Saturday, May 25, 2024 The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) expresses deep sorrow over the passing of Pamela Richards, who served as the U.S. Virgin Islands Commissioner of Tourism and held the position of CTO Chairman.
CTO Chairman Kenneth Bryan, Minister of Tourism and Ports of the Cayman Islands, stated, “The U.S. Virgin Islands and the Caribbean have lost a tireless leader who championed the cause of the Virgin Islands and the broader Caribbean tourism industry.
” Richards’ dedication to tourism and numerous important causes throughout the Virgin Islands helped to advance socioeconomic development and quality of life in the Virgin Islands. “She was an exemplar when it came to service, and her passion, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on the region,” Bryan added . Richards, who chaired the CTO from 2004 to 2006, oversaw the appointment of Vincent Vanderpool-Wallace as Secretary-General in 2005, succeeding Jean Holder who retired in December 2004.
During her tenure, Richards spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at bolstering Caribbean tourism. These included enhancing the collection of tourism data across the region, increasing training and development opportunities for tourism sector employees, creating a top-tier membership site dedicated to best practices, expanding public relations efforts, and fostering sustainable development and cooperation between the public and private sectors through a memorandum of understa.
