A new chapter of cultural representation and personal ambition has begun for Emone Chloe Skai Hodge, as the young delegate from Antigua and Barbuda has officially touched down on the island of St. Maarten to compete in one of the Caribbean’s most anticipated regional beauty pageants. The arrival marks the starting line of a weeks-long journey that will see Hodge go head-to-head with talented contestants from dozens of neighboring Caribbean nations, all vying for the prestigious regional title and the opportunities that come with it.
Local pageant organizers greeted Hodge upon her arrival at Princess Juliana International Airport, where she expressed her excitement to connect with competitors from across the region, share the unique cultural heritage of her home country, and embrace the full experience of the competition. In a brief statement to press after clearing customs, Hodge noted that she has spent months preparing for this moment, working on public speaking skills, cultural presentations, fitness, and community outreach projects that align with the pageant’s core values of leadership and service.
The regional pageant, a long-standing annual event in the Caribbean, is far more than a traditional beauty competition. It serves as a platform for young women across the region to amplify social causes, build cross-island professional networks, and advance personal and professional goals. Many past titleholders have gone on to launch careers in public service, non-profit leadership, education, and the entertainment industry, using the platform they gained through the pageant to create meaningful change in their home communities.
As the countdown to the final competition begins, supporters back in Antigua and Barbuda have already rallied around Hodge, sharing messages of encouragement across local social media pages and community groups. The entire nation is now waiting to watch her represent their country on the regional stage, with many confident that she will make a lasting impression throughout the competition.