Coordinator of the Mr Guyana International Pageant, Paul Burnette believes that there has been a morale decline in men over the years from their involvement in various crimes, including domestic disturbances, abuse and violence against women.
Paul, during the launching ceremony held at the Pegasus Hotel, Kingston a few weeks ago further expressed that many of the social mores have declined and been replaced by thug and gang culture.
It is for this reason that he has set out to promote a mentorship programme using his love of fashion and pageantry to inspire and nourish a nation.
“Many of our young sons, brothers, friends and relatives hardly have someone locally to call their mentor, role model or even trendsetter. It is with this fact in mind that I have planned the first ever Mr Guyana International.”
But it is also personal. Paul was raised by his mother and says his childhood was scarred by sexual, emotional and mental abuse. He suffered severe depression and even contemplated suicide. “With all this in mind I promised myself to do something major before I die to empower men…,” he said.
After his niece was brutally attacked by her paramour and almost died some years ago, he attempted such a programme, but was not successful.
In 2012 he tried again and got six contestants, but eventually had to scrap this programme too. Inspiration struck him when he turned on the television and saw Pastor Timothy King speaking to men and encouraging them to never give up; believe in yourself and trust in God and everything will fall into place. Paul felt he was speaking to him directly.
He started over and Mr Guyana International is the result.
The aims of the competition are to foster the knowledge of its participants in their responsibilities as men in society; to encourage men to take a stand in the fight against many of the social issues affecting them; to create a sense of self-styling, self-respect and self-motivation as it relates to their personal wellbeing in a socially acceptable environment; and realising their self-worth and fostering their will power to achieve their goals.
The mission of Mr Guyana International is empowering men to empower themselves, their communities and fellow men. Eleven contestants will be vying for the title and crown this year under the theme ‘True Sons of the Soil’. They are: Stowell Betham, Paul Charles, Kurt Walcott, Kevin Bhagrat, Colwyn Abrams, Trevon Frenty, Christon Pollard, Kevin Smith, Raphael October, Ryan Washington and Alexander Fiedtkou.
Five of them will go on to represent Guyana at Mr International, Mr Global International, Mr World, Mr Caribbean International and Mr Caribbean. Paul revealed that at each competition the men will strive to present the Guyanese man as positive and influential.
The local competition will have several segments to test the contestants strength both physically and mentally.
October 19 sees a Community Spirit Building Fun Day; there will be a Swimwear and Fashion Challenge at Duke Lodge on October 24; Talent and Question and Answer on October 29 and the Final competition along with the coronation at the Pegasus Hotel on November 2.
