CALEADER Lewison, a 17-year-old student of Hampton School, has been crowned the 2025 Junior Minister of Tourism following an exciting final held on Wednesday at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort.

The annual public speaking competition showcased the talents of three exceptional finalists representing Hampton School, Manning’s School, and Montego Bay High School.

Lewison will represent Jamaica at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Youth Congress scheduled for October in Barbados, continuing Jamaica’s tradition of grooming excellent young tourism ambassadors.

The runner-up title was awarded to Kaira Bowman of Montego Bay High School, while Jullisa Dujon of Manning’s School also received high commendation for their impressive performance during the finals.

“Last year, I wasn’t able to participate due to Hurricane Beryl. This year, I was determined to win. I’m looking forward to representing my school and country in Barbados. I am looking forward to the Youth Congress and having some fun while I’m at it,” shared young Lewison, reflecting on the journey to becoming Jamaica’s new junior tourism minister.

“Caleader’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. After missing last year’s competition due to the devastating impact of Hurricane Beryl, her win this year is a true testament to her resilience and determination. As we look ahead to Barbados, I’m excited to help her fine-tune her presentation and watch her shine on the regional stage,” said Dana Miller, Lewison’s Tourism Action Club staff advisor at Hampton School.

The Junior Minister of Tourism Competition engages students aged 14–17 from across the island, who are active members of their schools’ Tourism Action Clubs. Each finalist delivered a three-minute prepared presentation and a one-minute mystery question that tested their on-the-spot thinking and industry knowledge.

Director of Tourism Donovan White praised the calibre of this year’s participants.

“This competition is a powerful youth development platform that nurtures future leaders of Jamaica’s tourism industry. The finalists showcased not only confidence and poise but also the kind of fresh perspectives and innovative thinking that are vital to the sector’s continued growth and resilience. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to supporting our new Junior Minister as she represents Jamaica with distinction on the regional stage,” said White.

Lyndsay Isaacs, regional public relations manager for Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, returning sponsor of the competition, also commended the students.

“Every year, we are reminded of the power of youth in tourism. These students bring energy, innovation, and purpose — and it’s our privilege to help provide a platform for them to shine,” said Isaacs.

The three finalists received prizes from Chukka Caribbean, Jamaica Tourist Board, Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Progressive Grocers, Kingston Bookshop, and Devon House. Teachers and staff advisers were also acknowledged and awarded for their roles in preparing the students for competition.

During the one-year tenure, the junior tourism minister will participate in key industry events, including the annual Tourism Awareness Week Youth Forum and will engage in mentorship opportunities and public speaking engagements alongside leaders from the Ministry of Tourism and the Jamaica Tourist Board.

The Tourism Action Club is an initiative of the Jamaica Tourist Board.

General manager at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort Carol Bourke (left) took a brief moment to congratulate the outstanding students and their advisers at the Junior Minister of Tourism Speaking Competition final.

The 2025 Junior Minister of Tourism Caleader Lewison (third right) pauses for a photo with (from left) Ilia Tomlinson, group digital platforms manager at Chukka Caribbean; Lyndsay Isaacs, regional public relations manager for Sandals Ochi Beach Resort; Dana Miller, staff advisor at Hampton School; Lucretia Green, manager of the Tourism Information Centre at the Jamaica Tourist Board; and Odette Soberam-Dyer, regional director for Jamaica at the Jamaica Tourist Board.