Standing before the competition judges last Thursday, Cedar International School student Bryan Leue merely nodded when he heard the question for the first time.
“In your opinion, what are the three key professions in the tourism industry that can make or break high-quality visitor experience. Please expand on one,” prompted Kareem-Nelson Hull, the moderator of the BVI Tourist Board’s Junior Minister of Tourism debate competition.
Mr. Leue didn’t seem nervous. He clutched the inside edges of his blazer jacket with both hands, thought a moment, uncapped a blue ballpoint pen, and jotted down a few notes.
Then he gave his answer: Hotel staff, tour guides and chefs are the key positions in the Virgin Islands tourism industry, he said, singling out chefs for further comment in a speech that lasted just under two minutes.
Seated next to Mr. Leue, who would go on to take second place in the competition, were his two opponents: Avocét Brooks, the first place winner, and Allydah George, who finished third.
See the June 6, 2013 edition for full coverage.
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