Junior Secretary of the Division of Tourism, Culture, and Transportation Jahmone Madden believes this position has given him an opportunity to “inspire others”.

The 15-year-old said the role has proven to be demanding. But he is encouraging Tobago’s youth to join as many clubs as possible.

“You never know where it may take you,” Madden said.

The Roxborough Secondary School student is the first person to fill the Junior Secretary role, after winning the Tourism Youth Forum and Junior Secretary Competition in July.

Students from seven secondary schools—Pentecostal Light and Life Foundation, Speyside High, Scarborough Secondary, Signal Hill Secondary, Roxborough Secondary, Goodwood High and Mason Hall Secondary—participated in the competition.

Madden said many people may not have expected a student from Roxborough to win, but said expectations don’t determine success.

“No matter the school you go, you have to make a difference. Just do the best you can. It’s not the school, it’s the student and what the student wants to accomplish,” he said.

Madden’s activities for the year will involve promoting tourism among the youth. From October 2-5, he will represent this country at the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s State of the Tourism Industry Youth Congress in the Bahamas.

The event will feature Junior Ministers and Commissioners of Tourism from across the region.