MARIGOT–Jonathan Hodge (16) was chosen by a panel of judges to be St. Martin’s next Junior Minister of Tourism following a final debate between candidates in the Chamber of Commerce on Monday.
Hodge from French Quarter and five other young candidates from the Collèges of French Quarter and Mont des Accords vied for the role of Junior Minister. He will represent St. Martin during a junior international debate on tourism at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s (CTO) State of the Industry conference in the Bahamas on October 8.
Some may remember that Hodge was the Junior Député representing St. Martin in Parliament in 2012 when Daniel Gibbs was Député for St. Martin and St. Barths.
The other Junior Minister candidates were Vanessa Redhead, Melicia Chance, Nevincia Marcelin, Ronella Polydore, and Brianna Hodge. First runner-up went to Brianna Hodge, second runner-up Ronella Polydore and third runner up was Vanessa Redhead. All six candidates received certificates of appreciation, painted tiles from Ruby Bute, vouchers and a perfume “Garden of Eden” from Tijon Parfumerie.
The judging panel – Tourism Office Vice President Alex Pierre, Tourism Office Interim Director Aida Weinum, historian Daniella Jeffry, teacher Miranda Arnell, and Marketing Consultant and former Tourism Office Director Bernadette Davis – gave the nod to Hodge based on his poise, confidence and knowledge of the subject matter.
Candidates had to be in the 14-17 age range and studying the tourism courses set up by National Education and St. Martin Tourism Office. They also spent time visiting heritage sites and absorbing St. Martin’s culture and tourism product. Originally, 21 students applied to be a Junior Minister, before that was reduced to seven and then to six. The first debate was held in July. Alexandra Carti was the moderator and emcee for the debates.
Chargée de Mission for National Education Evelyne Fleming spoke on teaching tourism in her introduction. She is one of the mentors for the candidates along with Gregoire Dumel.
Candidates had to speak on three topics and a mystery topic. The first topic was Virtual Reality and Tourism; second topic Developing Smart and Sustainable Caribbean Countries – Building back better; and third topic Year of Wellness and Rejuvenation – Enhancing the Caribbean’s Tourism Product. The candidates had to share an idea on each topic, their answers prepared in advance.
Finally, a Mystery Topic with no preparation was thrown in with only one minute to express their ideas. The question was: If you became a Junior Minister what would you like to put in place to attract tourism? Nerves and anxiety got the better of most of the candidates, including Hodge, on this latter topic.
As Hodge explained afterwards: “You’re not thinking much about the question, but worrying more about the one-minute time limit.”
Asked for his reaction at being chosen as Junior Minister, he replied. “I’m very happy and it’s a pleasure to represent the island that I love. I think we were all winners today. It’s just that I’m the one going to the Bahamas.”
His mother said she was not surprised that he won. “He always put his best into everything he does,” she said.
Before the results were announced the judges praised the candidates for their courage. There was kindly and constructive criticism of their presentations that will no doubt help them in the future.
Hodge will now be coached on presentation and tourism subjects to prepare him well for the Bahamas. He will be coached by Evelyne Fleming, members of the St. Martin Tourism Office and economic partners who will provide useful tourism statistics.
Source: The Daily Herald https://www.thedailyherald.sx/islands/80051-jonathan-hodge-is-st-martin-s-new-junior-minister-of-tourism
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