Nine delegates vying for the coveted title of 2026 National Carnival Queen have officially been sashed, marking the start of their journey to the crown. The Sashing Ceremony, held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at The Landings Resort, served as a significant milestone in the lead-up to the highly anticipated pageant. The annual event, streamed live to the public, offered viewers an exclusive first look at the contestants as they were formally introduced. Each delegate was ceremoniously sashed by her sponsor, symbolizing the beginning of a unique partnership rooted in corporate support and cultural representation.

More than just a formality, the ceremony underscores the role of each contestant as an ambassador championing not only her sponsor, but also the vibrancy and culture of Saint Lucian culture.

The 2026 delegates and their respective sponsors are as follows:

• Contestant no. 1 – Miss Bank of Saint Lucia – Nayley Lewis
• Contestant no. 2 – Miss Diamond Girl – Simone Sonson
• Contestant no. 3 – Miss 1st National Bank – Sydney James
• Contestant no. 4 – Miss Duty Free Pointe Seraphine – Eudoxia Poleon
• Contestant no. 5 – Miss Republic Onboard – Shernette Rameau
• Contestant no. 6 – Miss Export Saint Lucia – Darlene Francis
• Contestant no. 7 – Miss Saint Lucia Tourism Authority – Faith Edward
• Contestant no. 8 – Miss WMB Event & Rentals- Adel Montoute
• Contestant no. 9 – Miss Caribbean Galaxy Real Estate – Derelle Dubois

In her address, Chairperson of the Carnival Planning & Management Committee, Mrs. Tamara Gibson, unveiled a new direction for The National Carnival Queen Pageant. “We have introduced two key programmes: the Queens for Change Initiative and the Queen Leadership Academy. The Queens for Change Initiative encourages each delegate, alongside her sponsor, to adopt a charitable cause or lead an initiative that supports underserved communities, promotes youth development, or advances environmental sustainability.” The second initiative is the Queen Leadership Academy, which provides “structured training in leadership, media communication, public speaking, and advocacy.” Following the sashing, the delegates will now become ambassadors for their brands. Sponsors look forward to engage their delegates arrange various sessions to give delegates an insight into their business, including tours of their facilities.

The sashing ceremony is available for viewing on the YouTube page of Carnival Saint Lucia.  Follow @saintluciacarnivalqueenpageant on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more updates on the pageant and @carnivalsaintlucia for Lucian Carnival updates. The National Carnival Queen Pageant is set to take place on Saturday, July 4, 2026, at the Pavilion on Rodney Bay.