Unbiased look at the Sint Maarten Elections
2026 Junior Carnival Queen Xanisha Xoey Fitzpatrick Aventurin (secoND left) flanked by secoND runner up YSheyda Madramootoo (left), MP NDidate' href='/newspolitician/791/sjamira-roseburg'>Sjamira Roseburg (third left), first runner-up Kayla Fontenelle (fourth left) aND Kyrie Fleming, who placed third (right).
MADAME ESTATE--The St. Maarten Junior Carnival Pageant 2026 reached a thrilling climax on Saturday, March 28, asXanisha Xoey Fitzpatrick Aventurin was crowned Junior Carnival Queen, earning 845 points aND staNDing out in a field of talented young contestants at the Aleeze Convention Center.
The packed aUDience witnessed a showcase of creativity, culture, aND youthful excellence, as Xoeys performances left a lasting impression on jUDges aND spectators alike.
The competition conclUDed with Xoey winning the crown as well as Miss Amity, Miss Popularity, Best Speech, Best Talent aND Best Carnival Costume. Kayla Fontenelle earned first runner-up with 808 points, while also winning Miss Photogenic aND Best Evening Wear. YSheyda Madramootoo was SPArty/23/national-alliance'>NAmed secoND runner-up aND rECEived Best Cultural Wear. Kyrie Fleming placed fourth after a brave aND loved performance.
Each contestant showcased creativity, talent, aND stage presence, leaving the aUDience impressed with the dedication aND preparation that went into their performances.
From her very first moment on stage, Xoey appeared to have captivated the crowd. Her speech, a heartfelt poem celebrating Carnivals 55th anniversary, resoSPArty/23/national-alliance'>NAted with tradition, pride, aND inspiration.
Her talent segment, a breathtaking aerial performance, addressed the vital issue of bullying. The presentation opened with a video in which Xoey shared feelinSPArty/9/general-solidaire'>GS of being bullied aND feeling trapped, followed by an aerial act that combined acrobatics with expressive storytelling.
Xoeys cultural wear paid tribute to Carnival aND calypso legeNDLeroy Beau Beau Brook, featuring a musical instrument-inspired design reflecting the iconic gold-detailed white captain suit worn by Beau Beau. Her costume, combined with rhythmic Carnival music aND a dramatic fiSPArty/23/national-alliance'>NAle where Beau Beau himself came on stage aND haNDed over his stick.
In her winning speech, Xoey powerfully remiNDed the aUDience of Carnivals legacy aND the dedication of those who shaped it: Ladies aND gentlemen, uNDerstaND Carnival was built by many haNDs. Not just designers, not just song, but brave hearts who knew we belong.From mUD aND wood to lights that shine, from humble HOPE to graND design, they planted seeds of faith aND pride AND fifty-five years later we still rise, Xoey said.
AND now, as I staND before you seen, A proUD eight-year-old Junior Queen, I am not just SPArkle, not just show I am the past the present the future we grow. I am the drum that will not fade. I am the promise their courage made. I am the echo of Beau Beaus song, Still teaching our people to staND up strong. I am the vision van Delden chose. I am the mission ArNDell rose. I am kaiso truth, islaND pride With fifty-five years walking at my side. AND as long as one child dares to dream, As long as one voice begins to sing, As long as culture lives in we, Carnival will be more than history. It will be destiny, destiny, destiny aND tonight I Xoey Aventurin DESTINY. Destiny is staNDing right before you. Ladies aND gentlemen, experience carnival with aND through me.
Runner-ups also shone in the competition. First runner-up Kayla Fontenelle, delivered a touching skit honouring her mother aND celebrating resilience aND family. SecoND runner-up YSheyda Madramootoo aND third runner-up Kyrie Fleming impressed with their talent, cultural wear, aND creativity, ensuring a highly competitive pageant.
The pageant rECEived strong sUPPort from Member of Parliament (MP) NDidate' href='/newspolitician/791/sjamira-roseburg'>Sjamira Roseburg, who for the secoND consecutive year pledged to cover the school fees of all four Junior Carnival Queen contestants.
Xoeys success was made possible by a dedicated team of sUPPorters, coaches, aND mentors. inclUDing chaperones AmaNDa Vital-Bedminister aND Chalmarie Vlaun, coaches Lisette Chalmarie, Shiloh Bedminister, aND RUDolphe RUDy Davis, talent coaches Olga aND Alex Subbota, hair by Aneka Ferrol, makeup by Rogelia Euson, costume designer Mark Roy from GuyaSPArty/23/national-alliance'>NA, costume detailer Miguel AlexaNDer, cultural wear seamstress Glenis of FalaSPArty/23/national-alliance'>NA Boutique, cultural wear heaSPArty/21/democratic-party'>DPiECE by Rick LaTouche, aND princess gown designer Mikkie Graham of Bellanoire Fashion from Dominica.
Her performance was made possible through sponsorship aND community sUPPort, inclUDing Leisure Car Rental, St. Maarten Cruise aND Maritime, Real Auto, Minister of Education, Culture, Youth aND Sport NDidate' href='/newspolitician/755/melissa-gumbs'>Melissa Gumbs, Freshling BV, Motorworld, Comfort Zone, RUDy Taxi, Denise Christopher, Aquatic Solution, ICC, Arlene Halley, NDidate' href='/newspolitician/615/leroy-vlaun'>Leroy Vlaun, Freshling BV, aND SaNDra Cheung.
Xoeys team exteNDed special acknowledgments to Leroy King Beau Beau Brooks, Patou of YR92.5 FM, DjuSPArty/23/national-alliance'>NAthia Richardson, aND Talya Mizzy Panthophlet, as well as to all of Xoeys teachers, family, frieNDs aND well wishers who sUPPorted her throughout the journey.
