Men's competition might get women scampering - Hedonism II to host Mr Caribbean International

Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

Women are likely to flock Hedonism II in Negril next week to see the well-defined bodies of the men in the Mr Caribbean International competition that will grace Jamaica's shores for another year.

CEO and producer for the event, Dave Smith, said he started with Mr Caribbean Canada in 1996. At the time, he said there was much violence around him but he thought "there was nothing for the Caribbean men to shine". As a result, he started the competition to expose the men in the Caribbean diaspora.

In the earlier years of the competition, the winner got to stay at one of the Hedonism resorts as part of his prize package.

Based on the success of the show, Smith decided to bring the competition to Hedonism III in St Ann eight years ago. But this year, the competition will be held at Hedonism II in Negril from October 11 to 18 for the first time.

There will be contestants from Canada, United Kingdom, United States, Barbados, Jamaica, Bahamas, St Kitts, Trinidad, St Lucia and St Martin. Throughout the week, there will be prejudging with a fitness challenge, talent pieces and swimwear competition. As part of the judging process, the contestants will also go on blind dates.

At the final show on Saturday, under the theme 'King of the Ring', there will be swimwear and formal-wear presentations. The men will also be judged based on how well they answer questions.

"We try to encourage and help them in ways that they can not only compete but learn more about the different islands - the culture and the things that they do. Instead of being separate, we encourage the guys to work together even though they are competing," Smith told The Sunday Gleaner.

Significant growth

The winner will receive US$1,000, a return stay at Hedonism, baskets from Calvin Klein, swimwear from Priape, silver bracelets from Jason Jewellery and a trophy.

According to Smith, the competition has grown significantly over the years.

"It has grown over the years. We do have a big audience. The weekend of the show has been well-received," he said

He said other countries have asked to stage the final of the competition but, based on the treatment they have received from the Hedonism branch, the competition will stay there.

"We will go to the preliminary shows in other islands but to take the international show to another island, no, we don't have any plans for that," he told The Sunday Gleaner.

Meanwhile, general manager for Hedonism II, Kevin Levee, said there was also a promotion to lure more women to the event.

Heroes weekend promotion

"We have a promotion for heroes weekend. For all local bookings of two nights or more, women will receive 30 minutes' complimentary massages. We are going to put on a grand gala show for the competition," he said.

"It's a great opportunity for women to get out of Kingston and come down to Negril. The free massage, combined with the allure of Hedonism and the show ... I think that's a good deal."

In addition, he said the competitors will be at the hotel during the week leading up to the night of the final. At that point, he said the women will get "an opportunity to meet and interact with the contestants. It's a great opportunity to meet and mingle".