BASSETERRE, St Kitts – THE St Kitts-Nevis National Carnival Committee has reaffirmed its commitment to the delegates of the National Carnival Queen Pageant, increasing the prize package for the winner of the 2026-2027 title.
The announcement came Wednesday evening (Sept.30), during a ceremony to introduce this year’s delegates and crow.
Carnival Chairperson Shannon Hawley revealed that the winner will receive $20,000 in cash, along with a plot of land.
“A crown may be worn for a year, but an investment in a young woman's future can change the trajectory of her life.”
Hawley said after 55 years, the Queen Pageant is entering a new era, with a new home and a renewed vision.
She said the changes form part of the NCC’s efforts to enhance the overall experience for the delegates competing in the pageant.
“We want to elevate the entire Queen Pageant experience from the moment our ambassadors begin their journey to the moment that one of the extraordinary young women is crowned. And when we say a new era, we mean it. And this year, the crown itself will carry a completely new name.”
For only the second time in the pageant’s history, the event will return to the Royal St. Kitts Event Dome. The move is expected to provide patrons with an enhanced experience as the pageant is staged under the theme, “Diamonds and Elegance: Come Dressed to Sparkle.”
Hawley said the decision to change the name of the crown and return the event to the Dome is intentional.
“That name represents more than a change in title. It represents our commitment to building a pageant that reflects excellence, sophistication, national pride, and the extraordinary women who step forward every year to represent St. Kitts and Nevis. Carnival is teamwork.”
The Carnival Chairperson also acknowledged the work of the committee members and volunteers who operate behind the scenes to ensure the successful staging of the event.
