Miss CiRCUIT Magazine Latoya McDowald took top position in the Miss Barbados World pageant held Saturday July 29, 2006, and earned the right to represent her country at Miss World to be held in Poland in September.   The 16-year old, 5’11” beauty established herself as a strong contender for the Miss Barbados World crown from the early stages of the competition, and her poise and confidence became more evident throughout the event.

The tallest of the 7 delegates, Latoya easily stood out in the opening choreographed segment in which all of the delegates wore carnival costumes and intro-ed themselves to the audience.  In the evening wear segment and in the two swimwear segments, Latoya further distanced herself from the competition as she took a commanding position on the catwalk. 

Throughout the competition, Latoya had steady competition from another crowd favourite, Miss Jergens Sonju Patterson, who was also impressive in all segments of the competition.  Sonju interacted well with the crowd in the talent segment, when she put some energy in the room with her steel pan renditions of Gabby’s Boots and Dr. Cassandra.  Latoya countered in the talent segment with a dramatic piece which drove home the dangers of drinking and driving, and gained the approval of the audience and evidently, the judges. 

Most of the audience had pegged Latoya and Sonju to hold the top two positions, although many were unsure which delegate would emerge victorious.  However, as the top position was about to be called, only Latoya and Sonju remained – meaning one would be crowned with the title and one would hold the third runner up position.  In the end, Latoya took home the top title.  Miss Brother’s Barber Shop, Dannyele Leslie was first runner up while Miss Faith’s Beauty Salon, Kileha Butcher  held second runner up position.   

Other contestants included Miss Silk Soy Milk - Paula Hector, Miss Amitage - Dawn Yearwood and Miss Sunflower Beauty Salon - Crystal Davis.This was the first year that the Miss Barbados World and the Mr. Barbados World were held as one event.  It was also the first year that the titles of each pageant were held by siblings.  Mr. Brothers Barber Shop, Fabian McDowald (Latoya’s brother), took home the title of Mr. Barbados World, beating off strong contender Mr. CiRCUIT magazine Jamaal Nedd, who took first runner up position.