Caribbean News
FIVE CARIBBEAN Queens make Miss Universe Top 16
By Shanieka Smith
Staff Writer
January 20, 2023 – Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez earned the second runner-up prize in the recently concluded Miss Universe Competition last weekend. 
Additionally, the competition, held in New Orleans, Louisiana saw five queens from the Caribbean coming out in Top 16. This includes Miss Haiti: Mideline Phelizor, Miss Puerto Rico: Ashley Carino, Miss Trinidad and Tobago: Tya Jane Ramey and Miss Curacao: Gabriela Dos Santos.
In a marvellous feat and as further testament to Caribbean and Latino beauty, intelligence and grace, three of the top five contestants hailed from countries of the region; namely Dominican Republic, Curacao and Puerto Rico.
Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel, a fashion designer from Texas is the new Miss Universe.
Over 80 nations were represented at this 71st staging of the competition.