Mr World Jamaica hopefuls champion representation, modern masculinity

While many may be preoccupied with the captivating and inspiring contestants in this year’s Miss Jamaica World competition, there are 14 men just as dedicated to serving their country vying for the title of Mr World Jamaica 2024.

Catching up with a few of the gentlemen as they cheered on the ladies during their fitness challenge, they shared with The Gleaner their ambitions for the title.

For Remone Watson, though he captured the hearts, minds and ears of Jamaicans as the 2023 ‘Digicel Rising Stars’ winner, he wants the country to know that he is more than just a vocalist.

“For those [who] would’ve known the name Remone Watson, would’ve known that I am Jamaica’s 2023 ‘Digicel Rising Stars’ winner, so I think this [is] an opportunity to give back to my community, give back to my school and give back to Jamaica at large. For all those who contributed to my success and the success that is yet to come, I want everyone to be [included in] that so I saw this as a great opportunity to do so.”

He continued, “Aside from giving back, this is a chance for me to use the voice that I have aside from my talent or my gift. Everyone knows that I sing but no one knows what truly goes on in our inside voice and I want that inside voice to now come out. I want to be that outspoken person for that young man or an older man also who feels as though it takes away from their masculinity to be emotionally connected to the world, to society and to themselves.”

While Watson’s voice is celebrated islandwide, he is not the only musically gifted gent in this year’s pageant. The 25-year-old Rajesh McLean is a singer-songwriter from St Mary. Though making it clear that this is an opportunity to push himself, he said he was most excited to represent as a ‘country bwoy’.

“If I was to be crowned Mr World Jamaica it means I would be able to represent where I’m from. Growing up, I wanted to see someone from my community, from my country, go out there and do great things. This is the perfect opportunity for that. Representation is very important and I intend to be the role model for those coming up that I wanted to see growing up as a child,” he shared.

For 24-year-old St Ann native-turned-Kingston resident Raymond Morrison, his decision to enter the competition centred on advocacy.

He explained, “I decided to enter because, in today’s world, the lines of gender roles have been blurred many times. I want to represent modern masculinity and everything that truly represents, whether it relates to compassion, emotional intelligence, vulnerability and just truly [understanding] the female counterpart in being firm in your beliefs, regardless of how progressive today’s woman can be. The second reason is because I am an environmental activist and I truly believe in protecting the environment for a sustainable future. The goal really is to empower and educate but also to include others in that process for a sustainable future.”

Sharing what winning the crown would mean to him, he said, “Obviously, it would mean a lot to me and it would just be a stepping stone to the trajectory of representing Jamaica and giving back to the community at large. Being able to have that platform to really communicate and be a part of the process of decision-making with world leaders. I think that’s what the Mr World and Miss World platform is for. Being able to advocate for a cause, representing and showcasing your best.”

The Mr World Jamaica 2024 grand coronation is set to take place on September 1.

shanel.lemmie@gleanerjm.com