All-Female Showdown for Junior Tourism Minister Competition Final

Three female students will contest the final of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) Junior Tourism Minister competition in August

The all-girl showdown will see Yeshima Thompson of Excelsior High School in Kingston, Olivia Rodney of José Marti Technical High School in St. Catherine, and Deja Bremmer of The Manning’s School in Westmoreland, squaring off for the coveted Junior Minister title.

They were selected following the qualifying round at Beaches Boscobel Hotel in St. Mary on June 24.

The winner will represent Jamaica at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Congress in the Turks and Caicos Islands in October.

The JTB’s Tourism Awareness Officer, Abigail Henry Hernandez, told JIS News that the agency partnered with Sandals International to host this year’s competition.

“As you can tell from the performance from these three young ladies, whoever should prevail… Jamaica will be well [represented] in the Turks and Caicos,” she pointed out. adding that Jamaica has always been competitive at the regional stage.

“It is very important to involve the next generation and allow them to add their voice and views on what is happening in tourism in the region. Also, allow them to learn how they can insert themselves into this lucrative and growing industry,” Mrs. Henry Hernandez added.

She said the JTB views these types of competitions as a way of bringing the next generation of talents to the fore and ensuring that Jamaica has future leaders to take the sector to even “bigger heights”.

“I was pleased and impressed with the performances and spoke to the importance of the competition in shaping the sector. The ladies did well and will receive further training. We also have them [down to] participate in workshops to prepare for the regional competition,” Mrs. Henry Hernandez added.

For his part, Beaches Boscobel General Manager, Charles Blacher, said the entity is happy to partner with the JTB, considering the importance of tourism to Jamaica’s economy.

“I can say without a doubt that these competitors… have chosen the right path to explore. There is also no doubt that tourism-related jobs are the way to go. I always say that once you apply yourself and receive the recognition and rankings, the world is your oyster. You can go anywhere; hospitality is an opportunity to travel the world. That has been my experience and the experience of many others,” he added.

The contestants were also pleased with the proceedings during the qualifying round for the final and are brimming with confidence.

“It is good to have students participating in competitions like these so we can have our input in what’s going on in the tourism sector. It also enables us to know that there are great things for us to achieve,” 17-year-old Yeshima Thompson told reporters.

Sixteen-year-old Olivia Rodney shared that “I gained a lot from being in this competition”.

“I have better public-speaking skills… I was nervous at first. I have gained some valuable experience, which will help me greatly along the way,” she further stated

The youngest of the three, 15-year-old Deja Bremmer, said ‘this competition is [intended] to get students involved in tourism and allow us to explore the sector”.

“I especially loved it because I am developing a passion for public speaking, and this was the perfect opportunity,” she indicated.