MUB Points Finger At Belize Team over Tikal Backlash
Miss Universe Belize has addressed the intense public backlash over the display of Guatemala’s Tikal during a segment of the Miss Universe Belize pageant meant to recognise Belizean heritage.
The Tikal image became one of the most criticised moments of the broadcast, with viewers questioning why a pageant designed to showcase Belizean identity and culture would feature one of Guatemala’s most recognisable archaeological sites.
According to the MUB organisation, the Tikal monument error was made by a team of Belizean production professionals.
“Another serious error pointed out by the public during the event’s broadcast was the appearance of the archaeological site of Tikal,” MUB said in its Tuesday statement, adding that it was “surprised” to see Guatemala’s Tikal site displayed onscreen during the segment.
“All the artwork, designs, and graphic elements displayed on the screens throughout the competition were selected by the local Belizean team,” MUB said. The organisation did not disclose the name of the agency or team assigned to the work.
The Tikal blunder came alongside a separate production error where hosts initially announce a Top Six instead of the intended Top Five, an issue National Director Destiny Wagner had already addressed in her own Monday Facebook statement.
“The Top 6 announcement was a production error. It should not have happened, and I sincerely apologize to the delegates and everyone watching who was understandably confused,” Wagner said.
Wagner attributed the errors, including a mishap during the Q&A round, to a tight seven-week production window since Miss Universe Belize came under ownership of an El Salvador-based company. In her personal statement, she listed a timeline that ran from her appointment as National Director on June 26 to the Grand Finale on August 15. “Was everything perfect? No! We are learning. We are growing. We are adapting,” she said.
The organisation has since promised tighter international standards for scoring and production in future editions, while saying the lessons from this year’s competition should be used to strengthen the pageant going forward.
MUB is asking the public to shift their support towards Miss Universe Belize 2026, Caleigh-Rose West, and her international representation.
“It is in your hands, and in the hands of all Belizeans, to speak positively about Belize and about what we want to project to the world through our worthy representative.”