The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Staff Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

GRAND Bahama Academy of Seventh-Day Adventist School declared September 11 as 'Layla Leathen Day' in honour of Leathen's victory in the Bahamas Junior Minister of Tourism Speech Competition held in Nassau.

This is the third time a student from Grand Bahama has won this prestigious title.

Layla will represent The Bahamas at the Regional Tourism Youth Congress in the Turks and Caicos Islands from October 9-13, where she will compete against her peers from the Caribbean region.

The school's principal, Jeffrey Jervis, expressed how proud he was of Layla's achievement and described it as an historical moment.

The ceremony was attended by Dr Kenneth Romer, Deputy Director General of Tourism, and Iram Lewis, MP for Central Grand Bahama.

In March, Leathen won the Junior Director of Tourism Speech Competition in Grand Bahama.

Mr Jervis said Leathen’s determination of not giving up after losing her first speech competition serves as an example for many.

“Even though she was disappointed, she used that as (motivation). And, that is why we are here today to celebrate Layla Leathen for what she has accomplished,” he said.

Dr Kenneth Romer said Grand Bahama is known for producing winners, noting that William Maynard, of Sunland Baptist Academy, and Gabrielle Josephs, of Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Academy, had also carried the title of Junior Minister of Tourism. Josephs also won the regional title.

“I wish to recognise our Junior Minister of Tourism Layla Leathen. This distinction sets her apart as an exemplar, role model, and a difference maker. This is a call to excellence, and a call to service, said Dr Romer.

The deputy director general of tourism also noted that Grand Bahama is regaining some ground in tourism.

He reported that GB has recovered 75 percent of pre-pandemic levels, despite being devastated by Hurricane Dorian. He also noted that Grand Bahama is outpacing all the other islands percentage wise in overall visitor arrival gains.

Dr Romer commended tourism professionals in GB for their hard work.

In addition to promoting awareness of the tourism industry among high school students, Dr Romer said the Junior Minister of Tourism programme's long-term goal is to generate a talent pool of young professionals to serve in the tourism industry, and by extension the economy.

The programme encourages high school students to develop leadership, public speaking, problem solving, and team building skills, while promoting an understanding of the importance of tourism to the country, economy and culture.