Paula Lindo – Our histories, stories, present, future.

The pressure continued in Week Nine of Caribbean’s Next Top Model, with four models, Ayana, Kittisha, Linda and Nicoya, remaining in the competition.

The Wendy Mail for the challenge was “Connecting Communities, Transforming Lives.” Host Wendy Fitzwilliam reminded the girls that one of the most important skills for being successful is being able to represent a brand well. Actress Dani Swan briefed the girls about what high profile brands are looking for in a brand ambassador. “To do this, you have to be able to grasp and learn the unique selling point of the brand, and you have to do it quickly and show what you love about the brand to the consumer.”

The girls were immediately given a list of facts about Flow Communications and Services to memorize in 10 minutes. They then had to present the facts to Flow Public Relations Executive, Bernard Stewart, along with a personal statement about the company. Ayana won the challenge and an iPhone from Flow, along with a telephone call home. Actually, all the girls were allowed to call home, which resulted in smiles, laughter and tears.

Continuing the theme of brand representation, the Wendy Mail for the photoshoot was “Leisure, Luxury and Life Jacket.” Fitzwilliam introduced their photographer, internationally renowned creative art director and photographer, Jo Lance, who said their photoshoot would be done while sailing to the west coast of Barbados. Fitzwilliam explained that the west coast is also known as the Platinum Coast, meaning luxury hotels, chic boutiques and the best beaches on the island, and the photoshoot would be to sell the luxury of the area. The girls were shocked to learn that there would be a double elimination afterwards.

There were two photoshoots this week, and for the second one Fitzwilliam told the models they needed more fashion and less movement, and reminded them to use the tips she had given them in the individual teach a few weeks before. “The women who live this lifestyle give a lot of attitude and that’s what you’re selling more than anything else.”

The night before panel, the girls watched a movie together, talked about any and everything and bonded for a while, knowing that two people were going home the next day. The judges were Fitzwilliam, Richard Young, photographer Pedro Virgil and Lance. Most of the girls received negative critiques, especially from Lance, who said he liked to push the models to see how far they could go.

During the deliberation, the judges said they were looking at the growth and development of the models, their potential and versatility and which girls would be able to survive the pressure and the constant knockbacks and body image issues they will have to deal with in the industry.

In the end, Kittisha and Linda were chosen by the judges to move forward, while Nicoya and Ayana were sent home.

Tune in to next week’s episode, which will feature flashbacks, new facts about the models and never before seen footage of the competition thus far.