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Grand Bahama captures 'Junior Minister of Tourism' title for second consecutive year

Wed, May 6th 2026, 09:40 AM
Caribbean News Education Politics

Sunland Baptist Academy’s Raia Cargill returned home Thursday, April 30, 2026 to a champion’s welcome after securing the win in the 2026 Bahamas Junior Minister of Tourism Speech Competition Finals in New Providence.

The16-year-old beat out 13 other junior directors from as many islands and will now represent The Bahamas at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Youth Congress in October.

Cargill, who was accompanied by her coach, Ashleigh Beckles-Petterson, was welcomed with open arms by her proud parents, officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (MOTIA), teachers, students and other well-wishers with cowbells, lots of warm hugs and cheers on her return at the airport.

The CTO Youth Congress is an initiative and contest for youth leaders throughout the region to explore, present and discuss innovations in tourism.

Gina Turner, MOTIA, Grand Bahama Manager in the Training and Education Department, headed the welcome party and called it another proud moment for Grand Bahama, having brought the trophy home for a second year.

With all eyes now on the CTO competition, Turner said the ministry will do all it can to assist in ensuring Cargill is successful.

Cargill, an 11th grader, said she was honoured to bring the trophy home to Stinger Nation and grateful for the memorable and enjoyable experience which afforded her the opportunity to be enlightened by the other 13 junior directors.

“It was thought provoking and it was really motivational to see other young people promote their island, promote themselves and put themselves out on the national stage and do so well,” she said.

Humbled by the win, having only competed in her first speech competition in early February, Cargill proudly declared that she persevered in honour of her best friend, Grace Cooper, who suddenly passed away two days after confiding in her her desire to become junior director.

Cargill said she is up for the challenge as the new Junior Minister of Tourism and hopes to bring a touch of innovation and personality to the tourism sector in Grand Bahama.

Sunland Baptist Academy’s Raia Cargill returned home Thursday, April 30, 2026 to a champion’s welcome after securing the win in the 2026 Bahamas Junior Minister of Tourism Speech Competition Finals in New Providence.
The16-year-old beat out 13 other junior directors from as many islands and will now represent The Bahamas at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Youth Congress in October.
Cargill, who was accompanied by her coach, Ashleigh Beckles-Petterson, was welcomed with open arms by her proud parents, officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation (MOTIA), teachers, students and other well-wishers with cowbells, lots of warm hugs and cheers on her return at the airport.
The CTO Youth Congress is an initiative and contest for youth leaders throughout the region to explore, present and discuss innovations in tourism.
Gina Turner, MOTIA, Grand Bahama Manager in the Training and Education Department, headed the welcome party and called it another proud moment for Grand Bahama, having brought the trophy home for a second year.
With all eyes now on the CTO competition, Turner said the ministry will do all it can to assist in ensuring Cargill is successful.
Cargill, an 11th grader, said she was honoured to bring the trophy home to Stinger Nation and grateful for the memorable and enjoyable experience which afforded her the opportunity to be enlightened by the other 13 junior directors.
“It was thought provoking and it was really motivational to see other young people promote their island, promote themselves and put themselves out on the national stage and do so well,” she said.
Humbled by the win, having only competed in her first speech competition in early February, Cargill proudly declared that she persevered in honour of her best friend, Grace Cooper, who suddenly passed away two days after confiding in her her desire to become junior director.
Cargill said she is up for the challenge as the new Junior Minister of Tourism and hopes to bring a touch of innovation and personality to the tourism sector in Grand Bahama.
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