The Ministry of Tourism held a special ceremony on board the Grandeur of the Seas in recognition students who participated in the ministry’s initiatives for 2018.

According to Tourism Officer in the Ministry of Tourism, Samantha Charles, the first initiative was the FCC Poster competition where Saint Lucia had two submissions, one in the junior category in the person of Alyssa Henry from the Dame Pearlette Louisy Primary School, and one in the senior category in the person of Devani Mitchell of St. Mary’s College. They both received participation cheques of USD$200.

“The Ministry of Tourism is pleased to show appreciation to all students who have participated in the various tourism education initiatives for the year 2018,” Ms Charles said. “We have appreciated your contributions and we hope that you will serve as examples to other students.”

Still under the FCCA banner, Saint Lucia had two submissions in the essay competition from Dorthy Lizza Isidore who at the time attended the Odsan Combined School and now attends the Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School; and Arielle Albert of St. Joseph’s Convent whose essay landed Saint Lucia a second place spot in the competition. Arielle received cheques for both herself and her school amounting to USD$2500 dollars. She read an excerpt from her essay.

Saint Lucia was also well represented at the National Tourism Public Speaking Competition. Raheen Augustin Joseph served as the chairperson of the competition this year and secured second place at the competition two years ago. Francis Alexander, the winner of the 2017 National Tourism Public Speaking Competition, represented Saint Lucia in Grenada where he won the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Youth Congress, earning him the title of Junior Minister of Tourism for the Caribbean. Last but not least, the current Junior Minister of Tourism is Shyne Savoury of St. Joseph’s Convent.

Director of Product Development in the Ministry of Tourism, Ann-Margaret Adams, said: “The department continues to organize such activities as part of its aim to stimulate awareness among the youth about an industry that has become our main income generator. The department is pleased with your participation and your commitments in helping us achieve that goal. So we would like to offer our congratulations and encourage you to continue to read and research on Saint Lucia’s unique product offerings.”

The Ministry of Tourism encourages the youth to continue participating in the many initiatives on stream.