MOTIA Grand Bahama hosts 2026 Junior Minister of Tourism Preliminary Speech Competition
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:18
MOTIA Grand Bahama hosts 2026 Junior Minister of Tourism Preliminary Speech Competition
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26 Mar 2026
By:
Shakara Trott
Source:
Bahamas Information Services
MOTIA Grand Bahama hosts 2026 Junior Minister of Tourism Preliminary Speech Competition
Sunland Baptist Academy student, Raia Cargill is crowned the 2026 Junior Director of Tourism for Grand Bahama after delivering a standout speech on the theme, “Where Paradise Meets Responsibility” during the Ministry of Tourism’s annual preliminary competition on March 19, 2026 at the Ministry of Labour and Public Service’s Training Room, Grand Bahama.
Grand Bahama’s 2026 Junior Minister of Tourism Preliminary Speech Competition winner, Raia Cargill (centre) and current Junior Minister of Tourism, Xaria Ingraham along with runners-up Nashelle Hanna (left) and Gezarya Higgs (right), following their outstanding presentations at the Ministry of Labour and Public Service’s Training Room on March 19, 2026.
GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation successfully hosted the 2026 Junior Minister of Tourism Preliminary Speech Competition.
The annual signature event is designed to encourage high school students to explore careers in the tourism sector while developing leadership, public speaking and critical-thinking skills.
The preliminary round took place on March 19, 2026 at the Ministry of Labour and Public Service’s Training Room in downtown Freeport, where five schools participated in this year’s competition.
According to Gina Turner, MOTIA Grand Bahama Manager of Training and Education, all participating students undergo a preliminary interview process and she encouraged even greater school involvement in the years ahead.
“We wish that every school would participate. The students receive opportunities they may not ordinarily have as the Junior Minister of Tourism receives a scholarship from the Bahamas Hotel Association to attend the University of The Bahamas,” Turner said.
This preliminary competition determines who will represent Grand Bahama as the newest Junior Director of Tourism and advance to the National Finals in New Providence.
Students from Eight Mile Rock High School, Bishop Michael Eldon School, Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, Tabernacle Baptist Christian Academy and Sunland Baptist Academy delivered compelling 5 to7-minute speeches on the theme, “Where Paradise Meets Responsibility.”
Emerging victorious was Raia Cargill of Sunland Baptist Academy, who will succeed Xaria Ingraham, the current Junior Minister of Tourism, set to relinquish her title in April.
Nashelle Hanna of Bishop Michael Eldon School placed second, while Gezaria Higgs of Tabernacle Baptist Christian Academy received third place honours.
The National Junior Minister of Tourism Speech Competition Finals are scheduled for April 2026, where Grand Bahama’s representative will compete against students from across the country.
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L.W. Young Junior High students pay a courtesy call on the Governor General
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Back
Home
News and Press Release
Type:
Press Release
, What's New
26 Mar 2026
By:
Shakara Trott
Source:
Bahamas Information Services
MOTIA Grand Bahama hosts 2026 Junior Minister of Tourism Preliminary Speech Competition
Sunland Baptist Academy student, Raia Cargill is crowned the 2026 Junior Director of Tourism for Grand Bahama after delivering a standout speech on the theme, “Where Paradise Meets Responsibility” during the Ministry of Tourism’s annual preliminary competition on March 19, 2026 at the Ministry of Labour and Public Service’s Training Room, Grand Bahama.
Grand Bahama’s 2026 Junior Minister of Tourism Preliminary Speech Competition winner, Raia Cargill (centre) and current Junior Minister of Tourism, Xaria Ingraham along with runners-up Nashelle Hanna (left) and Gezarya Higgs (right), following their outstanding presentations at the Ministry of Labour and Public Service’s Training Room on March 19, 2026.
GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation successfully hosted the 2026 Junior Minister of Tourism Preliminary Speech Competition.
The annual signature event is designed to encourage high school students to explore careers in the tourism sector while developing leadership, public speaking and critical-thinking skills.
The preliminary round took place on March 19, 2026 at the Ministry of Labour and Public Service’s Training Room in downtown Freeport, where five schools participated in this year’s competition.
According to Gina Turner, MOTIA Grand Bahama Manager of Training and Education, all participating students undergo a preliminary interview process and she encouraged even greater school involvement in the years ahead.
“We wish that every school would participate. The students receive opportunities they may not ordinarily have as the Junior Minister of Tourism receives a scholarship from the Bahamas Hotel Association to attend the University of The Bahamas,” Turner said.
This preliminary competition determines who will represent Grand Bahama as the newest Junior Director of Tourism and advance to the National Finals in New Providence.
Students from Eight Mile Rock High School, Bishop Michael Eldon School, Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, Tabernacle Baptist Christian Academy and Sunland Baptist Academy delivered compelling 5 to7-minute speeches on the theme, “Where Paradise Meets Responsibility.”
Emerging victorious was Raia Cargill of Sunland Baptist Academy, who will succeed Xaria Ingraham, the current Junior Minister of Tourism, set to relinquish her title in April.
Nashelle Hanna of Bishop Michael Eldon School placed second, while Gezaria Higgs of Tabernacle Baptist Christian Academy received third place honours.
The National Junior Minister of Tourism Speech Competition Finals are scheduled for April 2026, where Grand Bahama’s representative will compete against students from across the country.
Previous
Next
Featured Story
Patrick J. Bethel High shines in the 2026 E. Clement Bethel National Arts Festival Abaco Adjudications.
Featured Story
L.W. Young Junior High students pay a courtesy call on the Governor General
Quick Useful Links
The National Honours Society 2026 Call for Nominations
Budget Performance Reports
Budget Documents
Preparing Your Home and Family for a Hurricane
General Orders
Request for Expression of Interest
Hurricane Shelter Listing 2025
Install the BNEA APP
COVID-19 Frequent Asked Questions
Department of Labour’s Jobseekers Portal
Celebrate Bahamas
Load More
For Website Technical Support
Call and speak to a DICT Customer service agent.
+1 242 604 4688
Need to reach the DICT? Send us an email.
support@bahamas.gov.bs
Get in touch with our DICT support team.
get in touch
Explore frequently asked questions.
ask question
This site uses cookies to serve our services. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy.
Okay, Thanks