17-year-old Jael Morgan of Signal Hill Secondary School has won the coveted title of Junior Secretary of Tourism at the fourth annual Tourism Youth Congress. The event, held on Friday, 30th June 2023, at the Anne Mitchell- Gift Auditorium, saw representatives from eight secondary schools competing for the prestigious title.
Before the Congress, participants were required to select one of the three topics provided and prepare a three to five-minute presentation on their chosen topic. The programme also entailed a mystery question segment, which required the participants to answer a randomly selected question about the island’s tourism sector.
Morgan presented on 'Wellness Tourism Beyond the Norm’ and articulated three (3) unique and sustainably developed wellness tourism experiences that her Division can offer visitors. Additionally, in response to the mystery question on identifying two ways the region can effectively utilise social media platforms to attract and engage with the youth as key stakeholders in the tourism industry, Morgan expertly highlighted and elaborated on brand ambassadors and social media marketing targeted to young tourists.
This year, through the continued efforts of Mrs Sandra Orr Toney and the Programme Coordination Unit, the Congress was able to garner sponsorship and support from corporate organisations, Tourism Stakeholders and the local business community. As the winner, Jael Morgan will be the reigning Junior Secretary of Tourism for one year.
Her first-place prize includes one (1) confirmed economy class ticket for travel to any destination within Caribbean Airlines’ network, courtesy of one of the event’s main sponsors, Caribbean Airlines. She also received $2,500.00 in units sponsored by the Trinidad and Tobago Unit Trust Corporation and will represent Tobago at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) regional Youth Congress in the Turks and Caicos Islands in October 2023.
Ms Patrice Caruth-Jack served as Jael’s chaperone and assisted her in preparing for the competition. For her tireless contribution, Mrs Caruth-Jack received a voucher for dinner courtesy of The Seahorse Inn, Restaurant & Bar. The Signal Hill Secondary School also retained the Tobago Youth Congress challenge trophy.
Third-form Scarborough Secondary School student Ms Tehilla Chapman placed second in the competition. For her efforts, she received a cash prize of $2,500.00 courtesy of the Division of Tourism, Culture, Antiquities and Transportation and Mrs Debra Sardinha-Metivier. Xhane Gray of Bishops High School placed third, while Roxborough Secondary School student Jovel King placed fourth.
Both received cash prizes of $2000.00 and $1000.00, respectively, sponsored by Lesville's Place: Canaan, Tobago: 639-0629 / 781-4117, Shepherds Inn Tobago, Mrs Debra Sardinha-Metivier and Casa La Vista - Tobago Luxury Villa. The other four participants received units valued at $500.00 each courtesy Dr Jimmy Toussaint of The Bayleaf at Bacolet, Ted Greig of Ted's Sunshine Tours, Jacqueline Alleyne of A Jays Auto Rentals and Comfort Inn & Suites Tobago.