During its 60th Anniversary Annual General Meeting on February 28th, 2024, the SLHTA recognized tourism pioneer Gilland Adjodha.
In the early 70’s Adjodha partnered with his friend and taxi driver Horace Charlemagne to form Carib Touring Limited, a Destination Management Company which was based at the Cunard La Toc Hotel.
He started out with four vehicles and grew to an extensive fleet providing transportation services and sightseeing to the guests of the hotel, staff transportation for team members, a number of International Tour Operators and British Airways Crew to name a few.
The company was the sole provider of sightseeing excursions for the Cunard ships on a weekly basis.
He expanded and provided Car Rental and Happy Chappys, which were essential, small sized motor cycles for guests to explore the island.
Adjodha ventured into providing excursions by Sea. The popular Land and Sea tour which we all know today was borne out of his creative thinking alongside team member Heidi St. Clair.
His innovative spirit led him onto the airline business where he launched Winlink Airlines which provided inter island tours to Martinique, Dominica and the Grenadines as well as daily service to neighboring islands.
Gilland believed that there was a need for additional attractions and renovated the Sugar Mill in Anse La Raye which was well patronized by visitors. He then went on to establish Gaiety on Rodney Bay and the Cotton Bay Hotel.
Gilland loved life. He loved his island. His love for Tourism knew no bounds and that is why we celebrate him.
Adjodha passed away on February 11th 2021.
His sister Marise Skeete received the award on his behalf.
SOURCE: Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association
Indeed a pioneer. Is that sugar mill still around if not let’s bring it back, Anse la Raye needs more. In fact I think these site should be protected by government. I remember him as an avid horticulturalist in his latter years.
Salute to Mr Pioneer himself. It is so unfortunate that he had to be recognised when he has gone to meet his maker. This man was a forward thinker and much of what he has done, tourism related, still have not been showcased. One accolade that I can give to him is the immense imput he played in nurturing many tour reps and tour guides in the field, many who have gone on to manage their own travel agencies. He was the ground handeller for both Cunard Cruises and British Airways as well. Kudos to Mr Gilland Adjodha for his great and unmatched contribution to StLucia’s Tourism product.
I wasn’t in his circle of friends or age group. I always admired him. The man exuded a vibe that’s not common. Poor kids should always have a successful reference point.
Gilland was a tremendous gift to us all.
Gilland was a gentleman.
This accolade is well deserved. Always ready to impart knowledge whenever we met and even recommended a few books to me. I believe that his works and achievements should be documented as part of our Growth as a country in Tourism and Hospitality.