Owyn Ferguson beat out 14 youth tourism ambassadors from around the country in the Junior Minister of Tourism Speech Competition to be named the new junior minister of tourism.
The St. Anne's School student participated in the Junior Minister of Tourism Speech Competition held at Superclubs Breezes recently, during which students delivered three to five minute speeches on the topic "Tourism: Remaining Competitive in a Global Environment". They also answered a mystery question.
The new junior minister of tourism took home a Patrick S. Bain Scholarship tenable at The College of The Bahamas, a laptop, $500 and an all-expense paid trip to the Caribbean Tourism Organization's Youth Conference. His school also received a $500 cash prize and a floating trophy.
He is expected to produce a platform he will work on during his one-year tenure. He will have to collaborate with other youth representatives of tourism around The Bahamas.
Ferguson was excited to take on his new responsibilities.
"It's a great accomplishment. It is definitely an honor to be in such a prestigious seat. It was an honor to compete with my peers from the other islands," he said. "I want to encourage others to use their talents to better the country and attract those from other countries. I look forward to hand over the title next year so that they can experience this pleasure of being junior minister. I am looking forward to meeting new people; that should be wonderful."
Ferguson succeeds Taliah Cooper from Preston H. Albury High School, Eleuthera, as junior tourism minister. Cooper was the first Family Island student to win the prestigious title.
Grand Bahama's Mary Star of the Sea Catholic School student Latess Bartlett finished second in the competition held at Superclubs Breezes; Central Andros High School's Michel Anderson was third.
Junior Minister of Tourism Programme Coordinator Samantha Cartwright said the competition has improved from year to year.
"When we started out, some of the competitors from the southern islands were so shy and reserved and now we see that they are competing against some of the larger islands of The Bahamas and making the finals, so I am excited to see that they are showing us what we already knew -- that they are among the brightest and the best. I look forward to seeing what this year will bring for our new candidate."
Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe was proud of the high level of presentations and told the students that even though they all came from different islands, that they are all one people. He further told them they would all be a part of the Tourism Cadet Programme to serve in their communities. And that he wanted to see more young people become involved and talking about the issues that affect the country and issues that affect the world.
"You have much to offer this country and we are going to make great use of it," said Wilchcombe.
Tourism Director General Joy Jibrilu said the students awed her.
"These are 16 and 17-year-olds and they spoke with passion, zeal, zest, confidence and fluidity that many adults in our community and in our country are unable to speak with.
They answered a question that they had never seen before. The skill that it takes to do that ... I'm left with a feeling not only that tourism, but the future of our country is in great stead."
Jibrilu said she was also impressed with the new junior minister.
"To know that this young man will be representing us this year ... he will truly represent that not only is it better in The Bahamas but that it is best in The Bahamas."
In addition to the Ministry of Tourism, the Bahamas Hotel and Tourism Association (BHTA), Micronet, Lenovo and the Islands of The Bahamas Logo Store sponsored the Junior Minister of Tourism Programme.
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