The highly anticipated 2026 Labour Queen Pageant has concluded its annual competition, crowning a new champion and honoring a cohort of standout contestants across a range of competitive and special categories. Held to celebrate talent, leadership, and community connection among participants from regional constituencies, the pageant saw competitors from across the country vying for the prestigious title and substantial cash prizes.
Ultimately, Queenela Williams representing St. Mary’s South emerged as the overall 2026 Labour Queen, capping off a dominant performance that earned her recognition across multiple competition segments. Following Williams in the final rankings were Tonya Phillips of St. John’s Rural South, who secured the 1st Runner-Up position, Maydoria Smith of St. John’s Rural West, who took 2nd Runner-Up, and Aliyah Andrew of St. John’s Rural East, who claimed 3rd Runner-Up.
Beyond the overall final placements, the pageant distributed a series of special awards to recognize contestants’ unique strengths and contributions across different areas of competition. Williams continued her winning streak by taking home three additional honors: the Outstanding Progress award, Best Speech, and Most True to Theme, cementing her status as one of the most versatile competitors in this year’s event.
Maydoria Smith, 2nd Runner-Up, also notched multiple wins in competitive categories, earning both Best Swimwear and Best Evening Wear for her standout showings in those segments. Jonelle Encarnacion, representing All Saints East & St. Luke, picked up two awards: the prestigious Leadership Award and Best Performing Talent, for her strong public presence and dynamic artistic performance.
Other special award recipients included Jessica Tracy of St. John’s Rural North, who was named Miss Congeniality for her warm rapport with fellow contestants; Julissa Cato of St. John’s City West, who earned the Miss Photogenic title for her striking on-camera presence; Treveisha Adams of St. John’s Rural West, who received the Sisterhood Award for her commitment to lifting up her fellow competitors; and Mia Griffith, also of St. John’s City West, who took home the Best Interview award for her thoughtful, sharp responses to judges’ questions.
In line with the pageant’s longstanding tradition of rewarding participants for their hard work and dedication, substantial cash prizes were awarded to the top four finalists. The overall winner, Queenela Williams, received a grand prize of $25,000, while 1st Runner-Up Tonya Phillips took home $15,000, 2nd Runner-Up Maydoria Smith earned $10,000, and 3rd Runner-Up Aliyah Andrew received $8,000.