Miss Anguilla 2026 Akéma Carty won the Miss Caribbean Beauty and Intelligence 2026 crown at this year’s regional pageant held in Guyana.
She competed against six other contestants at the second annual contest, held at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown on 22 August under the theme ‘Islands of grace: Beauty beyond borders’.
Guyana’s Rickyta Ambrose was named first runner-up, Antigua and Barbuda’s Abigail Piper secured second runner-up and reigning queen Tia Browne from Barbados won third runner-up.
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Also competing were Jozel Cooper of St Lucia, Keisy Quant from St Maarten, and Trinidad and Tobago representative Gabrielle Simon.
As well as winning the crown, Carty also received the Best in Swimwear, Best Smile and Miss Promotional Video awards.
Pageant organisers congratulated Carty in a Facebook post, writing: “Dear Akèma, you came, you worked, you delivered and you conquered. Congratulations, may this reign be purposeful and impactful.”
On her return to Anguilla on Sunday, 23 August, Carty received a celebratory welcome home at the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal.
Family, friends, supporters and members of the Miss Anguilla Committee and the Anguilla Festivals Development Commission gathered to mark her achievement.
“The atmosphere was filled with excitement and national pride as the community came together to celebrate one of Anguilla’s own,” the Anguilla Summer Festival team said in a press release.
Carty was escorted to the VIP lounge for a special reception held in her honour featuring congratulatory speeches.
Amber Woodley, CEO of the Anguilla Festivals Development Commission and Chairperson of the Miss Anguilla Committee, recognised the pride she has brought to Anguilla on the regional stage.
Parliamentary secretary Cordell Richardson also offered remarks on behalf of the government and members of the public.
He commended Carty for her dedication, confidence and outstanding representation, emphasising that Anguilla shares in the pride of her accomplishment.
“Akéma’s achievement represents not only a personal milestone, but another proud moment for Anguilla, showcasing the talent, intelligence, confidence, beauty and determination of its young women on the regional stage,” the press release said.
The pageant is available to view here. Watch the welcome home reception, courtesy of the Anguilla Summer Festival team, below:
