BASSETERRE (29th May, 2017): Tecoya Warner, student of the Charles E. Mills Secondary School is the new Junior Minister of Tourism after winning the 2017 National Bank Sponsored Tourism Youth Congress, which was held at the Sir Cecil Jacobs Auditorium.
Students from three participating high schools debated on various tourism topics, which included the role of best practices in sustainable tourism in building a better world, the significance of signature tourism products and adventure tourism. In addition, students had to respond to a mystery question.
The two other participants were Treasure Cannonier of the Cayon High School and Sheski Christian of the Saddlers Secondary School.
Minister of Tourism the Hon. Lindsay F.P. Grant, congratulated Tecoya Warner on her presentation on Sustainable Tourism and its contribution to the economic development of St. Kitts.
“It is indeed important that our youth understand that the protection of our environment, history, culture and heritage is vital to the development of our tourism product,” Minister Grant said. “The Tourism Youth Congress provides our youth to put forth ideas in ensuring a sustainable, vibrant and dynamic tourism industry. They are the catalysts for change and so we rely on the youth to bring about the transformation needed to energize the industry.”
He further expressed that students who participate in the youth congress develop research skills, increase their knowledge within the industry, and develop public speaking skills; allowing them to make a meaningful contribution to the tourism/hospitality sector.
Minister Grant pointed out that the Ministry of Tourism supports other competitions that encourage youth participation in tourism development.
In May, the Ministry submitted entries for the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Caribbean Primary School Tourism Writing Competition. Shortly, the Ministry will also submit entries for the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Environmental Poster Contest.
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Tecoya Warner will represent St. Kitts at the CTO Youth Congress, which will take place in October at the CTO’s State of the Industry Conference in Grenada.
The Youth Congress is structured to mirror a CTO Board of Directors Meeting. The discussions are expected to generate practical ideas that can be implemented at the national/regional levels.
