Caribbean tourism leader Obediah "Obie" Wilchcombe dies at 64

Obediah "Obie" Wilchcombe, former chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), passed away last month at the age of 64.

Wilchcombe served as the chairman of CTO twice, first from 2002 to 2004, and then again in 2016 and 2017. During his tenure, he also took on the role of minister of tourism for the Bahamas.

Legacy in Caribbean Tourism

"In addition to his distinguished service to the government and people of his beloved Bahamas, minister Wilchcombe also worked tirelessly to create enabling environments for private sector participation in the region's most important economic sector, tourism," expressed Nicola Madden-Greig, president of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association. She added, "So it is with profound sorrow that we say farewell to this great son of the Caribbean, whose legacy will long be remembered."

Final Position Held

At the time of his passing, Wilchcombe was serving not only in tourism but also as the minister of social services, information and broadcasting, and leader of government business in the House of Assembly of the Bahamas.