At just 14 years old, Montego Bay High School student Thaejadore Kerr has talked her way to the top, capturing the title of Jamaica’s Junior Minister of Tourism after outshining the island’s best young public speakers.
The third-form student emerged victorious in the finals of the Minister of Tourism Public Speaking Competition, held at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios.
She defeated Govaunia James of Mannings High School, who placed second, while Nathan Clarke of Glenmuir High secured third place.
With the win, Thaejadore will represent Jamaica at the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana later this year.
“This was a very great experience,” the young champion told The Gleaner after her victory.
“Just the opportunity in general, and the fact that these persons from many different schools entered the competition, it presented an opportunity for students to learn about tourism and gather knowledge and so forth, and propose ideas and innovations to better the tourism sector.”
She said she is eagerly anticipating the regional competition, which will also mark her first visit to another Caribbean country.
“I’m looking forward to it. It will be my first time journeying to another Caribbean country. I’m excited to share my ideas and everything that I want in terms of presenting, and just the opportunity. I’m grateful for it and I’m definitely looking forward to it,” she said.
Faithlyn Anderson, one of Montego Bay High’s Tourism Action Club advisors, credited Thaejadore’s success to her dedication and passion for the subject.
“Thaejadore has always had a gift for connecting with an audience, but what set her apart this year was how deeply she understood the material behind her presentations,” Anderson said.
“She didn’t just memorise talking points. She asked questions, did her own research and made the subject matter her own.”
Thaejadore will now be hoping to improve on Jamaica’s best recent performance in the regional competition, after Hampton School’s Caleader Lewison finished second last year.
The regional finals are scheduled for October 5-9 in Guyana during the State of the Tourism Industry Conference.