Twenty-two-year-old Tarique Barrett walked away with the Mr World Jamaica 2024 title at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel ballroom in New Kingston on Sunday.

The final-year marketing and accounting student at The University of the West Indies, Mona, says he will use his platform to educate inner-city youth on financial literacy.

“I will be promoting my initiative which is [called] Future Entrepreneurs, which aims to equip the ghetto youth with the right financial tools to break the cycle of poverty,” the Mountain View resident told the Jamaica Observer.

Barrett is the first Mr World Jamaica title holder since 1998.

The winner — who will represent Jamaica on the global stage in Vietnam in November — emerged above electronics engineer Tavar Brown, who placed second, and digital marketing specialist Dario Lopez who was second runner-up.

Family members, friends, and sponsors all turned out for the evening’s grand coronation which showcased the best of the 14 finalists. There was enthusiastic applause as the contestants performed their opening dance, as well as when they showed off their dapper tuxedos.

Tavar Brown’s supporters in particular held up banners with a collage of his photos, as well as miniature fans, also bearing the finalist’s image.

Once the winner was announced, the ballroom erupted into cheers, even from Barrett’s competitors, who could be seen hugging and patting him on the back.

For an event that was not held in Jamaica in over two decades the support was truly palpable.

Meanwhile, Barrett noted that he entered the pageant to prove that youngsters from the inner city can be successful.

“Entering this pageant was about representation for the inner-city youths. I want the world to see that an inner-city youth can make a difference on these platforms, and that’s my inspiration to be here,” he said.

He further said that he assimilated to the conditions surrounding the rigorous preparation over the last couple of weeks in order to emerge victorious.

“It has been hectic, but I’ve learnt how to adapt, that’s the word. I’ve learnt how to deal with all the different challenges that pose themselves,” he said.

Sunday’s coronation also featured performances by saxophonist Raheem Vassell and vocalist Maria Myrie.