Ashley Lashley is Miss World Barbados 2018, a decision made by the judges, says national director of the Miss World Barbados franchise, Rodney Powers.
Responding to comments on a social media website that first runner-up Zhane Padmore was the winner, and that collusion backstage robbed her of the crown, Powers told the DAILY NATION Sunday: “The judges’ decision was final. I’m not a judge nor did I judge the show. Ashley Lashley was the clear winner. That is what I was told by my head judge who gave the auditor the forms and final paperwork signed.”
He said in his capacity as national director for Miss World Barbados, he was not at the prejudging of project or talent segments which would have seen the six contestants accumulate points before finals night.
Gown opportunity
In respect of the issue of gowns, he pointed out that all girls had the opportunity to have the gowns made.
“Ashley paid to have her gown made . . . . She drew her design and asked if she could have it made. Five out of the six girls are in school, so we worked with them to achieve their gowns.”
Powers, who took over the franchise after the last Miss World was crowned in 2014, stressed that “everyone was treated fairly”.
“No one has complained to me since the night of the show, so I was surprised to hear all this.
“Ashley won the show and has started working on her project plan. We are about productivity and growth . . . . This event was designed to uplift and not pull down.”
Miss World Barbados will represent the country in China in either October or November. (NS)
