Zaine Frederick – By Azara Lavia
Zaine Frederick Reflects Historic
Antigua and Barbuda’s Zaine Frederick said perseverance, hard work, resilience and faith were central to her journey to becoming the 2026 Bank of Nevis Miss Caribbean Culture Queen.
Frederick captured the regional crown during the pageant held on Monday, August 3rd, 2026, at the NEDACS Cultural Complex in Nevis, as part of the island’s Culturama 52 celebrations.
She amassed 1,425 points and also won the awards for Best Talent and Best Evening Gown. Her victory made her the first representative from Antigua and Barbuda to capture the title in the pageant’s 20-year history.
Tresjeur Dedier of St Kitts finished as first runner-up with 1,409 points, while Guyana’s Miriam Alexander placed second runner-up with 1,396 points.
Speaking with Observer Media following her victory, Frederick said the accomplishment still feels unreal and represents the work and determination she invested in the competition.
“It honestly still feels surreal. Winning the Miss Caribbean Culture Queen title is an incredible honour and a proud moment for me. It represents my perseverance, hard work, resilience and most importantly my faith. I have not always been a ‘pageant girly’, as I’m normally involved in sports. However, my achievements remind me that I can do anything I set my mind to. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to bring the crown home to Antigua and Barbuda,” she said.
Frederick entered the regional competition shortly after capturing the Antigua’s 2026 Queen of Carnival title, leaving her with little time to recover before preparing for another major pageant.
She said preparing for the competition required discipline and tested her in several ways.
“Preparations demanded a lot physically, mentally and emotionally. It required discipline, long hours of preparation and the ability to stay focused even through challenges. It wasn’t always easy especially having to program my mind to hold on a little longer after capturing the crown in this year’s Queen of Carnival Pageant. However, every sacrifice made the victory that much more meaningful,” Frederick said.
The Miss Caribbean Culture Queen Pageant brings together contestants from across the region to compete in several segments, including talent, evening wear and interviews, while showcasing Caribbean culture and heritage.
Her victory has also added Antigua and Barbuda’s name to the pageant’s list of titleholders for the first time.
Frederick said representing the country on the regional stage is a serious responsibility and she hopes to use her title and platform to encourage young people, particularly young women, to pursue their ambitions.
“Representing Antigua and Barbuda on the regional stage is a privilege that I don’t take lightly. I hope to use this title to inspire young people, especially young women, to believe in themselves, pursue their goals with confidence and never allow their circumstances to limit their potential,” she said.
Although Frederick said she has traditionally been more involved in sports than pageantry, her recent achievements have shown her ability to excel in different areas.
Her latest victory follows her 2026 Queen of Carnival success and marks another major achievement for Antigua and Barbuda on the regional pageant stage.
Frederick now begins her reign as the 2026 Bank of Nevis Miss Caribbean Culture Queen.
