The Carnival Planning and Management Committee (CPMC) has defended the unprecedented decision to crown two winners in the 2026 National Carnival Queen Pageant, saying the outcome was fully verified and that introducing a tie breaker after the competition would have undermined the integrity of the event.
In a statement issued on Monday, the committee addressed widespread public discussion following Saturday night’s historic result, which saw Miss Bank of Saint Lucia, Nyaley Lewis, and Miss Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Faith Edward, both crowned National Carnival Queen 2026.
“For the first time in the 72-year history of the National Carnival Queen Pageant, two delegates have been crowned 2026 National Carnival Queen,” the CPMC stated, noting that the result was declared after nine contestants competed at The Pavilion on Rodney Bay.
Acknowledging the public reaction, the committee said it wished “to set out the facts of how the result was determined and verified” in the interest of transparency.
According to the CPMC, the pageant was judged by a panel of nine adjudicators comprising three regional judges and six local judges, all selected for their expertise in their respective fields.
The committee explained that “a maximum of five judges were assigned to each segment, matched strictly to their area of expertise and experience in that discipline,” while scores were entered using certified digital judging software “eliminating manual calculation errors.”
It added that the final results underwent an independent audit before they were announced.
“The results were audited and verified by auditors from the Office of the Director of Audit before the announcement. The audit confirmed that Miss Lewis and Miss Edward achieved identical final scores.”
The CPMC also emphasized that judges do not discuss the results after scoring has been completed.
“In keeping with the pageant’s established practice, judges do not deliberate once scoring is complete. This safeguard is deliberate, to remove any opportunity for bias or influence over the result. All delegates were advised of this before the competition.”
Addressing calls for a tie breaker, the committee said none existed within the competition’s rules.
“The rules of the National Carnival Queen Pageant contain no tie breaking provision, a reflection of the fact that, in 72 years, a tie for first place had never occurred.”
It maintained that introducing such a provision after the scores had already been verified would have compromised the fairness of the competition.
“Once the audited results were confirmed, the CPMC could not fairly or credibly introduce a new rule after the fact. Creating a tie breaker retroactively, with the scores already known, would have compromised the very integrity and impartiality that the judging and audit process is designed to protect.”
“The only outcome consistent with the verified scores and the existing rules was to declare both delegates National Carnival Queen.”
The committee confirmed that Lewis and Edward will each receive the full winner’s package, including a cash prize of EC$25,000, a fully funded scholarship and all expenses paid cruise courtesy of Cox and Company.
The official results placed Miss Republic Onboard, Shernette Rameau, as first runner up, Miss Diamond Girl, Simone Sonson, as second runner up, and Miss Duty Free Pointe Seraphine, Eudoxia Poleon, as third runner up.
Among the special awards presented, Faith Edward captured the Miss Photogenic title, Eudoxia Poleon was named Miss Congeniality, while Shernette Rameau received the Strongbow People’s Choice Award. Nyaley Lewis secured awards for Best First Interview, Best in Swimwear and Best in Evening Wear, Simone Sonson won Best Performing Talent, and Eudoxia Poleon was recognized for Best in Costume. The CPMC Chairman’s Award for Perseverance went to Miss WMB Events and Rentals.
Although insisting the 2026 result is final, the committee announced that it has already begun reviewing the pageant’s rules to prevent similar uncertainty in the future.
“Although the 2026 result is final and fully verified, the CPMC recognizes the importance of ensuring that the pageant’s rules remain clear, comprehensive and fit for purpose.”
The committee said it “has begun a formal review of the rules and related policies and will publish any necessary updates before the next competition, ensuring that delegates, judges and the public have a clear understanding of the procedures that will guide future pageants.”
The CPMC concluded by thanking the delegates, judges, auditors, sponsors, production teams and supporters for contributing to what it described as “a resounding success” and extended its “warmest congratulations to Queens Nyaley Lewis and Faith Edward on their historic achievement.”