29-year old Paul Charles of Guyana “overjoyed and just happy” to be crowned Mr Caribbean 2016

29-year old Paul Charles of Guyana “overjoyed and just happy” to have been be crowned Mr Caribbean 2016, on Friday 29th January at the Arawak House of Culture. Charles is a professional dancer, music teacher and model. He outperformed five other contestants, and also won the awards for Best Talent and Best Magnificent Wear. Charles said he had been preparing for the pageant since May of 2015. He believes as Mr. Caribbean, he will definitely open doors for other young men in the region.
 
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, and make new connections.” Charles says he plans to open his own foundation to help underprivileged youths through performing arts, when he returns to Guyana. He is advising Dominicans to have clean fun and be positive, as they celebrate the ‘Real Mas 2016’. “We are one Caribbean, one people, one nation, one blood, so crime doesn’t have to be there. Just believe in your country and Carnival, and have clean and safe fun,” he added.
 
Ersil Charles Jr. of Antigua & Barbuda, was judged 1st Runner-Up, and took home awards for Best Swim Wear and Best Interview. Michael Redhead of Grenada got 2nd Runner-up. He received the Best Formal Wear award. Mr. Photogenic Award went to Dukenson Nozil of Haiti. The other two contestants were Andres Ramirez who represented The Dominican Republic, and Junior Thomas who represented Dominica. Judging criteria included awards of points for introduction, costume, talent, swimwear, formal wear, and interview segments.
 
Organizer Antoinette Mora believes the show was of a high standard, and hopes to get more people involved in future. She says “It’s really about equality when it comes down to it”. She said the competition is a “chic display of natural masculine charm. There are female pageants, and no male pageants, “but we complain about truancy, delinquency and problems we have in society; and who are in the prisons? it’s the men; yet we do not find positive things to embrace them and give them a channel to express their energy, and their talent.” Congratulations to Paul Charles, all of the other participants, and the Mr Caribbean 2016 show organizers.