Antigua and Barbuda’s 2025 Queen of Carnival, Kia Kirwan, proudly represented the nation at the Miss Essence and Mind Swimsuit Pageant in St. Maarten, earning the title of first runner-up.

The competition, held on October 25 at the Aleeze Convention Hall, featured contestants from across the Caribbean under the theme “United in Essence, Strong in Mind.”

Miss St. Kitts and Nevis, Kadijah Mulley, emerged as the overall winner, while Miss Trinidad and Tobago placed second runner-up.

Kirwan stood out among eight delegates who showcased their creativity, confidence, and Caribbean flair in various segments, including creative swimwear, glitz and glam swimwear, identical swimwear, and an identical question-and-answer round.

Other participants included Jasmin Jade Ruan of Anguilla, Kimberly Sattur of Guyana, Florancia Casseus of Haiti, and Malakya Wiggerton of the United States.

Kirwan’s strong performance continues her successful year following her reign as Antigua and Barbuda’s Queen of Carnival 2025, further cementing her reputation as one of the region’s rising pageant stars.