The title of junior Tourism commissioner was up for grabs this weekend and V.I. high school students jumped at the opportunity.
Held last Saturday morning at the Legislative Conference Room in Frederiksted, the competition was aimed at introducing Caribbean youth to the important role that tourism plays in their region’s economic development. The position of junior Tourism commissioner is designed to inspire local teens to pursue a career in tourism and leadership positions.
No USVI student has ever won the contest – that is – until now. Kia Griffith of St. Croix Central High School impressed the panel of judges, which included Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty as moderator. The finalists of the competition were considered based on their vocal projection, their physical appearance and the appropriateness of their speech.
Griffith stood out among other competitors with her vision of promoting the Caribbean as health-and-wellness vacation spot and was the only student who opposed a hassle-free entrance into the USVI. Referencing 9/11, she said that “We should not let our guard down.”
image courtesy of The VI Daily News