Mr Teen Universe Jamaica 2025 reign defined by leadership, service

As Jamaica searches for its next international male ambassadors, attention has turned to the Mister Universe International Jamaica and Mister Teen Universe International Jamaica franchises. At the heart of the movement is 21-year-old Bradley Clarke, the outgoing 2025 Mr Teen Universe International Jamaica titleholder, whose reign has highlighted what modern male pageantry can achieve.

Hailing from Hanover, Clarke grew up in a family that emphasised faith, discipline, and service – values that continue to guide his leadership. He attended Dunrobin Christian Academy and Meadowbrook High School, where he excelled academically and took on leadership roles in extracurricular activities.

Cheerleading, a sport he has dedicated more than a decade to, played a pivotal role in his development. Through it, he cultivated resilience, teamwork, composure under pressure and the confidence to lead.

Currently pursuing a degree in cruise shipping and marine tourism, Clarke sees tourism and national representation as central to his life’s work. His passion extends beyond pageantry to youth empowerment, mentorship and confidence-building among young men.

His international journey began last September when he received the coveted title. In November, he travelled to Panama to compete on the international stage, placing second runner-up and earning the Mr Teen Universe International Tourism title. His outstanding performance resulted in an extended month-long stay in Panama to carry out official duties.

During that period, Clarke visited the Panama Canal, conducted school visits and youth engagements, toured Parque Municipal Summit, paid courtesy visits including to the Embassy of Paraguay, and participated in cultural and tourism-driven activities representing Jamaica.

The experience, he says, transformed him.

“Leadership is service. Preparation creates confidence. And growth often happens outside of your comfort zone,” Clarke reflected. Immersed in another culture for an extended time, he strengthened his diplomatic skills, cultural awareness and sense of responsibility as an international titleholder.

Despite balancing academic commitments, he continued to expand his youth advocacy platform through mentorship and speaking engagements.

As he prepares to hand over his crown later this year, Clarke intends to continue merging tourism, youth empowerment and global representation, building what he describes as “impact that lasts beyond the crown”.

APPLICATIONS OPEN

For Geovani Lewin, national coordinator for the Jamaica franchises, the competition instills great values.

“The Mister Universe International and Mister Teen Universe International pageant system is aimed at establishing a legacy of excellence, diversity and civic values amongst men across the world,” Lewin explained. “It projects inclusion, multiculturalism and breaks harmful stereotypes of masculinity.”

But it is no secret that male pageantry in Jamaica faces distinct challenges.

“It’s often overlooked,” Lewin admitted. “There’s the perception that ‘real men don’t do pageants’. That impacts sponsorship and even discourages young men who would benefit from the experience.”

To counter this, the Jamaican franchise emphasises training and development. The focus is not merely on appearance, but on growth, self-discovery, leadership and opportunity. Lewin describes the mission as shaping future male leaders who represent a modern, confident and socially conscious masculinity.

Applications are now open for men aged 16 to 48 who are interested in competing in the 2026 staging. The recruitment period opened on February 9 and will close on February 28.

The local competition will run from March to July 2026, culminating in a grand coronation ceremony where the 2026 representative will be named. On that same stage, Clarke will officially pass on his Mr Teen Universe International Jamaica title to his successor.

Lewin confirmed that Jamaica intends to send representatives in both the Mister and Mister Teen categories to compete internationally in Panama this November. With Clarke having secured a placement in the franchise’s first international outing, the goal now is consistency.

“We brought back a placement with Bradley Clarke on our first attempt,” Lewin said. “We intend to make it a habit.”

Notably, 2026 marks the official launch and inception of the Mister and Mister Teen Universe franchises on Jamaican soil – the beginning of what organisers hope will become a transformative movement for young men across the island.

entertainment@gleanerjm.com