CPMC explains historic Carnival Queen tie, announces rule review

The Carnival Planning & Management Committee (CPMC) has explained Saturday’s unprecedented decision to crown two National Carnival Queens, saying the pageant had no tie-break rule after its first deadlock in 72 years, while announcing a review of the competition’s rules.

In a statement on Monday, the CPMC issued a detailed explanation of how two contestants came to be crowned winners for the first time in the pageant’s 72-year history.

Miss Bank of Saint Lucia, Nyaley Lewis, and Miss Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Faith Edward, were jointly crowned after achieving identical final scores. According to the CPMC, the outcome was independently audited and verified before it was announced.

The committee said a panel of nine judges – three regional and six local – adjudicated the competition, with judges assigned to score only the segments that matched their areas of expertise. Scores were entered electronically using certified digital judging software before being independently audited and verified by the Office of the Director of Audit.

The audit confirmed that Lewis and Edward achieved identical final scores.

The CPMC said judges do not deliberate once scoring is complete, describing the practice as a safeguard designed to remove any opportunity for bias or influence over the result.

The unprecedented outcome prompted questions from the public about why a tie-breaker was not used.

According to the committee, the pageant’s rules contain no tie-breaking provision because no tie for first place had occurred in the competition’s 72-year history.

It said introducing a tie-breaker after the scores had already been audited and verified would have compromised the integrity and impartiality of the process.

The committee said: “The only outcome consistent with the verified scores and the existing rules was to declare both delegates National Carnival Queen.”

Both queens will receive the full winner’s package, comprising a cash prize of $25 000, a fully funded scholarship and an all-expenses-paid cruise.

While stressing that the 2026 result is final, the CPMC acknowledged the need to strengthen the pageant’s rules.

It said a formal review has already begun, with any necessary changes to be published before the next competition to ensure delegates, judges and the public have a clear understanding of the procedures that will govern future pageants.

The article CPMC explains historic Carnival Queen tie, announces rule review is from St. Lucia Times.