In a groundbreaking achievement for Caribbean pageantry, Bradley Clarke, a 21-year-old final-year Cruise Shipping & Marine Tourism student at the Caribbean Maritime University, secured a historic third-place finish at the Mr Teen Universe International competition. The finals, held on November 15th in Panama, crowned Paraguay’s Andrés Nunes as champion, with Venezuela’s Brayan Mendoza claiming second place and the additional title of Mr Teen Universe World.
Clarke’s journey to the international stage began in August when he was selected as Jamaica’s inaugural representative to the male pageant. The tourism student earned the distinctive title of Mr Teen Universe Tourism 2025 through his exceptional performance.
“I always harbored the dream of becoming an inspiration to youth both locally and internationally,” Clarke revealed to Observer Online. “Representing my country at this prestigious platform in Panama presented the perfect opportunity to realize this aspiration.”
His preparation for the international competition demonstrated remarkable determination and resourcefulness. Facing a scarcity of experienced male pageant trainers in Jamaica, Clarke assembled a dedicated team to address various aspects of competition preparation. He maintained rigorous physical training at his sponsored facility, Fit Farm Fitness Club, while receiving specialized speech and presentation coaching from Xavier McFarlane of the Jamaican Association for Debating and Empowerment Limited.
Cultural preparedness formed another crucial component of his training. Clarke received comprehensive instruction on Jamaican tourism and cultural products from Belinda Sutherland-Dowe, a facilitator at the Tourism Product Development Company. His stylistic preparation included collaborative experimentation with hairstylist Hair By Nastascia to develop a presentation suited for the Latin American context.
Reflecting on his Panamanian experience, Clarke described it as transformative: “The moment I landed in Panama, I felt at home through the warmth of its people, breathtaking infrastructure, and remarkable cuisine. Our countries share a profound connection through the historical contribution of Jamaicans in creating the Panama Canal, which continues to facilitate global logistics operations.”
The emotional climax arrived when Clarke heard Jamaica announced as second runner-up, making him the first Jamaican to achieve podium placement in the competition’s history. “I felt content knowing I had given my utmost since day one,” he recounted. “Securing this international title represents not just personal achievement but victory for my country and all young men who dare to dream big.”
Originally from Hanover and educated at Dunrobin Christian Academy and Meadowbrook High in St. Andrew, Clarke envisions his pageant success as merely the beginning of his aspirations. “I aim to be a vessel of change, inspiring youth to remain true to themselves and their goals regardless of obstacles,” he affirmed. “Through my God-given talents in speech, singing, and passion for tourism, I will continue pioneering in male pageantry while strengthening Jamaica’s international influence.”