Bermuda's new Youth Tourism Minister, Coy Kijaun Millett says he is still in shock over his victory last Thursday at the competition, which was held at Hamilton Princess.

A casting call was held earlier in the month for young people between the ages of 15 to 17 years to test their public speaking skills and try out to be Bermuda's next Youth Tourism Minister.

The 16-year-old Warwick Academy student, who entered the competition last year but did not place, was encouraged by his father to re-enter.

His father Coy Ratteray who described his current state as euphoric said: "I encouraged him not to give up and to try again, because I knew his potential.

"I am so proud of him and I know this is not the end for him."

The S3 student said: "To jump from the bottom five last year to the winner this year is an amazing experience. I'm still in shock and it hasn't really hit me yet that I won."

He said that his parents are really excited because of the opportunities he will reap from the experience.

He also acknowledged the tough competition that he was up against and said throughout the whole experience he has made some valuable friends.

He said: "We're all really committed to this and all of us had a great chance of winning.

"We had lots of sleepless nights preparing and we have all grown closer. I really hope we remain friends."

Coming in second place was Ashjuanna Thomas of CedarBridge Academy and former Miss Teen Bermuda, Alexa Lightbourne of Berkeley Institute placing third.

Kijuan said the competition consisted of a prepared essay and a two-minute impromptu speech.

For their prepared speech, they had to write about two ideas to improve tourism and the environment.

Kijaun said that his ideas were to educate the community from the primary school level to adults on the subjects.

He said: "For the primary school students, my idea was to have a Green Club (teaching them about tourism and how to protect the environment).

"For the senior high school level there would be Green Days where the focus would be on tourism and the environment and on those days there would be school clean ups."

For the impromptu round the debaters were given three minutes to prepare a two-minute speech.

The topic for the speech was: 'What would you take as a show and tell to someone outside of Bermuda, which will highlight the Island?'

Kijaun said: "I chose to take pink sand, make codfish and potato breakfast.

"I also said I would take pictures of Bermuda's people, the beach and highlight other tourist attractions."

He said that he was not as nervous until the night of the competition.

"I was extremely nervous when the competition started but when I heard everyone else's speeches and saw their delivery I realised we were all just as nervous.

"But I think that my training really paid off."

Kijaun attributes his winning of the competition, partially to his trainer, Naomi Schroter and the support of the competition organisers Tashae Thompson and Shane Mora.

"Those three really helped me out," he said.

Ms Schroter who is proud of all the contestants said: "I had the pleasure of assisting in the selection and coaching of the twelve finalists over the past three weeks.

"During that time I was able to observe the interaction and camaraderie between the contestants.

"Only minutes before the final competition, the group joined hands and Kijaun and Miquel Tankard led them in a prayer giving thanks for the friendships they had formed and wishing each other success.

"It was a very close match between Kijaun and the first runner up, Ashjuhanna, which added to the drama of the evening.

"Kijaun stood head and shoulders above many of his peers not only in stature but also in confidence. His previous experience with last year's competition had obviously helped to prepare him.

"In his selection interview he stated that he was very focused to ensure the best outcome in whatever he did.

"Each day he showed his commitment by catching the bus from Warwick Academy to Paget and then doubling back to Bermuda College and walking from the bus stop in the heat to our practice room.

"Many may have whined that they didn't have a bike or private transportation, but he persevered."

Kijaun said: "Some nights I had to put tourism over school work but my school was very supportive by allowing me extended deadlines on assignments.

His principal Maggie McCorkwell said: "I am so proud of him. His is a wonderful example of someone who doesn't give up by re-entering the competition the second year and winning it.

"I was very impressed by the poise and standard of eloquence, preparation and hard work."

The next step for Kijuan is to represent Bermuda as the Youth Minister of Tourism in the Trinidad competition.

"God willing I will win that victory for Bermuda, I hope to represent the Island well."

The Royal Gazette asked Kijaun how he feels about the current state of tourism and how it can improve.

He said: "There's always room for improvement and I commend Dr. Brown for not letting the US recession hinder him from progressing in tourism.

"I think we can attract more visitors it's just the way we market our Island.

He said that if he could add anything it would be getting youths more involved and excited about tourism.

Kijuan plans to attend university and study Human Resources and Business, possibly with in the tourism sector.

Of the recent rise of violence, the new Youth Minister said: "It is not worth it at all. We should be looking to do things that are constructive and build up the country rather than destroying it and pulling down what those before us have worked so hard to build up. That's just disrespectful."

The other finalists who did not place were Rachel Antonition and Ashley Bradey of Mount Saint Agnes, Camille Creary of Bermuda High School for Girls, Kascia White, Arianna Hodgson, Jonathan Jervis, Gerteikqua Hatherley and Maquel Tankard of Bermuda Institute.