Ministry of Tourism Gears Up for Inter-Island Speech Competition for Coveted Junior Minister of Tourism Title
NASSAU, Bahamas (1 May 2024) — The Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation is gearing up for the highly anticipated 2024 Junior Minister of Tourism Speech Competition. Set to take place on 2 May 2024, at the Bahamas Harvest West Campus, the event marks the culmination of months of preparation and showcases the talent and dedication of a cadre of the best and brightest among Bahamian high school students who are being oriented towards a dynamic career in the tourism industry.
The Junior Minister of Tourism Program, now in its 20th year, aims to cultivate a pool of young professionals to serve the tourism sector. This year's competition will see 7 students representing various islands across The Bahamas face off in a spirited debate. Islands represented in the 2024 speech competition include Grand Bahama Abaco, Acklins, Bimini, Eleuthera, Inagua, and Long Island.
Students will deliver three-to-five-minute speeches on the topic “Digital Transformation of Tourism: Sustaining A Multi-Island Destination”. In addition to prepared speeches, finalists will face a mystery question. They will have (1) minute to give a response.
Of the upcoming youth speech competition, the Hon. I Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, said, “We are thrilled to witness the enthusiasm and dedication of young Bahamians participating in the 2024 Junior Minister of Tourism Speech Competition. This event not only showcases their talent but also underscores the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders in our tourism sector.”
He added, “Through their innovative ideas and passion for digital transformation, these students are lending their voice to the national discussion on the shaping of the future of our 16-island destination. We commend their efforts and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in our industry."
The winner of the 2024 competition will succeed Ms. Layla Leathen, the Grand Bahama Academy of Seventh Day Adventist student who was named the Junior Minister of Tourism 2023 during the 19th Annual Ministry of Tourism Speech Competition Finals.
“I know firsthand the power of dedication and determination. To all the candidates aspiring for the 2024 Junior Minister position: seize this opportunity, believe in yourselves, and strive for excellence. Your voice has the potential to inspire change and shape the future of tourism,” said Junior Minister Layla Leathen.
For more information, visit www.bahamas.com or www.tourismtoday.com.
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Danielle Bodie
General Manager
Domestic Communications
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation
dbodie@bahamas.com