ORANJESTAD, ST. EUSTATIUS--St Eustatius is taking centre stage in regional tourism development this week as its new junior commissioner of tourism, Reuel Schmidt, represents the island at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s (CTO) Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana.
The congress forms a core fixture of the annual State of the Tourism Industry Conference (SOTIC), taking place from 5–9 October 2026 at the Atlantic Suites by Hyatt and Atlantic Conference Center in Georgetown. He succeeds Shatasia Parris, who served as junior commissioner for 2025/26.
Working in close alignment with the St Eustatius Tourism Development Foundation (STDF), Reuel’s mandate focuses on fostering youth leadership and driving local tourism awareness across the island.
During the Youth Congress on Thursday, 8 October, he will stand before a regional audience to argue that the island's next tourism gain could come from getting grandparents, parents, and children onto the same trail, proposing three targeted strategies to position the island as a premier destination for multi-generational family travel that integrates heritage, culture, and educational experiences.
Accompanying Reuel in Guyana is his chaperone, Ilyssa Balgobin of A+ Academic & Professional Training Centre, the institution responsible for the selection process and logistical arrangements for Statia’s junior commissioner. The official delegation also includes Erieenne Brandao, STDF communication specialist, who is representing Tourism Statia across the wider conference forums and media sessions.
"Young people are not waiting to inherit Statia's tourism story; they are already helping to write it," said Maya Pandt, Director of Tourism. " Reuel’s participation at SOTIC not only amplifies the voice of Statia’s young people on a regional stage, but also reinforces our commitment to building an inclusive, forward-thinking tourism sector."
Beyond the main presentation, the week-long programme immerses the young ambassador in dedicated professional development. Highlights include the Future Leaders Forum, "From the Classroom to the Caribbean", specialised training workshops, a Youth Congress networking event, and a cultural gastronomy tour of Georgetown.
Participation in SOTIC fits into STDF's wider destination development work, including its recent strategic collaboration with George Washington University to strengthen Statia's tourism offering. For the island, SOTIC offers regional leadership networking, visibility among tourism decision-makers, a seat in policy discussions, and the chance to exchange best practice in sustainable tourism with neighbouring destinations.
Photo:Reuel Schmidt and his chaperone, Ilyssa Balgobin in Guyana for SOTIC
