Under a canopy of stars overlooking the Caribbean Sea, Juliana Myers was crowned Miss Universe Cayman Islands 2026 on Saturday, 11 July, earning the opportunity to represent Cayman on the international stage at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico this November.
The pageant, held at Pedro St. James and themed “Crowned by the Starlit Shores”, blended Caymanian culture, entertainment and community pride as six contestants competed for the title at the national historic site.
Hosted by Mariah Tibbetts and Compass TV anchor Shanda Gallego, the evening opened with a prayer by Pastor Ellen Peguero, followed by the traditional blowing of the conch shell by Deal Ebanks and the waving of the Cayman Islands flag by Matthew Ebanks. Performances by the Cayman Islands Folk Singers, Vashti, Erica Assai, Dream Chasers Cayman, Rico Rolando and Darrel Dacres entertained the audience throughout the evening.
New queen crowned
Myers, representing West Bay, impressed judges throughout the competition, capturing both the Best in Interview and Best in Gown awards, before ultimately being crowned by outgoing queen Tahiti Seymour, whose final walk marked the close of a successful year of service centred on education and food security initiatives.
In the decisive question-and-answer round, contestants were asked what single message they would place on a billboard seen across the Cayman Islands.
Drawing on advice from her father, Myers replied, “Anything you put your mind to, you can do.”
She said the message had guided her throughout her career and volunteer work, particularly with young people.
“Through my time as a real estate agent, I have made it my aim to empower the youth,” she said. “Our young Caymanians are an unstoppable force, and as your next Miss Universe Cayman Islands, I am here to ensure that the voiceless have a voice.”
According to her biography in the pageant programme, Myers became the Cayman Islands’ youngest full-time real estate agent and has dedicated much of her time to youth mentorship through school presentations, summer camps, one-on-one mentoring and her work as assistant coordinator with the Island House.
Her platform focuses on encouraging young Caymanians to believe in themselves and pursue their ambitions regardless of circumstance.
Joining Myers in the winners’ circle were Tameka Cox, who was named first runner-up after also earning Best in Swimwear, and Marlena Williams, who finished as second runner-up and received the Best Smile award.
Elizabeth Jackson enjoyed a particularly successful evening, collecting the Miss Photogenic, People’s Choice, Miss Caymankind and Ted Green Ambassador Award honours. Halee Myles was voted Miss Congeniality by her fellow contestants.
The People’s Choice Award reflected strong public engagement, with organisers reporting more than 34,000 votes cast through the Choicely app.
As Miss Universe Cayman Islands 2026, Myers also received an extensive prize package led by a $70,000 three-year educational scholarship from the Ministry of Tourism and Trade Development. Her winnings also include pageant travel courtesy of Cayman Airways, gym memberships, accommodation packages, wellness treatments, photography sessions, beauty products and other gifts from sponsors.
National Director Derri Lee told the audience that the pageant celebrates far more than appearance, highlighting the contestants’ commitment to leadership, service and personal development.
Saturday’s event featured remarks from Parliamentary Secretary Heather Bodden on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism and Trade Development, Education Minister Rolston Anglin, and a special presentation by 1997 Miss Cayman winner Cassandra Powell.
With the crown now hers, Myers begins preparations to represent the Cayman Islands at the 75th Miss Universe competition, which will be held at the José Miguel Agrelot Coliseum in San Juan, Puerto Rico, later this year.
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