Junior Minister of Tourism Raia Cargill will represent The Bahamas at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana.
The Congress will take place on 8 October in Georgetown as part of the State of the Tourism Industry Conference 2026 (SOTIC 2026), which runs from 5 to 9 October.
Speaking at a Junior Minister of Tourism Day assembly at Sunland Baptist Academy on 24 September 2026, Cargill reflected on the opportunities and experiences that shaped her year as Junior Minister. She said tourism is about more than visitors arriving in The Bahamas.
“Tourism is more than visitors arriving on our shores; it is our culture, our creativity, our hospitality, our history, our environment and most importantly, our people,” she said.
The assembly celebrated Cargill’s accomplishments. She also spoke about the importance of giving young people a meaningful role in shaping the country’s future.
“Young Bahamians should have a seat at the table while the future is being designed,” she said, adding that her experience gave her a platform to advocate for opportunities for young people in tourism, culture, entertainment, entrepreneurship and leadership.
The Minister of Tourism, the Hon. Glenys Hanna-Martin, described Cargill as a strong candidate for the regional competition, noting her public-speaking ability and the determination she demonstrated through personal challenges. Hanna-Martin said the Junior Minister programme gives young people valuable exposure to the tourism industry and insight into the discussions shaping its future.
Also present to support Cargill, the Minister for Grand Bahama, the Hon. Ginger M. Moxey, praised her as a young leader whose achievement reflects the creativity and ambition Grand Bahama hopes to nurture.
“Raia, your win in the Junior Minister of Tourism Programme perfectly embodies this new era. You represent the exact fusion of creative energy, leadership and bold thinking that our island and country demand,” she noted.
Cargill encouraged students to remain open to opportunities. She recalled that she initially did not attend a meeting about the Junior Minister programme because she was unsure it was for her. She urged students to learn more, take a chance and avoid disqualifying themselves before they try.
More Photo Highlights Below:
