From left: Junior Minister of Tourism Akeya Herbert, Mr Caribbean 2019 Yohance T. Smith and First Runner-Up Kathlyn Archibald-Drew. Photo: Team of Reporters

Junior Minister of Tourism Ms Akeya Herbert will represent the Virgin Islands at this year’s State of the Tourism Industry Conference in St Lucia in October. Photo: Team of Reporters

The Junior Minister of Tourism competition was held at Maria’s By The Sea last evening, June 8, 2019, when the eight contestants delivered on a range of tourism based topics. Photo: Team of Reporters

Eight contestants delivered on a range of tourism based topics.

The competitors were Kathlyn Archibald-Drew, Olivia Freeman, Akeya Herbert, Shamorie Glasgow, Paige Fredricks, Nicklous Kanhai, Kiandra Meyers and Kavon Kisnasammy.

Ms Herbert, of the Elmore Stoutt High School, also won best interview and best video. She was also awarded the Best of the Eight at a staged executive dinner, which was an added component of the competition this year. The dinner gave contestants the opportunity to meet and interact with the executives of the BVI Tourist Board (BVITB).

Kathlyn Archibald-Drew is the first runner up while Freeman won Miss Popularity. All of the participants received a participation medal.

Conceptualised in 2005 the competition has transitioned with the addition of new and creative features. The general concept was designed with the goal of increasing students’ awareness of the tourism industry, providing opportunities for students to participate in the Caribbean Tourism Organisation Annual Youth Congress and other regional and national events. It also aims to enhance national pride among students ages 13 – 17 years.