CHARLESTOWN, Nevis – April 28, 2026 – Nevis’ tourism sector is turning to its next generation of leaders, with the Nevis Island Administration’s Ministry of Tourism officially kicking off the 2026 Bank of Nevis (BON) Limited Tourism Youth Congress at a breakfast launch hosted by Montpelier Plantation and Beach Hotel for competing student candidates.
Nine students from Nevis’ three secondary schools have earned selection to compete in this year’s event. Three candidates – Ajernee Hodge, Alison Gishard, and Jeremiah Addai – will represent Gingerland Secondary School; Charlestown Secondary School has fielded Excellence Nisbett, Fantasia Stoby, and Rondre Daniel; and three students, Alexis Peart, Karissa Tyrell, and Kayla Mendonca, will compete on behalf of Nevis International Secondary School.
Speaking at the launch, Nevis Premier and Minister of Tourism Hon. Mark Brantley extended his congratulations to the selected students, framing their participation as a meaningful investment in the island’s most critical economic driver. Brantley stressed that tourism has long anchored Nevis’ growth, positioning it as one of the world’s most attractive small-island destinations. He noted that the core mission of the Youth Congress is to foster a sense of pride, stewardship, and care for the island’s natural and cultural assets that draw visitors from across the globe.
Brantley urged candidates to look beyond the competitive structure of the event, encouraging them to see their involvement as an opportunity to shape the future of Nevis’ tourism sector immediately. “We often say young people are future leaders, but I believe you are present leaders,” he told the group. “You don’t need to wait to start contributing to your home. Bring your best today, and leave your mark now.”
While only one winner will advance to represent Nevis at the regional Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana later this year, Brantley emphasized that every participant’s input holds lasting value for the island. He added that he has full confidence that whichever candidate moves forward will represent Nevis with distinction and build strong connections across the Caribbean tourism community.
BON Chief Executive Officer Denrick Liburd also spoke at the launch, explaining that the bank’s long-standing sponsorship of the program grows out of its deep belief in Nevis youth and their ability to reimagine the island’s tourism future. After last year’s tightly contested competition at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre (NEPAC), Liburd noted that it was clear the sector’s future is in capable hands. “The depth of knowledge and creativity our young people brought to last year’s event made one thing clear: they understand both the challenges our tourism sector faces and the vast opportunities we have to elevate and transform the visitor experience,” he said.
Vanessa Webbe, Product Development Manager at the Ministry of Tourism, outlined the structure and goals of the annual initiative. The Youth Congress is open to students aged 14 to 17, and the eventual winner will take on the title of Junior Youth Tourism Minister for a one-year term. During their tenure, the winner will gain hands-on exposure to regional and local tourism projects and represent Nevis at the CTO’s annual regional congress.
The 2026 competition was chaired at the launch by outgoing Junior Youth Tourism Minister Khayla Claxton. Additional remarks were delivered by Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary John Hanley, and Winston Cooke gave a featured address focused on the intersection of cultural industries and tourism innovation.
Local residents and visitors alike are invited to attend the main Tourism Youth Congress competition, scheduled for 5:00 p.m. on May 12 at NEPAC, to cheer on Nevis’ young tourism ambassadors.