FORMER Miss World T&T second runner-up Vinita Manoo has been appointed Miss Universe T&T 2026.
A release on the Miss Trinidad and Tobago Facebook page on Wednesday said Manoo will head to Puerto Rico in November to represent the nation at the 75th edition of the Miss Universe pageant, which is set to take place at the Jose Miguel Agrelot Coliseum, San Juan.
The post extended congratulations to 36-year-old Manoo, who stands at five feet, seven inches.
Born and raised in San Juan, her professional background is in international relations, communications and public relations, and includes experience in Europe and Latin America. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
Manoo is also a recipient of a national science scholarship. She has worked in communications at the Office of the Prime Minister where she was involved in national and international projects involving diplomats, international organisations and global conferences.
Manoo also holds a master’s degree in communications and public relations through a programme linking Scotland and Barcelona.
At Miss World T&T 2015, Manoo was the winner of Beauty with a Purpose where Kimberly Farrah Singh emerged the eventual winner.
Manoo’s journey to the Miss Universe stage in November is set to be documented in an original reality series produced by Stolen Productions Ltd, which is also managing T&T’s 2026 pageant production.
The series is intended to highlight local fashion, culture, tourism and entertainment.
In sharing a “fun fact” about the new Miss Universe T&T, the franchise noted that Manoo has also served as volunteer in Colombia where she taught English to underprivileged children.
The comments on the Facebook post were a mix of congratulations and compliments about her beauty and criticisms, with some people questioning her being appointed, others saying she was too old at 36, and yet others disagreeing with a former pageant contestant returning as a representative.
Trinidad Express
