Hendricks cited for significant contribution to tourism product
Published:Saturday | December 30, 2023 | 12:10 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
The passing of veteran tour operator Robert Hendricks has sent shock waves throughout the island’s tourism sector, eliciting expressions of sadness from many, including Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett and Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism, Senator Janice Allen.
The 75-year-old owner of Caribbean World passed away at his home in Montego Bay, St James, yesterday morning after a brief illness.
Senator Allen expressed her grief, stating, “I am deeply saddened and shocked to learn of Robert’s passing. Robert, well known in the industry, particularly within the transportation sector, made significant contributions to our tourism product.”
Reflecting on his remarkable journey with ‘Lollipop on the Beach’ in Sandy Bay, Hanover, Senator Allen noted his numerous contributions to the industry, leaving behind an enduring legacy that will extend far beyond his time.
It was his work that placed Sandy Bay in Hanover on the tourism map, as ‘Lollipop’ became a signature attraction and a major employer for the community.
“During this difficult time, our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” stated Allen.
Faith in his country
Bartlett, in a release, described Hendricks as one of the pillars of Jamaica’s post-independence tourism industry.
“Robert was one of those notable Jamaicans who had an abiding faith in his country and was a firm believer in the contribution tourism could make to its development and the economic life of the people,” said Bartlett, noting that Hendricks’ contribution to tourism accumulatively spanned over 40 years and that he was a trailblazer in all aspects of the word.
“Robert Hendricks was a firm believer in Jamaicans owning a share of the tourism pie and being involved at senior management levels. He demonstrated this as an entrepreneur in the tours, ground transportation and entertainment subsectors of the industry,” the minister recalled.
“He actually revolutionised marketing and sales, pioneering the introduction of tour guides and opening up thinking to different levels of marketing concepts that have been emulated by others in the tourism industry,” he added.
Bartlett offered condolences to Hendricks’ family and his colleagues, noting that he will be sincerely missed for his personality and what he brought to bear in tourism.
Longstanding friend Fred Smith of Tropical Tours, who extensively travelled with Hendricks globally, described him as a visionary who played a key role in the introduction of tour guides on tourist buses.
“He was the ultimate salesman and was always interested in Jamaica’s tourism development. For him, the most important thing was the livelihood of the people of this country.”
Hendricks’ business partner, Bhaskar Reddy of Bhavela/Tuff Gong, remained in a state of disbelief when he spoke with The Gleaner yesterday afternoon, saying Hendricks was “one of the greatness human beings to grace this earth”.
“He was always available no matter what hour of the day or night,” Reddy shared.
During Hendricks’ chairmanship of Rusea’s High School in Hanover, the development of schoolboy football made significant strides. The school won the daCosta Cup multiple times during his tenure.
‘A decent human being’
Hendricks, who entered the tourism sector in the late 1970s, worked at JAM Tours, operated SunMar Tours, and later joined the late Ralph Smith at Tropical Tours.
“He was a good marketing person, helping to keep the ship steady at Tropical Tours,” said Smith.
Attorney-at-law and friend of over 30 years, Henry McCurdy, spoke of a man who was a teacher to all young business operators in the parishes of St James and Hanover.
“He was selfless, encouraging, and a decent human being. The tourism sector has lost a good soul and one of the greatest negotiators in the sector,” said McCurdy, adding that Hendricks was immensely kind and played the role of a good Comrade who never saw colour.
A member of the Breakfast Club at the Pelican Grill, Montego Bay’s most popular restaurant, Hendricks worked tirelessly in his Caribbean World office up to Thursday, providing exceptional service.