“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.”