On Saturday, 17 October, London’s Shaw Theatre crowned Orinthia Lloyd of Montserrat Miss Caribbean UK 2026. Tajah Kelly of Barbados was named first runner-up, while Trina Marei of St Vincent and the Grenadines secured second runner-up.
Hosted by the charismatic Samara Telesford, Miss Caribbean UK 2022 and St. Vincent and the Grenadines winner, the annual pageant showcased the talent, confidence, and cultural pride of young women from across the Caribbean community. The evening also featured performances from the gifted Sashai Catlyn and the vibrant sister duo Malissa and Marissa. When comedian Jaree missed his cue, Samara kept the audience amused until he arrived.
Diplomatic guests included Barbados High Commissioner His Excellency Edmund Hinkson and His Excellency J. M. Brereton Horne, High Commissioner for Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, who delivered the opening address.
Lloyd appeared victorious from a field of seven outstanding finalists, succeeding Grenada’s Zhané Fritz, the 2025 titleholder. She shared Montserrat’s representation with fellow finalist Bykisa Weekes, while contestants from Barbados, Ta-jah Kelly, Dominica, Elyse Shaw, Jamaica, Jay Murdock and St Vincent and the Grenadines, Senai Thompson, reflected their heritage on stage.
More than a pageant, Miss Caribbean UK celebrates identity, leadership, empowerment, and community. Over the past twelve years, the event has evolved alongside the communities it serves. Contestant numbers have varied from year to year, from eight young women at the inaugural event in 2014 to larger fields in later years. Yet its commitment has remained constant: celebrating Caribbean identity, creating opportunities for personal growth, and giving young women a platform to represent their heritage with pride.
Through public speaking, cultural presentations and personal achievement, contestants are encouraged to embrace their heritage, inspire others, and serve as ambassadors for positive change.
Founded in 2014 by Clayton and Jacqui Brown, Miss Caribbean UK has grown into one of Britain’s most respected Caribbean cultural showcases. Established to celebrate the achievements of the Caribbean diaspora and promote a positive image of the region, the pageant gives young women an important platform to demonstrate their talent, intelligence, ambition, and commitment to their communities. That mission has continued to guide its growth.
Its organisation’s educational and cultural mission is further strengthened by criminal defence Barrister and showbiz personality patron Dr Shaun Wallace, whose longstanding involvement has helped raise the event’s profile. Since its inaugural finale at The Tabernacle in Notting Hill in 2014, Miss Caribbean UK has become a cherished fixture on the Caribbean community calendar, drawing supporters from across the United Kingdom.
The evening also celebrated excellence across a range of categories, with special awards including People’s Choice, Charity, Carnival costumes and Best Evening Dress recognising standout performances and achievements.
As the evening drew to a close and the new queen was crowned, the audience responded enthusiastically. Miss Caribbean UK 2026, Orinthia Lloyd, now begins a new chapter as an ambassador. Over the coming year, she will represent the community at cultural, charitable, and public engagements, carrying forward a message of unity and excellence wherever she goes.
