Vernan George
The Ministry of Tourism, in collaboration with Delisle Walwyn & Company Ltd, hosted its annual Inter-Primary Schools Tourism Quiz on Tuesday, February 17, at the Nevis Performing Arts Centre (NEPAC).
Among the dignitaries in attendance were Hon. Mark Brantley, Premier of Nevis; Hon. Troy Liburd, Minister of Education; John Hanley, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Tourism; Atalia Jeffers, Education Officer; Vanessa Webbe, Product Development Officer in the Ministry of Tourism; and Pastor Ron Daniel.
In her welcoming remarks, Vanessa Webbe greeted the participants warmly.
“Welcome one and all. Students who are taking part on stage this morning, a very warm welcome to you. You are our stars today. You’ll be teaching us a lot about tourism. Just answer with confidence and remember it’s all a learning experience for all of us. So relax, enjoy, and have a bit of fun as well. Let us enjoy today in a spirit of excellence and applaud the students,” she said.
Education Officer Atalia Jeffers emphasised the broader significance of the event.
“Today is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of knowledge, culture, heritage and the beauty of our tourism industry. Even when we are researching to put questions together, we are learning so much as well. Tourism is not just about visitors coming to our shores; it is about who we are. It tells our story, and some of that story will come out in the quiz today,” she stated.
Jeffers noted that the Ministry and Department of Education were pleased to once again partner with the Ministry of Tourism, bridging learning and national development while shaping students into ambassadors of Nevis.
“Tourism is not just an industry; it is a showcase of our identity. It highlights our heritage, our culture, our environment and the unmatched hospitality of our people. This competition empowers students to learn, appreciate and promote Nevis with pride,” she added.
Premier Mark Brantley also addressed the gathering, praising the students and their support systems.
“I’m very proud of these youngsters who are here on the stage today. They represent what is great about our little island, and they could not be here without the support of their parents, caregivers and importantly their teachers,” he said.
He reminded participants that simply qualifying for the competition was an achievement.
“The fact that you’re here, the fact that you are on stage, you are already winners. Don’t spend too much time worrying about who comes first, second or third. Do your very best because every experience helps in your development,” the Premier encouraged.
Brantley also highlighted the importance of tourism to the island’s economy.
“Tourism is everybody’s business. It impacts all of us. The revenue that government earns from tourism helps to pay our teachers, fix our schools, repair our roads and maintain facilities like NEPAC. When I say tourism concerns all of us, it’s because it truly does,” he said, urging everyone to serve as ambassadors for Nevis.
Participating schools and representatives were:
Charlestown Primary School – Chelcia Lakhran and Ivandria Weekes
Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School – Te’adrian Tross and Taz-naeja Wilkin
Ivor Walters Primary School – Kamorli Warner and Cielle Liburd
Joycelyn Liburd Primary School – K’Nyah Maynard and Aaron Daljit
Montessori Academy – Naiim Morton and Kimani David
St. Thomas Primary School – Renee James and Myesha Jeffers
Violet O. Jeffers Nichols Primary School – Karri Daniel and Syian Jones
The competition featured three rounds: Cultural Heritage; Geography and Environment; and Caribbean Tourism. Each student answered one question per round.
After three rounds of intense competition, a tie between Joycelyn Liburd Primary School (JLPS), Violet O. Jeffers Nichols Primary School (VOJN) and Elizabeth Pemberton Primary School (EPPS) for the second and third spots led to a tie-breaker.
At the conclusion of the quiz, Montessori Academy emerged victorious. Violet O. Jeffers Nichols Primary School secured second place, while Joycelyn Liburd Primary School finished third.
