The Caribbean twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is marking a new milestone in regional pageant history, after Milove Fontaine — a Dominica-born competitor representing her adopted home — took home the coveted title of Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen 2026. The annual competition wrapped up over the weekend in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, capping off several days of fierce, celebratory competition among plus-size contestants from across the region.
Fontaine, who grew up in Fond Cole, Dominica, and now permanently resides in Antigua and Barbuda, secured her victory Sunday night inside the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College. Her performance stood out head and shoulders above the rest of the field, with the competitor sweeping nearly every major judged category at the event. Beyond the overall national title, Fontaine went home with four additional specialty honors: Top Model 2026, Best Evening Wear, Best On-Stage Interview, and Best Ambassadorial Presentation. She also claimed the People’s Choice Award, a fan-voted distinction that reflects her broad popularity among audiences following the competition.
In an exclusive interview with Antigua.News immediately after her win, Fontaine opened up about the overwhelming flood of emotion she experienced when the final results were announced. “I was so elated when I heard the segments that I was winning. Something about that just had me very speechless. I was just standing there, and when it was time to crown the queen, in my head I’m like, ‘Yeah, Milove, you won.’ But when it was said, I had an overwhelming feeling. I wanted to scream, I wanted to cry, I wanted to smile, I wanted to laugh. I just stood there, smiling, just embracing the moment. It was a wonderful feeling,” she shared.
Fontaine extended sincere gratitude to the residents of Antigua and Barbuda, whose widespread public voting was the key to her securing the People’s Choice Award. This year’s regional competition drew a small but talented field of contestants representing three jurisdictions: Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgin Islands, and the United States Virgin Islands. Fontaine competed against two other finalists: host nation representative Krystle Maduro, and Jah’Millia Maloney of the U.S. Virgin Islands, who took home honors for Resort Wear and Tourism Reel.
This latest crown adds to an already impressive pageant resume for Fontaine, who previously claimed the title of Miss Charisma 2020 early in her competition career. Her 2026 win marks one of the highest-profile achievements in the Caribbean’s growing circuit of plus-size pageantry, which is dedicated to expanding standards of beauty and celebrating body diversity. Judges highlighted Fontaine’s consistent poise, sharp eloquence, and natural ability as a cultural ambassador throughout the event, noting that her performance perfectly aligned with the pageant’s core mission of uplifting confidence, celebrating inclusive beauty, and empowering women of all sizes.
While Fontaine remains proud of her Dominican heritage, her win brings valuable regional recognition to Antigua and Barbuda, the country she chose to represent in the competition. Beyond the trophy, her journey is already inspiring audiences across the Caribbean, showcasing what targeted dedication and authentic self-confidence can achieve.