Hundreds Bid Farewell to Late Montego Bay Businessman, Robert Hendricks

It was a full house at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James on January 28, where scores of people turned out for a thanksgiving service to bid farewell to late local businessman, Robert Hendricks.

Mr. Hendricks, who was known to many as “the man who could see tomorrow”, is said to have left an indelible mark on the tourism industry as owner of the famed ‘Lollipop on the Beach’ in Sandy Bay, Hanover, and establishing Caribbean World Enterprises in St. James, among other business interests.

“Robert was both a visionary as well as a true patriot… and was fondly referred to by his friends as the man who could see things others couldn’t,” Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, said.

Mr. Bartlett, whose tribute was read by Tourism Regional Manager, Odette Dyer, said Mr. Hendricks entered the industry at a time when the sector was at a crossroads, and made his mark ensuring that there was equity and that Jamaicans in general, regardless of political persuasion, got their fair share of the proverbial pie.

The Minister noted that the outpouring of love for Mr. Hendricks is testament to the late stalwart’s impact on his community and, by extension, Jamaica, adding that his efforts provided jobs, stability and a long-lasting legacy that will be difficult to emulate.

“He was truly a visionary and a provider. A family man and one who deeply cared about the well-being of others,” Mr. Bartlett added.
Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister (West), Hon. Homer Davis, who also paid tribute, said he fondly remembers Mr. Hendricks as a man who would go the extra mile in helping others.

Mr. Davis said the wide cross-section of persons attending the thanksgiving service was testament to the depth and extent of his outreach and that “what we all know was his strong leadership, generosity, and commitment to his beliefs”.

Businessman and friend, Fred Smith, for his part, remembered Mr. Hendricks for his “humble nature”, noting that his penchant for doing things without fanfare resonated with those who knew him well, while adding that his passion for the game of dominoes was a cherished aspect of his persona.

Mr. Hendricks was in 2020 recognised with the Spirit of Independence Award by the St James Municipal Corporation for his outstanding contribution to tourism.

He died at his home in St. James on December 29.

He was 75.