Historic win, Smith now eyes Mr World crown

By Esther Durand, BVI News Staff

The newly crowned Mr Caribbean Yohance Smith said he hopes to one day be among the contenders vying for the Mr World crown.

Smith emerged winner of the regional show in Tobago last Saturday after outdoing seven other competitors.

He also took home the Best Eveningwear award.

The 23-year-old Sea Cows Bay resident told BVI News that he prepared for “months” perfecting his craft. 

“Honestly, I did not [expect to win]. However, I knew once I stayed consistent, I would be somewhere among the stars and that’s what made me the overall winner,” he said.

“Preparations were very difficult being that it was my first regional competition. I was practising every day — no matter what my schedule was, even if it’s late night.”

Benefits to his victory

Smith said being the new Mr Caribbean has benefits to him personally and to the territory.

“For me as an individual, it allows me to be an ambassador not only for the BVI but the entire Caribbean region. It also elevates my personal brand and my talent as well,” he explained.

“For the BVI, it is a great marketing strategy because this is the first time ever somebody from the BVI has participated in this competition. It allows the Caribbean to see a little bit more about the BVI’s culture.”

More about Yohan

Smith is no stranger to the world of pageantry. He is currently the Mr Junior BVI and Mr H Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC).

The Mr Junior BVI pageant was last held in 2017 while the Mr HLSCC was held in 2013 when he took home the Crown.

Smith attended the Ebenezer Thomas Primary School where he graduated as the valedictorian. He then went to the Elmore Stoutt High school and graduated among the top 10 students.

He then moved on to H Lavity Stoutt Community College and graduated cum laude before he received a scholarship to attend the Texas A&M University in the United States

SMITH recently graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and is currently employed with the BVI Tourist Board.