Three Bright Futures: Jamaican Youth Compete for Tourism Leadership
St. Ann, Jamaica – The future of Jamaican tourism is looking bright, thanks to the impressive talent displayed at the first round of the Junior Minister of Tourism Public Speaking Competition. Held on June 20, 2025, at the luxurious Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in St. Ann, the competition showcased the dedication and innovative thinking of some of the island’s most promising young minds. The event culminated in the selection of three exceptional young women who will now vie for the coveted title of Junior Tourism Minister.
The Finalists: A Showcase of Talent
Three remarkable students stood out from the competition, earning their place in the final round. Representing Mannings School is Jullisa Dujon, whose presentation captivated the judges with her insightful perspectives. Kaira Bowman, from Montego Bay High School, also impressed with her compelling arguments and forward-thinking ideas. Completing the trio of finalists is Carleader Lewison, a student of Hampton School, whose contribution demonstrated a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Jamaica’s tourism sector.
The Stakes are High: Representing Jamaica on the World Stage
The winner of the Junior Tourism Minister competition will be bestowed with a significant responsibility: representing Jamaica at the prestigious Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Youth Congress later in the year. This opportunity provides a platform for the young leader to share their vision for the future of tourism in Jamaica and contribute to broader discussions on the sustainable development of the Caribbean tourism industry.
Voices of Leadership: Perspectives on the Competition
Donovan White, the Director of Tourism, emphasized the importance of the competition as a catalyst for innovation. He highlighted the crucial role it plays in fostering the next generation of tourism leaders and in encouraging them to develop creative solutions to the challenges and opportunities facing the sector. His support underscores the Jamaican Tourist Board’s commitment to nurturing young talent.
Lucretia Green, the Tourism Information Centre Manager at the Jamaica Tourist Board, expressed her pride in the students’ presentations. Green’s remarks reflect the wider sentiment of the organization and highlight the extraordinary caliber of the competing students, who demonstrated a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding tourism.
Lyndsay Isaacs, Regional Public Relations Manager for Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, further underscored the importance of investing in young talent. Her comments highlighted the resort’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower young people and contribute to the growth of the tourism industry. The resort’s contribution underscores the crucial role the private sector plays in nurturing the future leaders of the sector.
Looking Ahead: Shaping the Future of Jamaican Tourism
The Junior Minister of Tourism Public Speaking Competition is more than just a contest; it is an investment in the future of Jamaica’s tourism industry. The finalists’ participation not only reflects their individual achievements but also symbolizes the potential of the next generation to drive innovation, sustainability, and growth within the sector. With the finals on the horizon, anticipation is building for who will be named Junior Minister of Tourism and represent Jamaica on the global stage. The future looks promising for the island’s tourism, guided by the passion and brilliance of its youth.