That was the assurance given yesterday by the pageant's director, Stephanie Chase, in the wake of allegations surrounding the decision-making process leading to victory for siblings, Latoya and Fabian McDowald.

Some connected to the competition raised concerns to the DAILY NATION yesterday about the placement of at least two other competitors during segments of the show, and their final positions at the show's conclusion.

But Chase said she had no dealing with the judging of the show and those who won, did so "hands down".

She said people who were advocating for a female competitor who didn't make the Top 4, were just "bitter".

"People were calling for one young lady because they probably thought because she was the tallest or the prettiest, that that determines the winner. But that is not the case. The judges have a criteria that they are looking for," she said.

Chase added that all contestants would have been judged in many areas prior to the night of the show, in addition to the actual occasion. Seven females and six males competed.

"The show was very fair; no tampering took place. From speaking to many of the members of the audience, they were quite pleased with the result. Somebody has to win and somebody has to lose. At the end of the day we are looking to send the best possible delegate from Barbados who will put us on the map," she said.

Chase said there were ten judges officiating.

"All of my judges were in cohesion when it came to the results," she added.

When one judge was contacted and questioned about the panel being allegedly compromised, that individual denied knowledge of such an occurrence, noting there were a number of judges who gave their individual tally to someone who then put them together.

"Both winners [Latoya and Fabian McDowald] did very well in my opinion. From the crowd's reaction I thought they were pleased with the decision, but obviously not." (WG)