Bouquet in hand at the Grand Carbet du Parc Culturel Aimé Césaire in Fort-de-France, 24-year-old Maureen-Alycia Lucéa-Merlin was crowned Miss Martinique 2026 at the coronation gala, stepping into her role as the island's newest queen with every bit of the poise you'd expect from someone who's been building toward this moment for years.
This win carries a certain full-circle sweetness. Maureen-Alycia first competed in the Miss Martinique pageant back in 2020, finishing as first runner-up. She spent the years between then and now not waiting in the wings but working in the EHPAD sector, the French network of specialist care homes for the elderly. Standing 1m76 and rooted in purpose, she brings something genuinely rare to the crown: a professional life spent in service to others.
She takes over the title from outgoing queen Léaline Patry, with the top five of this year's competition rounded out by first runner-up Nathanaëlle Hélène, second runner-up Loanne Nodin, third runner-up Laura Laventure, and fourth runner-up Laureen Lixfé. By all accounts, it was a strong and memorable night for Caribbean pageantry.
Next stop for Maureen-Alycia is the Miss France 2027 pageant, happening this coming December, where she will carry Martinique's Afro-Caribbean heritage onto a national stage. Watch this space.
Originally published by Bella Naija Beauty.