Minister Bartlett Hails Late Businessman as True Friend of Tourism

Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, has hailed late St. Ann businessman Gobind Chatani as “a true friend of tourism”.

Mr. Chatani, who spent over 50 years in tourism and was considered a pioneer in the duty-free sector, died on February 16 at a private health facility in Montego Bay, St. James.

“Gobind has been a friend of the tourism sector for many years, winning many awards and accolades,” Minister Bartlett told JIS News.

“He was first and foremost a family man who invested a lot in tourism and who, over the years, employed a lot of people throughout his various businesses. He is probably best known for being the owner of the Taj Mahal Plaza, a landmark building in Ocho Rios and a major duty-free shopping centre,” he noted.

Minister Bartlett said that the tourism industry has lost a “true stalwart, an icon, a professional and great human being”.

Lifelong friend and owner of the Gem Palace chain of duty-free stores, Kumar Sujanani, said that Mr. Chatani was a great adviser and confidant.

“He was a self-made man who never forgot his roots. He was also very humble and unassuming. Tourism and the entire St. Ann community have lost a true friend,” he told JIS News.

Owner of the Double V Plaza in Pineapple, Collin Mills, said Mr. Chatani will be remembered for his generosity and love for his community.

Sanju Chatani told JIS News that his father was his hero and best friend.

He said that the outpouring of love and support at his father’s passing is “a testament to the life he has lived and all the wonderful friends he has made over time”.

A Justice of the Peace (JP), Mr. Chatani was the recipient of several awards, including the St. Ann Chamber of Commerce Citizen Award in 2013.

He is survived by wife Kavita, three children, and two grandchildren.