A Saltus Grammar School pupil claimed the top prize in the 2026 Bermuda Youth Tourism Speech Competition.

Christopher Madeiros will represent the island at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Regional Tourism Youth Congress in Guyana next month.

He and ten other pupils, from schools across Bermuda, spent the summer deepening their tourism knowledge and strengthening their public-speaking skills.

Following the August 27 preliminary round, three students advanced to the final, which was held last Thursday at the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, where they delivered speeches and responded to a mystery question.

Joining Mr Madeiros in the final were, Simari-Lee Burch, from Bermuda Institute, who claimed second place, and Princess Mitch Dioko, The Berkeley Institute, who finished third.

Presented by the Bermuda Tourism Authority, in partnership with Bermuda Youth Parliament, the programme gives young Bermudians a platform to explore tourism, build confidence and bring their own perspectives to conversations about the industry.

Mr Madeiros’s speech explored migration in the Caribbean and the potential for deeper integration among Caricom countries.

He said: “Representing Bermuda in Guyana is an amazing opportunity — not just for myself, but also for all of the young people in Bermuda who feel so passionate.

“I’m excited to bridge what I’ve done in these spaces and present that at a regional level.”

Mr Madeiros will join students from across the Caribbean at the youth congress, where he will exchange views and build connections.

Jan Hutton, the BTA chief executive, said: “Christopher should be incredibly proud of what he has accomplished.

“It takes courage to stand up and speak from the heart, and he did it with real talent and a self-belief that’s inspiring.

“The whole island will be behind him as he represents Bermuda at the regional competition.

“It's been wonderful to watch these students grow in confidence and to hear what they have to say.

“They've challenged themselves, put in the work and brought their own Bermudian experiences to this journey.

“Tourism belongs to all of us, and I hope this experience has shown them, and every young Bermudian, that their voices can help shape where it goes next.”