Miss Asha A.S. Hydnman, a contestant in the 2026 Miss BVI Pageant, has expressed disappointment in the low turnout for this year’s pageant. Photo: Facebook

Contestant #1 in the 2026 Miss BVI Pageant, Angelique Lettsome, reminded the public that they are human beings too. Photo: Facebook

Miss Kala Penn, a contestant in this year’s Miss BVI Pageant, said she hopes their journey and courage inspire others to do it scared. Photo: Facebook

Speaking on Crown and Conversations on June 4, 2026, she said, “It would mean the world to me to be crowned the next Miss British Virgin Islands, and I’m quite saddened that many more young women in our territory didn’t come out and take the leap of faith.”

Despite the lucrative prizes up for grabs for the new Miss BVI, there will only be three contestants for the August 2, 2026, show. The pageant was cancelled last year after only two applications were received. 

Ms Hyndman, a fromer Miss Teen BVI and Miss University of the Virgin Islands, said participating in the pageant brings the opportunity of a scholarship, transportation, and ambassadorialship. “It is something coming from a small territory; you should be running towards these things.”

The First Runner Up at the 42nd edition of the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant held here in the Virgin Islands in December 2024, Ms Hyndman, encouraged other young women to run to these types of opportunities when they present themselves.

“These are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and you have what it takes: you have the beauty, the intellect, the courage, and you will be supported by your community despite any negativity. We are here for you, and I wish more young women did come out so that I would be sitting here with 20 beautiful women, fighting for the opportunity of a lifetime.”

'Remember, we are human beings'- Angelique Lettsome

Meanwhile, Contestant #1 in this year’s pageant, Angelique Lettsome, added, “To Asha’s point, it would have been amazing to see ten different young women sitting here with us today, but I understand that fear can hold you back.”

Despite the fear, she urged, “You have to learn how to push yourself and learn how to take what it is life offers you and make it benefit you.”

Ms Lettsome said the three of them have been working hard, adding, “When it comes to ambassadorship and representation, any one of us would be more than capable of doing so. Whoever is out there is listening, I just hope that you continue to support us, you continue to be kind and remember that we are human beings. We do have feelings.”

The three of them, she said, care about this journey to Miss BVI 2026 and being good representatives. “We are doing our best.”

'Do it scared'- Kala Penn

Miss Kala Penn, the other contestant in this year’s pageant, added that she hopes their journey and courage inspire others to “do it scared”. 

“Do that thing that you don’t think that you can do, and along the way, you discover who you are.”