Tourism pioneer Joanne Jardim passes away

Joanne Jardim, tourism pioneer and the developer of the Shanklands Resort on the Essequibo River has passed away, according to former Minister of Tourism, Cathy Hughes.

In a statement last night, Hughes said that in 1980 Jardim with the help of her husband Max began the arduous task of turning 98 acres of harsh, untouched tropical rainforest on the Essequibo River, fondly referred to as “the wild west” into Guyana’s first world class eco -resort.

“By 1990 at a time when few ventured into tourism development and the potential financial returns were bleak, Shanklands began operations with its sprawling manicured lawns, and gingerbread cottages providing as its first priority `an opportunity for Guyanese to enjoy the beauty of our country and the magnificence of the Essequibo River’ as recounted by Mrs. Jardim”, Hughes said.

In its close to 30 years of existence, Hughes said that Shanklands Rainforest Resort boasted teeming wildlife, over 210 species of birds, abundant flora and fauna and hosted an array of International visitors especially birdwatchers.

Most importantly, Hughes said the Shanklands Rainforest Resort was a vibrant and active founding member of the Tourism and Hospitality Association of Guyana and winner of several of its Tourism Awards.

Hughes said that in 2003 the pioneer spirit of Joanne Jardim, the Company’s quality product and high international standards were recognized by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation when it celebrated its 50th Anniversary at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

“There Joanne Jardim walked with pride, the Golden Arrowhead being carried next to her, to receive the CTO’s Lifetime Award for her pioneering work in tourism in Guyana”, Hughes said.

Immediate Past President of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association, Patricia Alphonso-Dass in lamenting the loss of Jardim described her as “A beautiful life lived with grace and filled with Love”.

“Today we salute Joanne Jardim and her sterling contribution to the development of Tourism in Guyana.

Like many, I am forever grateful for the stories she shared with me which reflected her strong spirit of determination about what can be achieved through hard work, collaboration and a commitment to beautiful Guyana”, Alphonso-Dass said.

Jardim and her husband put the nature getaway on the market in 2008 and migrated to Canada.