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Miss OECS pageant experience was 'truly amazing'- Miss BVI Donyelle D. Hodge

-said she's pleased to be a VI ambassador despite not winning any awards
Despite not winning any awards at the 2026 Miss OECS Pageant, 25-year-old Miss British Virgin Islands, Donyelle D. Hodge, expressed that it is always a pleasure to serve as an ambassador for her country. Photo: VINO
Miss British Virgin Islands Donyelle D. Hodge in her Creative National Wear. Photo: VINO
Miss British Virgin Islands Donyelle D. Hodge in her Creative National Wear. Photo: VINO
Miss British Virgin Islands, Donyelle D. Hodge in the performing talent round. Photo: VINO
Miss British Virgin Islands, Donyelle D. Hodge in the performing talent round. Photo: VINO
Miss BVI Donyelle D. Hodge in Swimwear. Photo: VINO
Miss BVI Donyelle D. Hodge in Swimwear. Photo: VINO
ROSEAU, Dominica - Despite not winning any awards at the 2026 Miss OECS Pageant, 25-year-old Miss British Virgin Islands, Donyelle D. Hodge, expressed that it is always a pleasure to serve as an ambassador for her country.

Hodge was one of five contestants who participated in this year's pageant, which took place on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Windsor Park Stadium in Roseau, Dominica.

Speaking with Virgin Islands News Online following the event, she described her experience as "truly amazing”.

"Overall, I really enjoyed the show and my time in Dominica; the people here are very hospitable. I loved being part of the event. It's always fulfilling to showcase my creativity on stage and leave the audience with a piece of myself," she said.

Other contestants

The other contestants included: Ariel Bushay from Anguilla, Kia Kirwan from Antigua and Barbuda, Tanisha Balson from Dominica, and Dahvana Providence from St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Hodge said that this was her first regional pageant, and when asked if she would consider participating in future regional events, she replied, "Let's see what the future holds."

Results

The title was won by Miss Dominica, Tanisha Balson, who also received awards for Best in Creative National Wear, Best Performing Talent, and Best Evening Wear.

Other awards went to the 1st Runner-Up, Kia Kirwan from Antigua, who won titles for Miss Amity, Best in Swimwear, and Best Evening Wear, as well as the 2nd Runner-Up, Ariel Bushay from Anguilla, who captured awards for Best Promotional Video, Best Swimwear, and Best Response to Question.

21 Responses to “Miss OECS pageant experience was 'truly amazing'- Miss BVI Donyelle D. Hodge”

  • As usual (31/01/2026, 07:27) Like (25) Dislike (5) Reply
    Giving people things who did not earn it is never a good thing. But this is the BVI
    • brad boynes. (04/02/2026, 02:07) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      @As usual... That's a thing in the VI..from the undemocratically selected governor, accidental premier. Inexperienced chief of immigration, commissioner of labour, financial Secretary, Attorney general, and even clowns on parade day.
  • sighs (31/01/2026, 09:21) Like (20) Dislike (7) Reply
    BVI always sending fishes to climb trees
  • HAHAHA (31/01/2026, 10:17) Like (23) Dislike (2) Reply
    @ as usual you are so correct. I dont know when these pageant committees will learn. Those caribbean girls dont come to play. The girls need to earn the crown and put it on their head. Look at the clips of the show. Ms. BVI was no where close ready to go up against those girls. Antigua and Dominica never comes to play.
  • Wellsah (31/01/2026, 10:24) Like (10) Dislike (6) Reply
    could have sent someone else.. she to tuff
    • Ahh ???? (31/01/2026, 11:48) Like (9) Dislike (6) Reply
      You correct. She too ‘tuff’ no feminity there at all. Dem legs? And whey de hell they keep finding these ugly shoes. Like they have their own factory.
      • Krap (01/02/2026, 15:01) Like (7) Dislike (1) Reply
        That swimsuit was the worst exposing what should have been covered up.
  • Nepotism reigns (31/01/2026, 10:52) Like (17) Dislike (2) Reply
    One day the BVI mentality will change for the better. These political appointments will stop. Better luck next time!
  • I co tell yuh (31/01/2026, 11:08) Like (10) Dislike (8) Reply
    she think the caribbean like tortola where it is "who ya know" those girls do not play in the caribbean. Miss Dominica herself, started and finished very strong. Antigua and Anguilla as well. That is what does happen when you think you bigger than the program..
  • one eye rooster (31/01/2026, 11:10) Like (16) Dislike (3) Reply
    Yall just jealous girlll hold yo head high dem haters standing behind u clapping
    • Not blinded by OneEye (31/01/2026, 14:47) Like (12) Dislike (0) Reply
      There is nothing to hate here to be honest. One should be humble enough to take criticism whether constructive or not. Regroup, humble and come back stronger. Regional pageants are nothing like BVi pageants where you are handed a crown because of ties to community. If you watch the segments online, they speak volume! From the start, Anguilla and Antigua showed they came to win but Dominica outshined them all in the end. Better luck going forward.
  • lk (31/01/2026, 12:02) Like (13) Dislike (0) Reply
    She was way out of her depth sadly. We need to get serious about preparing and sending the right girls to represent the BVI at these pageants. The other girls from the other islands especially Dominica ate down. We need to do better.
  • Nobody Business. (31/01/2026, 15:05) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply
    Same shoes she walking on the road for August Monday walking in.So sad.She needed a new wardrobe.She was no competition for those girls.
  • home court advantage (31/01/2026, 15:56) Like (1) Dislike (2) Reply
    Seems like the judges laid it on this for the hometown girl. She won just about every category…
  • Anudder He Man (31/01/2026, 19:48) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    Too mabweh
  • bvi ppl (31/01/2026, 21:08) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Ya’ll always got something negative to say!! N i am sure all these comments coming from woman!!!!!!
    • hot tea (02/02/2026, 08:20) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
      Blame it on the Tell the Truth bush tea.
      My garden full . I give it away as fast as it grows.
      Contact me if you need some.
      Guaranteed results.
  • ausar (01/02/2026, 18:26) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    We have so many women here,of exquisite beauty and elegance- Former First Lady, Honourable Creque-Smith, Barrister at Law, Ayanna Hull, and International Fashion Designer, Kristen Frazer-, who could have been contracted to guide that young lady, in the areas of fashion, elegance, and design!

    We all should be ashamed, when we send ambassadors abroad, at pageants, that are not pageant worthy!

    Let's work to make sure that our ambassadors sent abroad, are the best, that our country, can offer!
  • Basco (01/02/2026, 19:42) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    Very Nice playing the pan! Her elegance speaks volume
  • FeelinShame (02/02/2026, 08:15) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply
    Repeatedly and in all.matters,we do not hesitate to embarrass these VI. What is it with the self flagellation. The self destruct syndrome is our signature
    This event was not a contest for a football linebacker folks,it was a FEMALE Beauty Pageant.
  • who know (02/02/2026, 10:15) Like (5) Dislike (1) Reply
    From how I see it, the BVI need to stop spending money for these Queen shows abroad. Why? In these times countries not only sending women with beauty but also intelligence. All like Miss Universe I would like to know if the people in charge of sending these women to compete see the beauties the BVI up against? When it comes to beauty and brains they don’t stand a chance.


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