“Words can’t explain how I am feeling right now. I am overjoyed, I am just happy,” those are the words of newly crowned Mr Caribbean, Paul Charles of Guyana.
The 29-year old who is a professional dancer, music teacher and model, outperformed five other contestants
He also won the awards for Best Talent and Best Magnificent Wear.
Charles, who has been preparing for the pageant since May of 2015, told Dominica News Online (DNO) during an interview, that as Mr. Caribbean, he will definitely open doors for other young men in the region.
“I have been preparing for the competition since May. Of course, Erika shows up and it was cancelled in August and now here I am,” he said. “Being crowned Mr. Caribbean, I will definitely open doors for other young men in the Caribbean.”
Charles said he believes that men have what it takes to be ambassadors and role models.
“I believe in gender equality; I believe that women are taking over the world in pageantry and yes, men have what it takes to be ambassadors and role models,” he stated, adding, “It is also an avenue that you can express yourself, express your talent, meet new people, connections.”
On his return to Guyana, Charles plans to open his own foundation to help underprivileged youths through performing arts.
Charles also sends a strong message to Dominicans as they celebrate the ‘Real Mas 2016’.
“I believe everyone should have clean fun. Just look at the positive and move forward,” he advised. “We are one Caribbean, one people; we are one nation, one blood so crime doesn’t have to be there.”
“Just believe in your country, believe in Carnival and just have clean and safe fun,” he added.
First runner-up position went to Ersil Charles Jr. of Antigua and Barbuda, who took home awards for Best Swim Wear and Best Interview.
Michael Redhead of Grenada is the second runner-up. He received the Best Formal Wear award, while the Mr. Photogenic Award went to Dukenson Nozil of Haiti.
The other contestants were Andres Ramirez who represented The Dominican Republic and Junior Thomas of Dominica.
Participants competed in introductory, costume, talent, swimwear, formal wear, and interview segments.
Meantime, main organizer, Antoinette Mora, told DNO that the show was of a high standard.
That just goes to show that there is something in the product. We got to get more people involved…,” Mora stated.
“It’s really about equality when it comes down to it,” she added.
She described the competition as “chic display of natural masculine charm.”
According to her there are female pageant and no male pageants, “but then we complain about truancy and delinquency and all the problems that we have in society, and who are in the prisons it’s the men, yet we do not find positive things and embrace them to get them to have a channel to express their energy, express their talent.”
The show took place at the Arawak House of Culture.
See Mr. Grenada below in swimwear round
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Lets be honest. Who really cares. Looks is something you born with and not an achievement, God made you that way, not yourself. Character far more important than looks. Haven’t we got more important things to take care of than men parading like dolls?
The end is near. It has been predicted.
What about pageantry determines gender equality allu stupid…man dat jealous of women aka battymen alone would sign up for a pageant..a strip show yes bt nt a pageant..i saw the show via social media all dem dudes gay..yall tryna promote gay equality technically bt it will neva happen..im nt homophobic to hell with allu batty argument and may god deliver all of u from your sinful ways
hmmmm says something about you. you watched it on social media right? ummmm why did you?
Excuse me are you not fed up of all this pageants that women take part in? Its time for our young men to take part in a pageant like this and showcase their talents. Its not only gay dudes who take part in Mr Caribbean,please we Dominicans need to get our minds of the gutter.
If there is a competition next year I hope we will choose a worthy contestant. Just saying!
Awa wi Mr Dominica. So much potentialyou seem to have but turned out to be a big disappointment. Anyway such is life
Congratulations!! Setting the pace for gender equality. Years from now the negative aspects of people views will show how backwards people thinking were in 2016.
#FullSupport
One word, ‘GARBAGE’
Lol. That show was fun. Lol. Their level of intelligence was a marvel. They answered their questions so well. Guyana was so flamboyant. Go Miss Guyana!!!
Nt one straight male was in that show..why is this even news
So, only ”straight” males make news? And how do you know whose ”straight” and whose not straight? were you at the show?
Lets suppose – from your presumptions – that the competitors all were “not straight.” Would that make your life, you world better? Would it make your community safer? Would you now go out and help your neighbor; and would that “only” straight men took part in the show inspire you to go out and lead the youth and support them on their way to success? Ain’t no place like Dominica when it comes to homophobia, I tell you.
Everyone has a right to be whoever he or she wants to be. If you want to judge people begin with the politicians. You have the right and permission to judge them .
What does sexual orientation have to do with a festive competition? Do you question female contestants? Smh.
Strive for gender equality.
gues your straight male brother, father, uncle, cousin or boyfriend should have gone up
Boy, what a show? I enjoyed it to the fullest. I laughed and cheered so much that i almost lost my voice.Dominicans who were not there missed out. I was only dissapointed with Dominca’s presentations, but Guyana diserved it all the way!!!! Go guys…….Keep up the good work