Jr. Tourism Minister Representative, Eleuthera

The Eleutheran is honoured to have the opportunity to feature Ms. Anya Fernander, the current Jr. Minister of Tourism Representative here on the island. On August 17th, Ms. Fernander, a senior at Central Eleutheran High School (CEHS) completed a 2 week internship at the Ministry of Tourism, Eleuthera.

The 16-year-old credits her mother Betty Cadet as her inspiration. Cadet was a waitress at Unique Village Hotel & Resort and now serves as a bartender at Ronnie's Hideaway. "I feel as if God has placed her here in the image of him to carry me through my days and help strengthen me." says Anya. Anya Lashaundra Fernander was the name given by her father Shervin Fernander who she describes as an intelligent individual that shows interest in her, his only child while trying his hardest to guide her in the right direction. As noted previously, Anya attends CEHS in Palmetto Point, where she's in the 12th grade. She hopes to pursue studies in Law at the College Of The Bahamas initially and then further her education elsewhere. "Life means so much to me because someone took time to create me in his own special way that's why I thank God everyday for waking me up and me seeing another wonderful day." In 2007 the teen student, was invited to be a candidate in Eleuthera to become the Representative for the Ministry of Tourism's Junior Minister of Tourism position. She wrote an essay/speech under the topic: "Health and Wellness Tourism", and placed first on the island. In so doing, she earned a trip to Nassau to compete to become the National Junior Minister of Tourism Representative among 20 other candidates. "This was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life," said Anya who was able to secure an admirable 9th place. "I was disappointed, but I quickly accepted that you win some and you lose some, and from all experiences my job is to take enough from it to further my growth and development.” Another perk of being the Junior Minister of Tourism representative for Eleuthera was the internship opportunity at the Ministry of Tourism, Eleuthera this August. From her perspective, the experience provided her with the opportunity to get great insight into the Tourism Product and knowledge of what visitors to Eleuthera are looking for and what they expect. In Her Own Words "I will be giving up my title as Jr. Minister of Tourism Representative, Eleuthera this fall but I look forward to assisting the new Representative for Eleuthera as well as to assist the Ministry of Tourism, Eleuthera and the community with speaking and public appearances on behalf of the Junior Minister of Tourism program. I can just picture myself one day walking along the shores saying to myself, "I finally became what I wanted to become and now am doing something for my country. The best day of my life will be the day I can truly appreciate what I've done for myself, my family and others". "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, Philippians 4:13 and through Christ anything and everything is possible. I always believed that the road to success is not straight because life has many curves, hills and corners but what is life without obstacles that you have to face?" One of her favourite quotes: "Life is a loop of Confusion with the speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs, but if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success."

Copyright, The Eleutheran News Agency 2008-2010.

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