North Union Secondary Student Crowned Junior Minister of Tourism 2026 

By S.Browne. Updated 5:20 p.m., Thursday, April 30, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Mr Braxton Lewis of the North Union Secondary School has been crowned the 2026 Junior Minister of Tourism following his participation in this year’s Tourism Youth Congress.

Hosted by the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation and Sustainable Development, the Tourism Youth Congress is a platform designed to simulate a high-level meeting of regional tourism leaders while fostering youth engagement, innovation, and leadership within the tourism sector.

Eight students representing secondary schools across the country participated in the Congress, addressing topics shaping the future of regional tourism, including sustainable destination management, cultural industries, and the evolving role of tourism professionals.

Mr Lewis presented on Cultural Industries and Tourism Innovation and emerged as the top performer. He will go on to represent St Vincent and the Grenadines at the Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Georgetown, Guyana, as part of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s State of Tourism Conference.

As part of his award, he will receive a round-trip travel package, a summer internship with Breeze Travel Solutions, EC$1,500 compliments Cultural Ambassador Gamal Doyle, and a gift certificate valued at EC$500 courtesy of Coreas.

Second place was awarded to Mr Aaron McDonald of the St Vincent Grammar School for his presentation on Social Media and Sustainable Destination Management. His prize package includes a EC$500 gift certificate from Coreas, a dinner for two at Paradise Beach Hotel, and EC$1,500 sponsored by Cultural Ambassador Gamal Doyle.

Third place went to Ms Xia Glass of the Girls’ High School, who presented on Cultural Industries and Tourism Innovation. She will receive a EC$200 gift certificate from Coreas, EC$1,500 compliments Gamal Doyle, and a dinner for two at Grenadine House.

Other participants included Ms MaKiesha Charles of the Buccament Bay Secondary School, Ms Nailah Jordon of the Dr JP Eustace Memorial Secondary School, Ms Angelique Edwards of the Bishop’s College Kingstown, Ms Chiara Farrell of the Charles Adams Anglican High School, and Ms Acadiah Ashton of the Union Island Secondary School.

The Ministry commended all participants for their contributions and representation of their schools and noted that the Tourism Youth Congress remains a cornerstone of its Tourism Education Programme. The initiative aims to cultivate interest in tourism careers, promote sustainable tourism practices, and strengthen leadership, research, and public speaking skills among young Vincentians.

Special appreciation was extended to Cultural Ambassador Gamal Doyle, Coreas, and hospitality partners for their support.

The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to youth engagement and the continued development of the tourism sector.

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The information was sourced from a press release sent to us by the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, and Sustainable Development.