The Miss Universe Belize 2026 Pageant was held for the first time in San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, at Mahogany Bay Resort on Saturday, August 15th. Eight delegates competed for the national title during an evening celebrating confidence, presentation, and national representation. The event, which began at 7PM, was hosted by Chelsea Muñoz and Virginia Vasquez.
The pageant marked a significant occasion for San Pedro, which hosted the national competition for the first time. The eight delegates vying for the crown were Litzy Manzanilla, Caleigh Rose West, Kiren Marie Chan, Rena Angela Thompson, Samantha Jones, Shadie Ellington, Vivian Magdalen Noralez, and Zeidi Vellos.
During the program, Miss Universe Belize National Director Destiny Wagner described the occasion as “a truly wholesome moment” and said she had not expected to return to the stage. She credited the wider community and organizing team with making the production possible.
Wagner said the event was organized in approximately six weeks, including production preparations, contestant recruitment, and securing sponsorship. “This is not a one-man show,” she said, emphasizing that a team contributed its time, resources, and expertise. She added that successfully organizing the event within six weeks demonstrated what could potentially be achieved with six months or even a full year of preparation.
The delegates were evaluated in several categories designed to assess their performance, confidence, and professionalism. The evening gown competition was worth 15 points, with judges considering elegance and poise, confidence and composure, and overall appearance. The swimsuit competition was also worth 15 points and assessed poise and confidence, stage presence, and overall presentation.
Wagner also spoke about the importance of Belize maintaining consistent representation on international platforms. She said the country must continue to participate rather than appear only for one or two years. “We have to show up consistently,” she said, describing sustained participation as an important part of making progress.
She also referenced the African proverb, “If you want to go fast, you go by yourself, but if you want to go far, you come together.” Wagner concluded her remarks by thanking those in attendance and encouraging the audience to support the contestants, who she said had worked hard throughout their pageant journey.
Adding to the evening’s entertainment, San Pedro’s own Chelsey Castro performed several songs throughout the event.
The judging process included two question-and-answer rounds—the Top Five on-stage question assessed fluency and articulation, confidence, and authenticity. During the Top Three question-and-answer round, judges evaluated confidence and delivery, authenticity, and depth and substance. Contestants also received points for their final look and conduct during pageant week. The pageant-week criteria included professionalism and punctuality, cooperation and attitude, social media engagement, adaptability and stamina, and brand representation.
The Top Six delegates advancing in the competition were Zeidi Vellos, Vivian Noralez, Samantha Jones, Caleigh Rose West, Rena Thompson, and Kiren Marie Chan. Following the question-and-answer round, Caleigh Rose West, Rena Thompson, and Samantha Jones advanced to the Top Three.
Before the winners were announced, outgoing Miss Universe Belize Isabella Zabaneh took her final walk. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities she received during her reign and pledged to continue serving Belize as she embarks on a new journey.
At the end of the evening, Rena Thompson was announced as second runner-up, while Samantha Jones was named first runner-up. Caleigh Rose West was then crowned Miss Universe Belize 2026, succeeding Zabaneh and earning the opportunity to represent Belize on the international stage.
The successful staging of the Miss Universe Belize Pageant in San Pedro highlighted the island’s growing role in hosting major national events. Wagner’s remarks throughout the evening emphasized collaboration, long-term planning, and consistent representation as the organization works to strengthen Belize’s presence on the international pageant stage.
Congratulations to Caleigh Rose West, Miss Universe Belize 2026.