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.
