Orlando Collin Crowned Mister Friendship Jamaica 2026 — A New Ambassador of Culture, Fitness, and Unity

Jamaica has officially crowned its newest cultural ambassador, and he’s ready to take the world stage. Meet Orlando Collin, the newly titled Mister Friendship Jamaica 2026, who is set to represent the island at the international finals in Thailand.

Following a strong showing last year by Mister Friendship Jamaica 2025, Anthony Arroyo Rivera—who secured Second Runner-Up and the prestigious Voice of Friendship Award—expectations are high. But Orlando isn’t just stepping into big shoes; he’s bringing his own energy, purpose, and vision to the global platform.

In this exclusive Q&A, Orlando opens up about his journey, passions, and what it truly means to represent Jamaica.

Tell us a little about yourself.

So first and foremost my name is Orlando Collin. I love health and fitness. Anything that has to do with exercise and fitness, I'm in. I'm also motivated, determined, and driven for success. I am the first member from my family to graduate from a university and to obtain a bachelor's degree, and I'm also aspiring to be the first to earn a master's and also potentially a doctorate in the future.

Additionally, I am a fun person. I love to laugh. I love when others around me are happy as well, and I love dogs. Dogs are one of the best animals on the planet, even though I have a cat that I love, but I'm a dog person. I also love learning new cultures and languages, OMG. It is one of my favorite things. Currently, at the moment, I speak Spanish and Chinese even though I'm not fluent in them. I love learning different things, languages, and also skills.

What schools did you attend?

Initially, I attended August Town Primary School and then transitioned to Dallas Primary and Junior High School. I then went to Papine High School, and after that, I attended the University of the West Indies, where I graduated with a bachelor's degree in Sport Kinetics/Kinesiology. Now, I'm back at Papine High School as an educator and past student.

Growing up, what was your dream job?

Growing up, my dream job was to be an international actor and singer. I haven't achieved that yet, but I'm still putting in the work. I believe age is just a number, and with empowerment, inspiration, motivation, determination, and drive, I can achieve it. 

What is your favourite colour?

My favorite color used to be green when I was a kid, but now I'm all about blue! I'm obsessed with the color blue—I love blue drinks, blue foods, and blue fruits. It just makes me feel happy and confident, so yeah, blue is the color for me!

Can you cook?

I'm not a perfect cook, but I can whip up something to save my life. I'm not a chef, but I can definitely do something. At least, I think I can cook! 

Who is your role model?

My mom passed away when I was 7 years old, and she was my biggest role model. However, life and opportunities have created a positive environment for me, and I can't say one person is my role model. The person I look up to the most is my non-biological mother, my adopted mother, Arlene Brown. She's my number one role model, along with my teachers, lecturers, and small support group who have guided me towards success.

How important is fitness to you?

Fitness is important to me because it keeps my body healthy. Cardio, for example, burns fat, reducing health risks. It's about staying mobile, managing weight, and functioning at optimal performance with good health. Fitness is a medicine for me.

If you were to change one thing about your life, what would it be and why?

If I could change one thing about my life, it would be my confidence level and approach from an early age. I was shy and reserved growing up, and I wish I had been more outgoing, talked to people more, made friends, and had more fun, instead of focusing solely on education. I applied that same focus to university, prioritizing school over socializing, networking, and meeting new people. I think being more extroverted and sociable would've helped, but I'm working on it, and it's improved over time.

How does it feel to be Mister Friendship Jamaica?

When I was introduced as Mister Friendship Jamaica, I was excited and positively overwhelmed in a good sense. I was grateful and humbled at the same time. I believe it's a big deal to represent your country on another continent or spot on the planet. Jamaica's a wonderful country with a tropical atmosphere, and artists like Bob Marley and Louise Bennett have made it known. I want to use my talents and gifts to shed more light on Jamaica in a positive way, so I see this as a big, extraordinary opportunity.

Who would you call a friend?

Someone real, someone who sees beyond the surface level. Someone who's all in, you know? They're not just there for the good times; they're there through the ups and downs, celebrating my wins and supporting me through the tough stuff. That's the kind of friend I'm looking for – authentic, supportive, and genuinely invested in my growth and happiness.

What are you looking forward to most at the international competition?

I'm hyped about the vibes, the culture, and the people. It's not just about winning; it's about spreading positivity, representing Jamaica, and connecting with like-minded folks. I'm looking forward to soaking up the experience, making meaningful connections, and showing the world what we're about! Brotherhood and unity!

What are you planning to do for your talent item?

Things are going great with my team, and we're focusing mainly on singing, with a bit of dancing on the side since that's not really my thing, but I'm comfortable with singing, so we'll probably go with that.

Jamaica was second runner-up last year; do you feel pressured to perform well at Mister Friendship?

I'm looking forward to building on the positive impact Anthony made, bringing my own vibe, personality, and strengths to the table. It's about promoting unity, brotherhood, cultural exchange, and connection—that's what Mister Friendship is all about, and I'm ready to represent Jamaica with pride.

What do you plan to tell the judges about Jamaica?

I'd love to share Jamaica's unique spirit with the judges. In Jamaica, community and respect are deeply ingrained—if your car breaks down, people stop to help. We prioritize genuine interactions, like sharing a warm "good morning" or "good evening." Neighbors are like family, and we look out for each other.

Our island is also blessed with natural beauty, from lush landscapes to stunning beaches, and an abundance of local fruits like mangoes, coconuts, coffee, and sugar cane. I'm proud to represent this vibrant culture and hope to give the judges a glimpse into what makes Jamaica so special.

Three things that you cannot live without?

The three things I cannot live without are fruits, exercise, and my relaxed time socializing with friends and watching movies/series like anime. Fruits keep me happy, exercise keeps me balanced, and unwinding keeps life interesting. Without them, life feels a bit off.

Final Thoughts

With a strong academic background, a passion for fitness, and a genuine love for people and culture, Orlando Collin represents a new generation of Jamaican ambassadors—grounded, driven, and globally minded.

As he prepares to step onto the international stage in Thailand, one thing is clear: Orlando isn’t just competing—he’s representing the heart, soul, and unity of Jamaica.

And if his journey so far is any indication, the world is about to see Jamaica shine once again.