Three students were recognised for representing the Virgin Islands in the FCCA Foundation 2025 Children’s Competitions, during a brief award presentation ceremony held at the Cyril B. Romney Tortola Pier Park on Wednesday, 1 July.

Junior Minister for Tourism, Honourable Luce Hodge-Smith, presented participation awards to Louis Gabe Biala of Jost Van Dyke Primary School, Layla Zoe Saniana of Ebenezer Thomas Primary School, and Lionel Hodge of Elmore Stoutt High School in recognition of their creativity, commitment, and willingness to represent the Virgin Islands on the regional stage.

The annual FCCA Foundation competitions bring together students from destinations across the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) partnership to promote tourism awareness, creativity, and environmental stewardship. This year’s themes invited students to explore tourism through an essay competition titled, “If I were a cruise passenger, what would I like to see or do in my country?” and an environmental poster competition themed, “How to Protect the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities.”

Although the Virgin Islands did not place among this year’s regional winners, the FCCA Foundation recognised each participating student with a participation award in acknowledgement of their efforts and contribution.
Junior Minister Hodge-Smith commended the students for embracing the opportunity to showcase their ideas and talents while representing the Territory.

Honourable Hodge-Smith said, “I commend each of these students for proudly representing The Virgin Islands through their creativity, dedication, and enthusiasm. While competitions celebrate achievement, participation itself reflects courage, curiosity, and a willingness to learn. I encourage more of our young people to take advantage of opportunities such as these to develop their talents while gaining a deeper appreciation for tourism and environmental stewardship, both of which are vital to the future of our Territory.”

The Junior Minister also thanked parents, teachers, principals, and school communities for encouraging students to participate and supporting their educational and personal development.

The ceremony was attended by officials from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sustainable Development, including Assistant Secretary Ms. Sasha Flax, along with parents, guardians, school representatives, and other invited guests.

The Ministry congratulates all participating students and looks forward to even greater participation and success in future FCCA Foundation competitions.

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The Government of the Virgin Islands is committed to promoting good governance and the sustainable development of the Territory with a view to ensuring a well-informed, prosperous, cohesive and stable society. The Premier’s Office serves as the focal point for coordinating cross-sectoral policies and programmes and advancing the Territory’s development priorities in support of that vision.