The Showdown For A Trip To New York

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – An all-expense-paid trip is something we all wish to have, but how about adding a once-in-a-lifetime experience to the pot?

We tell you how two lucky high schoolers won a competition to be a part of the government’s delegation on a coveted trip this September.

A free trip to New York is a sweet offer, but having the opportunity to accompany the prime minister to the United Nations is the cherry on top.

Last Friday, students competed in the Model United Nations competition, hosted by the Rotary Clubs of The Bahamas and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The students were assigned various countries from around the world to represent. I watched an intense display of the brilliance our young people possess. Two of the competitors share their experiences.

Rogan Smith – Student, St. Anne’s
“It’s tough competition. I must say, we all have prepared very, very diligently for this competition. Everyone has been working, staying back after school, staying up until 5 a.m., and then attending Sunday meetings.”

Justice Clarke – Student, Genesis Academy
“Honestly, at first, I really wasn’t interested in studying different countries and all their cultures, but being a part of this program, we’ve been training since January, I’ve learned so much about Haiti, how they have different exports that you wouldn’t be able to ship around the world. So all that has been really cool.”

Coordination team lead, Deandrea Cartwright, and head of the Multilateral & Political Affairs Bureau, Gian Dean, share more on the programme.

Deandrea Cartwright – Coordination Team Lead, Model United Nations
“This program has been in existence for over thirty years at this point, so this is the first time we’re coming back since the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Gian Dean – Head of Multilateral & Political Affairs Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
“We want them to know the possibilities that are out there, including career paths in diplomacy. So, having them attend with The Bahamas delegation at the United Nations is just an invaluable experience. To sit in the magnitude of the General Assembly Hall, where presidents and prime ministers speak, is a wonderful, extremely important opportunity for the students.”