Manning’s School student Taj Melbourne has emerged as the winner of this year’s Junior Minister of Tourism Competition after participating in the finals on Tuesday, July 23 at Beaches Ocho Rios.

This marks an unprecedented third-consecutive year that Manning’s School has claimed the title of the public speaking competition.

In September, 16-year-old Melbourne will represent Jamaica at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Youth Congress in the Cayman Islands.

The runner-up position was secured by 15-year-old Hassan Smith, also from Manning’s School.

“I am extremely grateful and excited to be this year’s winner. The competition has been an incredible learning experience, providing invaluable insights into Jamaica’s tourism industry,” a news release from the organisers quotes Melbourne.

He added that he is looking forward to embracing all the experiences that come with the role and representing Jamaica proudly at the youth congress and other activities during his tenure as junior tourism minister.

Manning’s School staff advisor Shalia Lewis expressed pride in the school’s continued success.

“We are thrilled to have secured the junior minister title for the third-consecutive year. This achievement reflects our commitment to excellence in tourism education and the dedication of our students and staff. We will continue to set the bar high and promote active participation in the Tourism Awareness Action Club at our school,” she said.

The public speaking competition is open to students between the ages of 15 and 17 years who are members of their school’s Tourism Action Club. This year’s topics focused on adventure tourism, solo travel, cross-cultural collaboration, and the blue economy. The students delivered three-minute presentations on their chosen topics and responded to a one-minute mystery question on an unknown tourism-related topic before a panel of judges.

Director of Tourism Donovan White expressed admiration for the finalists’ performances.

“Both Taj and Hassan have demonstrated exceptional growth and commitment. Their presentations showed a deep understanding of Jamaica’s tourism sector and its challenges. We are confident that they will be outstanding ambassadors for Brand Jamaica, using their knowledge to highlight the vital importance of tourism to our island,” he said.

White congratulated the new junior minister and said he was looking forward to his representation at the upcoming Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Youth Congress.

Lyndsay Isaacs, regional public relations manager at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, returning sponsor of the competition, commended the participants’ high calibre of presentations.

“We are proud to support this competition that nurtures the next generation of tourism leaders. The consistent excellence demonstrated by Manning’s School is truly inspiring and bodes well for the future of Caribbean tourism,” she said.

Melbourne received the winner’s trophy and certificate, a Dell laptop, and a day pass for four at Chukka.

Runner-up Smith was awarded a certificate, a Samsung Galaxy tablet, and a day pass at Chukka.

The staff advisor for the finalists also received recognition for her crucial role in preparing the students.

The junior minister will meet with Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett, Tourism Director White, and industry figures as part of his one-year term and will participate in activities such as the Tourism Awareness Week Youth Forum in September this year.

Charles Blacher, general manager of Beaches Ocho Rios, congratulates finalists Hassan Smith (centre) and Taj Melbourne while bringing greetings at the ceremony.

Keynote speaker Donovan White, Jamaica’s director of tourism, presents Taj Melbourne with his winner’s plaque and a Dell laptop at the end of the competition.

Taj Melbourne delivering the presentation that won him the 2024 Junior Minister of Tourism title.