Antigua’s Zaine Fredrick named first runner-up at international swimsuit pageant

Antigua and Barbuda: Zaine Fredrick has finished first runner-up at the 2026 Miss Essence and Mind International Swimsuit Pageant, held in St Maarten on October 3.

Fredrick, 22, represented Antigua and Barbuda as contestant No. 7 at the regional competition, which brought together delegates from across the Caribbean.

Initially she was crowned with Antigua and Barbuda’s Queen of Carnival. The results were released by the Essence and Mind organization . Frederick won the interview round as well as the Identical swimwear segment.

2025 also witnessed similar results where the then Queen of Carnival Kia Kirwan also became the first runner-up in Miss Essence and Mind International, narrowly missing behind St. Kitts and Nevis’ Kadijah Mulley. Kadijah also won the Best Creative Swimwear award that year.

Frederick’s strong performance shows Antigua and Barbuda’s strong presence in such competitions. Antigua Barbuda Queen of Carnival’s official facebook page stated that Zaine was absolutely fantastic. From start to finish she beautifully and gracefully represented Antigua and Barbuda. Whole Antigua and Barbuda is proud of her.

The Miss Essence and Mind International Swimsuit Pageant is an annual regional and international beauty competition held in St. Maarten and organised by the Essence and Mind Foundation. The event blends traditional pageantry with culture, body positivity and women empowerment. It is open for all women aged above 18 years, be it single, married women as well as mothers. The aim is to instill confidence, growth and leadership among women. Meanwhile, Kya Bovell represented Guyana at the pageant.

The contest helps women to become their best selves. Zaine Fredrick of Antigua and Barbuda scored 1298 points. The second runner-up is Liberty Woodley representing St. Kitts and Nevis with 1290 points.