[NIA] CHARLESTOWN NEVIS – Ms. Neila Jones, a student of the Gingerland Secondary School (GSS) was named the 2013 Caribbean Junior Minister of Tourism after representing Nevis in the Caribbean Youth Tourism (CTO) Congress, at a conference held in Martinique on October 18, 2013. She competed with 14 other participants from around the Caribbean.
Minister of Tourism Hon. Mark Brantley travelled to the GSS on October 22, 2013, and congratulated Ms. Jones during a special assembly in celebration of her achievement. During brief remarks, Mr. Brantley told Jones her triumph was one of deep pride.
“I am very happy to be here this morning and I just wanted to come personally because I think it is important that we convey our deep pride, our deep joy and our tremendous sense of accomplishment that our student, Neila Jones has gone to Martinique and conquered the world,” he said.
Minister Brantley explained that the win for Nevis in that contest was a first.
“The Gingerland Secondary School because of her performance is now on the map; Nevis because of her performance is now on the map. Something very special happened in Martinique because it is the first time since the inception of the competition that Nevis has won.
“Nevis has been involved time and time again but this is the very first time that Nevis has won and from all reports…Neila did not just beat them, she beat them by a mile,” he said.
Mr. Brantley used the opportunity to encourage the GSS students to be dedicated and hard workers to ensure success.
“I want you all to be creditably proud of her, as we are in the Ministry of Tourism proud of her. I want her experience to say to each and every one of you, whether you are in 1st Form or fifth Form, it really doesn’t matter, that each and every one of you has the potential to go out and to compete and to win. All it requires is dedication and hard work,” he said.
Also present at the brief ceremony was Principal Education Officer Mrs. Palsy Wilkin who also congratulated Miss Jones on her achievement and the team of teachers and individuals who assisted Miss Jones in preparation for the competition and her father Mr. Neil Jones.