Scores bid farewell to tourism pioneer Robert Hendricks

WESTERN BUREAU:

Scores of people gathered on Sunday at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James to bid final goodbye to esteemed businessman and tourism stalwart, the late Robert Hendricks. Known to many as a visionary, a patriot, and a pioneer in the local business and tourism community, Hendricks was admired for his unwavering belief in bipartisanship, and for always prioritising friendship and business over politics.

Tribute after tribute spoke of a man who was not only well respected by his peers, but one who was clearly ahead of his time and who had left an indelible mark on the business community in western Jamaica, notably in tourism.

“Robert was one of those persons who had an unwavering belief in his country … a firm believer in doing his part in making a difference not only in the lives of those around him, but also in the development and economic well-being of his country,” Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett noted in a tribute that was read by Odette Dyer, regional director – Jamaica Tourist Board.

“He was also a firm believer in Jamaica 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,” Bartlett noted.

Former People’s National Party (PNP) President and Opposition Leader Dr Peter Phillips said the Robert Hendricks he remembers was a man who didn’t allow politics to define his life and business decisions, always doing what is best for his community and, by extension, his country regardless of political affiliation.

“This was a man who made his contributions, oftentimes without any form of fanfare,” Dr Phillips pointed out. “He was a great human being, which is evident by the massive turnout we see here today. His main contribution to the tourism industry will be remembered (as) his challenging the [ status quo] at the time and by ensuring that there was some semblance of equity, where more Jamaicans were brought into the fray … and that the sector was not just for a selected few.”

REMARKABLE JOURNEY

Opposition Spokesperson on Tourism Janice Allen, who read a tribute on behalf of Opposition Leader Mark Golding, said that Hendricks will be remembered as a true patriot and a man who made a difference in the lives of others.

“He was well known throughout the tourism sector, where he made his mark. It is also worth knowing that within the transportation sector, he was also a major force. He contributed significantly to our tourism product,” Golding noted.

Friend Marianne Henry, who read the eulogy, said Hendricks’ remarkable journey with Lollipop on the Beach and numerous other tourism contributions has left an enduring legacy. Businessman, friend and travelling partner Fred

Smith, who shared some of the many overseas tourism-related trips made with Hendricks, said, “Robert was someone who did things his way, but with positive effect.”

Hendricks entered the tourism sector in the late 1970s. He started out as the owner of Lollipop on the Beach in Sandy Bay, Hanover, and later set up Caribbean World Enterprises in St James. He also partnered in the establishment of the Aquasol Beach Complex in Montego Bay. Years later, he joined the ground and tour operating company Tropical Tours in sales and marketing.

In 2020, he was recognised with the Spirit of Independence Award by the St James Municipal Corporation for outstanding contribution to the tourism sector.

Hendricks died at his home in St James on December 29. He was 75 years old. He had been ailing for a few months.

janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com