Donnell and Alecia Triumph in TCI Top Model Cycle 7 Media and Broadcast Challenges
- NewslineTCI
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Preliminary rounds for Cycle 7 of TCI Top Model 2026 took place over the weekend, with two contestants claiming honours. Organisers held the Mainstream Media Awards and the Broadcast Presence Challenge at The Shore Club, Long Bay, Providenciales, on Saturday, 18 April 2026.
The Mainstream Media Award recognises the contestant who best connects with the media through confidence, charisma and clear communication. Six contestants took part in a series of rapid-fire, ten-minute interviews with an esteemed panel of judges: Takara Bain, Managing Director, All Eyes on You Communications TCI Ltd; Olivia Rose, Reporter, Turks and Caicos Weekly News; Zoya Faessler, Broadcast Journalist, Radio Turks and Caicos; Cheryl-Ann Forman, Managing Director, Peak Consulting; Melanie Smith, Managing Director, The Recruitment Group; and Elisha Jennings, Director of Owner Relations, Wymara Resort & Villas.
After six rounds of engaging interviews, Contestant #1, Donnell Williams, was named the winner, earning a full-page feature across the nation’s three major publications — The Sun TCI, Turks & Caicos Weekly News and Newsline TCI — a significant platform for any aspiring public figure or model.
Immediately afterwards, contestants competed in the Broadcast Presence Award, sponsored by Radio Turks and Caicos. This challenge rewards the competitor who best brings a script to life for radio, judged on tone, delivery, articulation, pacing, confidence and overall presence. Each contestant performed two short news reads before judges Cheryl‑Ann Forman, Zoya Faessler and Elisha Jennings. Contestant #5, Alecia Higgs, claimed the award and will receive a commemorative plaque and a $500 cash prize.
Founder and Executive Producer Courtney Robinson said: “Modelling today demands more than looks; it demands communication, vision and influence. Donnell and Alecia showed us the rare combination of presence, persuasive communication, and authentic storytelling that brands and media crave. The TCI Top Model platform doesn’t just showcase talent; it accelerates careers and shapes the next leaders of our country.”
The journey continues toward the Grand Finale of Cycle 7 on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at Brayton Hall, Providenciales. Expect an unforgettable evening of fashion, performance and the naming of the Face of the Turks and Caicos, TCI Top Model 2026.
ABOUT—The TCI TOP MODEL CONTEST is an event that is designed to give those persons residing in the Turks and Caicos Islands interested in careers in the fashion and creative industry an opportunity and the platform to debut and showcase their talent, with the hope that it will be a springboard to a career locally or abroad.