Fresh from making history on the regional pageant stage, Zaine Frederick received a warm welcome home on Tuesday morning after being crowned Miss Caribbean Culture Queen 2026 in Nevis.

Minister of Sports and the Creative Industries Dwayne George was at V.C. Bird International Airport to greet the newly crowned queen, whose victory marked a first for Antigua and Barbuda in the competition’s 20-year history.

Frederick captured the regional title on Monday night after delivering an outstanding performance throughout the pageant, finishing with 1,425 points. In addition to securing the crown, she also won the Best Talent and Best Evening Gown awards.

Her triumph came less than two weeks after she was crowned Queen of Carnival 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda, where she also earned accolades for Best Performing Talent, Best Interview and True to Theme.

Frederick’s victory has been widely celebrated across Antigua and Barbuda, with government officials, community leaders and members of the public offering congratulations following her historic win.

Her latest achievement adds another chapter to what has already been an extraordinary Carnival season, cementing her place in the country’s pageant history