The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has unveiled fourteen contestants for the 2026 ECAB Mr. & Miss Teenage Pageant, with Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) returning as title sponsor for the third consecutive year. According to Antigua News Room, the official contestant launch took place over the weekend.
The fourteen students, drawn from ten secondary schools across the nation, were introduced under this year's theme: "Pulse: Where Today's Energy Powers the Future."
The ECAB Mr. & Miss Teenage Pageant remains one of Antigua Carnival's premier youth development programmes, celebrating the intelligence, creativity, confidence, leadership and talent of the nation's young people. Contestants will showcase public speaking abilities, cultural awareness, school pride and personal growth throughout the competition as they vie for the titles of Mr. and Miss Teenage.
Minister of Creative Industries and Carnival, Hon. Dwayne George, applauded ECAB for its continued commitment to the country's youth. "I want to sincerely thank Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank for once again partnering with the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission as the title sponsor of the ECAB Mr. & Miss Teenage Pageant," Minister George said. "ECAB's continued support demonstrates a genuine commitment to investing in our young people and preserving our cultural traditions. Partnerships like these create opportunities for our youth to develop confidence, leadership and lifelong skills."
ECAB Chief Executive Officer Michael Spencer said the bank is honoured to continue supporting a programme that has positively impacted hundreds of young people. "This marks our third year as a proud sponsor of this incredible event, and with each passing year, our connection to the pageant grows even stronger," Spencer said. "We have seen contestants develop confidence, discover their voices and embrace leadership. At ECAB, we believe that investing in young people is one of the most important investments we can make."
Spencer also addressed the contestants directly. "To each contestant, embrace every moment of this journey, build lasting friendships, challenge yourselves and take pride in your accomplishments. Regardless of the outcome, each of you has already demonstrated the courage to step forward and pursue something meaningful."
Reigning titleholders Mr. William Christian and Miss Tekyra Richards delivered joint remarks, urging the new contestants to embrace the full scope of the experience. "Remember that throughout this journey, you are representing more than yourselves," they said. "You are ambassadors for your schools, your families and your communities. While only one contestant will wear the crown, every one of you can leave this competition with something just as valuable — new friendships, personal growth, greater confidence and unforgettable experiences."
The 2026 ECAB Mr. & Miss Teenage Pageant show is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, beginning at 7:00 p.m. at Carnival City. Admission is $20.00.
