different backgrounds, languages, and cultures.
Guyana, Belize, and Suriname Represent the Mainland Caribbean
While much of the international spotlight focuses on the Caribbean islands, mainland Caribbean nations will also be represented.
Guyana's Angel Bhathal, Belize's Caleigh-Rose West, and Suriname's Maruschka Sahiboe are among the delegates preparing for the competition.
Their inclusion reflects the broader cultural and geographic identity of the Caribbean, which extends beyond the islands of the Caribbean Sea.
These nations maintain strong historical, cultural, and regional connections with the Caribbean community.
Their participation reinforces the importance of recognizing the Caribbean as a diverse region united by shared experiences while celebrating distinct national identities.
National Costumes Will Celebrate Caribbean Heritage
One of the most anticipated segments of Miss Universe is the National Costume Competition, scheduled for November 21.
For Caribbean delegates, this event offers an opportunity to transform cultural heritage into elaborate fashion statements.
Caribbean national costumes have traditionally drawn inspiration from Carnival celebrations, folklore, indigenous history, national symbols, traditional clothing, and the natural environment.
Designers often incorporate intricate beadwork, feathers, embroidery, sculptural elements, and vibrant colors to create memorable presentations.
The segment also provides international exposure for Caribbean fashion designers, costume creators, makeup artists, hairstylists, and other creative professionals.
With the competition taking place in Puerto Rico, regional audiences will be watching closely to see how each Caribbean representative interprets her country's identity through fashion.
Miss Universe 2026: Important Dates and Events
The Miss Universe Organization has announced a series of activities leading up to the November 24 coronation.
Date | Event |
November 8 | Official delegate gathering begins |
November 11 | Welcome parade in Aguadilla |
November 12 | Miss Universe Experience appearance by reigning titleholder |
November 18 | Meet and Greet at Vivo Beach Club |
November 21 | National Costume Competition |
November 22 | Preliminary Competition |
November 24 | Grand Finale and Coronation |
The National Costume Competition, Preliminary Competition, and Grand Finale will take place at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan.
The reigning Miss Universe, Fátima Bosch of Mexico, is expected to crown her successor during the final event.
The Miss Universe Organization has announced plans for 121 representatives, although the final number of participants may change before coronation night.
Fans Can Support Their Favorite Caribbean Delegate
As excitement builds ahead of the competition, pageant supporters have an opportunity to participate through the official Miss Universe voting platform.
According to the organization, the contestant receiving the highest number of public votes will earn a place among the Top 30 semifinalists.
This provides Caribbean fans and diaspora communities with an opportunity to rally behind their national representatives.
For countries with passionate pageant followings, public voting adds another dimension to the competition.
Supporters can visit the official Miss Universe website for voting information and competition updates.
Could the Miss Universe Crown Return to the Caribbean?
The Caribbean has produced some of the most memorable women in Miss Universe history.
From Janelle Commissiong's groundbreaking victory in 1977 to Wendy Fitzwilliam's triumph in 1998 and Amelia Vega's historic win in 2003, Caribbean contestants have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest international level.
Puerto Rico's five Miss Universe victories further reinforce the region's longstanding connection to the competition.
This year's representatives now have an opportunity to create their own history.
Whether the crown goes to a traditional pageant powerhouse or a smaller territory seeking its first international victory, Miss Universe 2026 promises to provide a global platform for Caribbean talent, confidence, and cultural pride.
With the competition taking place in the heart of the Caribbean, the region will have a particularly strong presence throughout the celebrations.
As November 24 approaches, Caribbean supporters will be watching the national costumes, preliminary presentations, and final competition with anticipation.
Will Miss Universe 2026 deliver another crown for the Caribbean?
One thing is certain: the region's delegates are preparing to make their presence felt on the international stage.
Which Caribbean delegate are you rooting for? Share your favorite and tell us who you think deserves the Miss Universe 2026 crown.
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