One of the most anticipated cultural crowns in Antigua and Barbuda’s annual carnival calendar has been awarded to a recent graduate of The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus, drawing celebration from both university officials and the wider national community. Zaine Frederick, who graduated from the institution in 2025 and competed under the sponsorship of local retailer Furniture Gallery, took home the top title during the official Queen of Carnival pageant held on Tuesday evening at the iconic Antigua Recreation Grounds.
This year’s competition was organized around the dynamic theme “Rhythm of a Queen: The Beat of Her Journey”, which framed contestants’ performances around their personal growth and connection to Antiguan and Barbudan carnival culture. Beyond securing the overall crown, Frederick dominated multiple award categories throughout the night, walking away with honors for Best Performing Talent, Best Interview, and True to Theme, a recognition of how closely her presentation aligned with the pageant’s core theme.
Both The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus and the UWI Alumni Association have issued public statements celebrating Frederick’s historic win, framing the achievement as a point of collective pride for the entire university community and the nation as a whole. “This is a shining moment not just for her, but for our entire UWI family and the wider Antigua and Barbuda community,” the joint statement noted. In a separate post highlighting the graduate’s success, the university added, “We are so proud to call you one of our own, Zaine. Congratulations on wearing the crown with pride.”
The pageant also recognized a roster of other talented contestants across additional award categories. Christine Powell, competing on behalf of ACB Caribbean, claimed first runner-up and took home two additional honors: Best Costume and Best Swimwear. Second runner-up went to Aaliyah Taylor of Cool & Smooth, who also won the award for Best Evening Wear. Rounding out the special awards, Queenella Williams, representing the Antigua and Barbuda Port Authority, was named Miss Photogenic, while Denesha Samuel, the contestant sponsored by LIAT Air, earned both the Miss Congeniality and People’s Choice awards, the latter reflecting public support for her candidacy.