John Gray High School student named tourism ambassador

Aylani Morris Seymour, 16, has been named the 2025 tourism ambassador, beating three other finalists in the Ministry of Tourism’s Speak-off competition.

In front of a packed Hotel Indigo ballroom on Thursday, Morris Seymour, of John Gray High School, along with students Tashyla Thompson-Brown of Grace Christian Academy, Bella Maia Persaud of John Gray High School, and Arina Punambolam of Cayman International School battled to be the next ambassador.

The two rounds of the speak-off comprised a presentation of a chosen topic related to Caribbean tourism, heritage tourism, sustainable transport and digital transformation, as well as a mystery round.

Seymour impressed judges and attendees with her content, persuasiveness, knowledge of presentation, delivery, creativity, originality and innovative approaches, unique perspective and fresh insights into the topic.

Thursday’s showdown was the final phase of the competition, aimed at developing students’ in-depth knowledge of tourism and the issue which impact the business locally, regionally and internationally, giving them valuable experiences through their interaction with each other, and improving their communication, reasoning and public-speaking skills. The competition is open to students, aged between 14 and 17, enrolled in a Cayman Islands secondary school.

The four finalists were selected from a public speaking video competition of some 14 entries held earlier this year.

‘I’m overjoyed’

“I think words can’t express how happy I am right now,” Morris Seymour told the Cayman Compass. “It’s a different type of joy knowing that I’m here to represent for my country, and I come from generations of Caymanians; it just [breathes] life into me. The joy of hearing my name when they said the winner, I was so happy. I don’t think words can even express it. I’m overjoyed.”

She said competing against the other students was intimidating.

“The finalists I went against are amazing, they’re so talented, I had fear… my chest was beating out of my heart … I was very nervous, but I think it was something that taught me how to present myself in a way to convey [to] the audience better. I learnt some skills from the Toastmasters and the whole process overall,” she said.

Commenting on the “vigorous” competitive journey, Morris Seymour noted, “We had our ‘Know Our Cayman Islands’ training, which kind of helped further my idea of Cayman, but a lot of things made me feel good because I knew them, so I was able to contribute and add ideas into that. We also learned meanings of [cultural] things, and for Toastmasters, that experience was something I can’t even explain. I’m so grateful to them, they brought me ideas on how to present myself, impromptu rounds, visual aids, delivery, they were just genuinely a big help.”

Future of tourism

During his remarks, Minister for Tourism Gary Rutty noted this year’s competition was set against the backdrop of transformation and the topics are “timely, relevant to the development of tourism, both here at home and across the Caribbean”.

He added, “As young people representing the future of our country, it is appropriate and important to listen to your thoughts and help to overcome challenges as well as embracing opportunities.”

He issued a call to action for all young people to “imagine the future boldly and to speak with the clarity and courage that tomorrow demands”.

He said, “I see the future of tourism, not just as an economic engine, but as a tool for empowerment, for sustainability and for pride in our identity and our heritage.”

Marzeta Bodden, deputy director of tourism product development for the Department of Tourism, applauded the finalists for “their outstanding achievements and dedication, and the journey to the stage, which is a true testament to your talent, and your unwavering commitment to excellence”.

She added, “Together we are shaping a brighter future for the Cayman Islands and fostering the next generation … of tourism ambassadors who lead with passion, integrity, and innovation.”

Looking ahead

Morris Seymour said she wants to be able to come back after university and represent Cayman because “tourism definitely speaks to me”.

She takes over the ambassadorship reins from fellow JGHS student Garson Gardiner, last year’s winner and the 2025 chairperson.

Along with the title of tourism ambassador, Morris Seymour walked away with several prizes including $1,000 in cash, a trophy, gift certificate and two Cayman Airways tickets to any destination.

Over the next year, she will undergo leadership training, learn about media engagement and participate in tourism-related activities, as well as get the chance to represent the country at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s Youth Congress in October this year, and serve as a youth advocate, promoting tourism and empowerment across the islands.

Her main goal is win the CTO’s Tourism Speak-off, “but most of all, just to show myself and represent our country, to get everyone to understand this is a small island but it’s so full of everything, so I want to make sure I gain my experience, learn and meet new people, but I really want to take home the win for Cayman.”