Judges announced for Mister Bahamas

Wed, Dec 9th 2015, 01:55 PM

In just a few days we will know which of the young men competing for the titles of Mister Bahamas and Mister Teen Bahamas 2015 will emerge victorious when the finals take place on Sunday, December 13, 2015 in the ballroom at Superclubs Breezes, Nassau. After months of training and preparation the 8 models are ready to compete for the 2 titles and the opportunity to represent the Bahamas internationally.

This year's five Mister Bahamas 'Making of a Classic Man' contestants are Kyle Kemp, Jarell Coakley, Lacarz Brown, Rashad Smith, and Samuel Jervis. The three Mister Teen Bahamas contestants are Jarad Rolle, Dometrius Taylor, and Nicholas Fox.

Judging an event of this magnitude is no small task, and the organizers have selected a team of local professionals to do just that – following the criteria enforced at the international level, the winners will be determined after competing in personality interviews, casual wear, swimwear and formal wear. Contestants are judged on catwalk and runway skills; photogenic ability; physical attributes; and personality.

Let’s meet the professionals faced with the judging the competitors:



Judge #1: Mr. Keron Pico Wood
is a marketing major at the College of the Bahamas and is also the CEO and accessory designer of The Pico Brand. The first 100% handcrafted lapel flower and pocket square company to hit the islands of the Bahamas. Pico Wood has a love for God, family, fashion, travel, art and music. He encourages everyone to live out their purpose and not carry their talents to the grave.

Judge #2: Mrs. Pia Rolle is the president of PTG Marketing & Modeling Agency since 1999 and is the CEO/founder of Music, Model & Talent Showcase of the Islands (Island MMTS) since 2014, which she established after pursuing her own international modeling career. PTG has secured an impressive clientele list; locally, regionally and internationally, which some of her clientele flying to The Bahamas for productions, and in some instances, fly Bahamian talent outside of the country for ad campaigns. Internationally recognized, PTG manages and trains some of the country’s top models/talent, currently representing over sixty (60) Bahamian models. The Agency is also popular for its “Life Skills” course for females aged twelve (12) years and up.

Mrs. Rolle is also involved in other entrepreneurial ventures and sits on several government, civic and church boards as a director. She has been married for fifteen years and is the mother of three daughters.

Judge #3: Mr. Zhivon M. Young currently serves as the director of special events and operations for the Miss Bahamas Organization and as the co-director of The Miss Bahamas Teenager Organization. In this capacity he is the eyes and ears of both entities behind the scenes ensuring the smooth running of their events. He has worked with the pageant and beauty industry for almost a decade serving as a creative director and a training coach which has equipped him with the skills to not only identify, but help cultivate beauty ambassadors.

Mr. Young is employed as a finance coordinator at the Bahamas Technical and Vocational Institute. He lends his spare time to various charities and civic groups but his main focus is the logistical planning, development and training that goes on for the Miss Bahamas and the Miss Bahamas Teenager organizations.

Judge #4: Mrs. Erin Edwina Brown is a motivational speaker and an 11 year amputee cancer survivor who defies the odds everyday. As a major player in the local fashion, beauty and entertainment industry as a makeup artist and hair stylist, Brown has established a talented team for numerous events, photo shoots and production sets.

Erin was selected for the legacy  photograph exhibit ‘The Bahamian Collection’ seen at the National Art Gallery for the 40th Independence celebrations. She is a Bahamian Icon Award nominee for Humanitarianism for her sports disability foundation, 'Erin Brown Connects.' She co-produced the local edition of stage play, 'The Vagina Monologues' with LA director Rowena Poitier, which brought awareness and funds raised to end violence against women and children. She served as beauty director for Fashion for a Cause, an annual runway show to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS Awareness.

Her marriage in 2014 to Leslie Tametryo Brown was featured on national television on "Bahamas at Sunrise" and she was Kelly’s 'Bride of the Year.' A motivational speaker, she and her husband have two children; and if that isn't enough, she is also training to compete in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics Games in Japan.

Judge #5: Miss Takara M. Lewis graduated from The College of The Bahamas with a Bachelors degree in Business Administration with concentration in Economics in 2009. She is employed at COB, where she serves as assistant to the vice president of finance. She is also the assistant treasurer at her church. A believer in self development, she joined the Toastmasters International Organization in 2008, and through the Soaring Orators of Johnson Park Toastmasters Club she has achieved the Advanced Toastmaster Gold and Advanced Leader Bronze designations. Miss Lewis has served in most leadership capacities of the group, and has won competitions and awards such as Speaker of the Year, Evaluator of the Year, and Toastmaster of the Year.

Civic minded, with a passion for youth development and empowerment, Takara serves as a Pathfinder Director at her church, where she also lends her voice to the church's praise team, the Majestic Singers. Miss Lewis believes that "To whom much is given, much is required". It is this belief that compels her to always be of service.

Judge #6: Miss Nareca Swann is an entrepreneur and trendsetter committed to leading other young entrepreneurs in achieving their dreams. She is well-known for her 'Go Global Brand' which encompasses the 'Go Global Magazine' and 'Go Trade Business Expo' held in Grand Bahama.

Over the past year, Swann has traveled to connect with various maritime businesses around the world, as in 2016, she's seeking to expand her company with a maritime department. She's also been meeting with other international and Bahamian entrepreneurs who have made an impact on local communities. Swann believes effective brands are based on the power of connections. Her ultimate goal is to make sure Bahamian entrepreneurs are recognized locally and internationally as 'trendsetters.' As for her personal life she's currently planning her dream wedding with her fiance.

Judge #7: The past five years for the competition's head judge, David Rolle have taken him from humble beginnings to fashion stardom. Presenting his first collection at Islands of the World Fashion Week in 2010, Rolle's creativity and strong point of view as a designer help him take the NextGen Designer Award, landing him a scholarship to study at Parsons New York campus, where in 2011 Rolle completed those studies with honours. He's been on a roll ever since!

In fall of 2011 David traveled to San Fernando, Trinidad to show in their fashion week. A short time after he became a recognized as a fashion columnist. He entered the ELLE magazine and Nokia search for the next style correspondent, and moved from a group of 5000 to 50 becoming the only Caribbean finalist.

In 2012 David he revisited Islands of the World Fashion Week, this time awarded for 'cultural fashion.' He ended 2012 making local and international headlines as the designer responsible for Prime Minister's wife's Parliament look, designing, sewing and styling Mrs Bernadette Christie. It became an iconic moment in local fashion history.

In Spring of 2013 David became a reality television star when he joined the cast of Mission Catwalk season three, walking away as runner up and a brand management contract with Global Purchasing, New York.

In 2014 David Rolle's name became synonymous with Bahamas Junkanoo Carnival. His work with Bahamas Masqueraders, assisted in the ultimate victory as well as overall top costume design prize.

In 2015 David was invited back for Mission Catwalk's "All Stars Edition". His shift to a more resort feel and personal growth was clear during season 5. David succeeded in walking away the winner with a million dollars in prizes.

Ultra imaginative, and successfully self-made, David Rolle now looks towards an even brighter future in fashion design.

The public is invited to come out on Sunday, December 13th to the Breezes ballroom, to encourage all the men, and cheer on your favorite. Cocktails start at 7pm with the show commencing at 7:30pm. General admission is $25 and VIP is $50 and are available from any of the 'Classic Men' or the committee via the Mister Bahamas Organization's Facebook Page.

This year's sponsors include: thebahamasweekly.com, Mario's Bowling Palace, BTC, MMTS, Printmasters (Freeport), Avista Lounge, Pico LaPelle, Versatile, Pleasurable Goods and POJ.

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