The Ministry of Tourism, Investment, Creative Industries, Culture and Information, in its ongoing commitment to promote tourism education and awareness, organized two prominent events in 2023: The National Tourism Public Speaking Competition and the Culinary Competition.
A ministry official stated that these initiatives aim to foster talent and enthusiasm among students, encouraging them to showcase their skills and knowledge in the field of tourism. In acknowledgement of their diligence and commitment, the Ministry of Tourism took the initiative to distribute prizes to honour the outstanding participants in each competition.
Recognizing Excellence in Tourism Public Speaking:
The National Tourism Public Speaking Competition saw participants from across the country including the Choiseul Secondary, Micoud Secondary, Beanfield Comprehensive Secondary, Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School, Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School, Corinth Secondary School and St. Joseph’s Convent Secondary School all competing for the title of Junior Minister for Tourism 2023/24.
The event provided a platform for secondary school students between the ages (14 – 17) to express their ideas, research, and insights into the tourism industry. The participants delivered compelling speeches on various topics, including accessibility Tourism, Wellness Tourism, and building a Resilient Workforce in the Tourism Industry.
In order of placement, the judges revealed the top three schools as follows:
1st Place – Ms. Terina Bretney, Micoud Secondary School – (Junior Minister for Tourism 2023/24)
2nd Place – Ms. Anna Wilson, Corinth Secondary School
3rd Place – Ms. Keyshawn Alphonse, Soufriere Comprehensive Secondary School
Recognizing the significance of nurturing public speaking skills, and effectively conveying the value of tourism to diverse audiences, the Ministry of Tourism not only acknowledged winners’ exceptional performance but also identified them as role models for aspiring public speakers in the tourism sector.
Winners were rewarded with cash prizes, scholarships, and electronic devices including laptops, mobile devices and tablets.