**St. John’s, Antigua – Wednesday, June 26, 2025** – The John E. St. Luce Centre was alive with energy and bright ideas on Tuesday, June 25, as students from secondary schools across Antigua and Barbuda came together for the National Tourism Youth Congress Speech Competition. Organized by the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, the event was designed to select the nation’s next Junior Minister of Tourism.
This annual competition is part of a larger Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) initiative that encourages young people across the region to speak up about the future of tourism. It gives them a platform to share their perspectives, propose solutions, and explore themes of sustainability, culture, and innovation. The winner of the national event will go on to represent Antigua and Barbuda at the CTO’s Regional Youth Congress, joining peers from across the Caribbean.
Ms. Tracey Browne, Manager of the Tourism Education, Training and Awareness Unit, emphasized the importance of giving young people a voice in shaping the future of the industry. “The future of tourism is not only about infrastructure or innovation. It is about people. As such, the voices of young people are central to the conversation,” she said. She also highlighted how the competition builds leadership skills, encourages critical thinking, and nurtures a deeper appreciation for tourism’s role in our communities and economy.
Reflecting on this year’s event, Ms. Browne added, “The 2025 National Tourism Youth Congress speech competition was an incredible showcase of youth talent, insight, and passion for the tourism industry. I extend congratulations to all the students who participated.”
She also proudly noted that two of the top performers, Kiara Kwenga and Dominick Blair, are members of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Cadet Corps. “This is a powerful testament to the impact of the Ministry of Tourism’s education and awareness initiatives,” she said. “Both the Youth Congress and the Tourism Cadet Corps are designed to inspire, empower, and prepare our young people to become leaders and innovators in the tourism industry.”
Each student delivered a prepared speech on one of four engaging topics: the three new S’s of Caribbean tourism, leveraging heritage tourism for development, connecting the Caribbean with sustainable transport, and digital transformation in tourism. They were also given a surprise mystery question that asked them to name a lesser-known spot in Antigua and Barbuda that should be promoted more on social media—and to explain why.
After a dynamic display of talent, insight, and confidence, Kiara Kwenga of Christ the King High School was named 2025 Junior Minister of Tourism. She received a laptop, a plaque, a two-night stay for two at Blue Waters Resort and Spa, and a certificate of participation. She will proudly represent Antigua and Barbuda at the CTO’s Regional Youth Congress later this year.
Khesha Harilall of Sir Novelle Richards Academy earned first runner-up, taking home a tablet, a plaque, a day pass for two at Elite Island Resorts, and a certificate of participation. Dominick Blair of St. Mary’s Secondary School**e** arned second runner-up, receiving a tablet, a plaque, lunch for two at Maia Lounge and Restaurant, and a certificate of participation.
All participants were applauded for their impressive contributions and received certificates of participation. This year’s representatives also included Joel Jno Baptiste of Antigua Grammar School, Jedidiah Peters of Divine Academy of Excellence, Dachia Henry of Clare Hall Secondary School, Gabriella Eusebe of All Saints Secondary School, Leanna Browne**o** f Antigua State College, and Zeña Benjaminof St. Anthony’s Secondary School.
The coaches who mentored and supported these students were also recognized with tokens of appreciation. The coach of the winning student received a dinner gift certificate for Weatherill’s Hotel and a two-night stay at Blue Waters Resort. The coach of the first runner-up was awarded a stay at Harbour Island Residences and a dinner voucher, while the coach of the second runner-up received a Tropical Adventures circumnavigation tour for two and a dining certificate.
Judging the event were Mr. Gasper George, Regional Director of Operations and Product Development at GPH; Ms. Sharon Herbert**,** Social Sector Planner; Mrs. Elisa Graham**,** Public Relations Officer at the Antigua and Barbuda Electoral Commission; Ms. Samoya Kirby**,** Communications Officer at the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment; and Mrs. Joycelyn Lindsay**,** who served as the official timekeeper.
This year’s event was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authorityand the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, whose continued investment in youth and education is helping shape the future of the industry.
The National Tourism Youth Congress continues to play an important role in youth development, tourism awareness, and national pride. As Antigua and Barbuda works toward a more inclusive and sustainable tourism industry, these young leaders are already showing they’re ready to take the reins.