Manhunt Bahamas announces 2014 winners

Mon, Oct 20th 2014, 01:16 PM

After two successful runs in Freeport, Grand Bahama, the third annual Manhunt Bahamas took place on Sunday, October 12th at SuperClub Breezes in Nassau under the theme "Clash of the Titans."

The night opened with a musical pre-show by young Bahamian talents, Tebby Burrows and Shaquille Farrington before contestants were featured in casual wear, swimsuit and formal wear.

Manhunt International Bahamas selects a Bahamian male top model each year to compete in Manhunt International, the longest running international competition for male models, organised to promote new faces in the fashion industry.

Contestants are judged on catwalk and runway skills; photogenic ability; physical attributes; and personality.

"This was by far our most impressive and diverse group of young men, and I am very pleased with our judges decisions," said Oswald Ellis, event director.

This year's contestants were Ted LaFleur, Nassau; Jomar Miller, Nassau; Austin Rolle, Nassau; Dionte Burnside, Davin Johnson, Nassau; Kenneth Kerr, Grand Bahama; Nassau; Fender Lacroix, Nassau; and Tevin Evans Hudson, Nassau.

With the growth of the competition, the 2014 edition launched the Manhunt Bahamas Jr. component featuring Tajay Downer, Anthony Quant, Jarad Rolle, and Demetrius Taylor.

"The Jr competition helps build on the momentum of the event, and those in the junior category can work towards running for the Manhunt International Bahamas title in subsequent years."

Running for Jr. Manhunt Bahamas is Jarad Rolle, Andros; Tajay Downer, Nassau; Dometrius Taylor, Inagua; and Anthony Quant, Grand Bahama.

When it was all said and done Davin Johnson was named Manhunt International Bahamas 2014 winning Best in Formal Wear, Mister Photogenic, Best Beach Body, and Best in Casual Wear; Kenneth Kerr was named Mister Bahamas 2014 winning Mister Popularity (for both online votes and advertising), 1st runner up was Dionte Burnside who was also 1st runner up for Best Beach Body; 2nd runner up was Tevin Evans Hudson, who was also 2nd runner up in Best Beach Body. Manhunt Bahamas Jr. 2014 went to Anthony Quant who won Best in Casual Wear, and Best in Formal Wear; 1st runner up for Manhunt Bahamas Jr was Tajay Downer, who won Mister Popularity (online votes) and Best Beach Body.

Manhunt Bahamas Davin Johnson is an Aquinas College 2008 graduate, and has a major in auto mechanics and a minor in collision repair at BTVI. He won the Manhunt - Best Beach Body - Most Photogenic Model - Best Casual Wear - Best Formal Wear events.

Davin got his start in modeling, debuting on the runway at "Fashion for a Cause" earlier this year, and later walked in a House of Raphelita fashion show, and the "Fashion 4 Foundation" charity show, all in Nassau, where he lives.

"Last night I experienced such an awesome feeling, said Davin Johnson the day after his win. To see so many people supporting and believing in me left me awestruck and feeling extremely blessed.

Just like any other competition, I adopted a competitive spirit, in an attempt to do my very best.

I worked tirelessly, and put in countless hours trying to perfect my craft. Can I tell you that reaping the fruit of my labour now feels pretty amazing?! It does!"

"I am so thankful to my Father above for blessing me in sooo many ways, through Him I believe all of this was possible!"

"I also wish to express sincere gratitude and much love to each and every person who supported and believed in me. Everybody who expressed their kind words of encouragement, and especially every single person who took time to vote for me. And to my fellow Manhunt competitors, we formed a brotherhood that will last a lifetime."

Davin's journey has only just begun as he prepares for Islands of the World Fashion Week next month. He will also participate at Manhunt International in Singapore representing The Bahamas.

"I would like to thank all of my sponsors for their magnanimous contributions, Fashion For a Cause, Bahamas Masqueraders, Valderis Walkine, David Rolle, Johnson Enterprises inc., Lux Men's Boutique, Dem BDF boys Junkanoo group, Brutha Magazine, and my videographer Kyle, and the entire Manhunt International Bahamas team. Without you this would never be possible," said the elated winner, Davin Johnson, Manhunt International Bahamas 2014-2015.

Mister Bahamas Kenneth Kerr, a 24 year Grand Bahamian works as an immigration officer and made his debut as a model in 2013 when he walked in a runway show in California.

Since then, he became the first and only Bahamian to walk in Chicago's inaugural all Men's Fashion Week.

He is signed to Distinct Culture Model Management in Chicago, and has walked in shows and has worked with photographers across the United States and even had a shoot with Victoria's Secret model Sessilee Lopez. Kenneth is also a certified personal trainer and he hopes to one day open his own gym and wellness center.

Manhunt Bahamas Jr. Anthony Quant is a 19 yr old 2012 graduate of St. Paul’s Methodist College, Grand Bahama, and has just relocated to Nassau this year.

Anthony enjoys going to the beach, hanging out with friends and playing both board and video games. He is in love with the Spanish language and plans to better his knowledge in it. Future plans are a degree in massage therapy, and then advance to occupational therapy.

Awards were presented by Miss Teenager Bahamas, Miss Bahamas Petit, and Manhunt Bahamas 2013, Lionel McIntosh. The public can view all the photo coverage of the event at the Manhunt International Bahamas on Facebook.

"This was by far our most successful year and we plan to host again in Nassau in 2015," said Oswald Ellis, event director. "We'd like to thank Lux Men's Warehouse, UnicoMode.com for our swimwear, Kedar Clarke, Javotte Bethel, Anishka Lockhart, Tomii Culmer, David Dion, Wendi Lewis, Cherrylee Pinder, Robbin Whachell and TheBahamasWeekly.com, Bahamas Masqueraders, Mojo's Restaurant, and all those that supported and came out. This is truly something constructive our young males can put their efforts into.

Modeling builds self esteem, character, and can become a viable career in which one can see the world," said Ellis.

All photo credits go to Shawn T. Photography.

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