Super loss for Tobago

THE EDITOR: My wife and I would like to pay tribute to Superville “Super” Dumas of Tobago who passed away on January 15. Super was one of Tobago’s great ambassadors for tourism. As a long-time airport taxi driver, he welcomed and looked after thousands of tourists to his beloved island of Tobago.

We first met Superville in 1989 when we visited Tobago for the first time. He has been our good friend ever since. As a result of his contacts we have been blessed with meeting many local people from all walks of life. He introduced us to Michael and Joanne Douglas of Douglas Apartments where we stay during our annual visit to Tobago. It is here that we learned about the techniques for cooking local food, especially salt fish.

We have a special interest in salt fish because our home province of Newfoundland has been producing and exporting salt fish to the Caribbean for hundreds of years. Our ancestors brought schooner loads of salt fish to TT and brought back molasses and rum.

Superville promoted Tobago to tourists in an honest and straightforward manner. As a result, we have brought friends from Newfoundland and elsewhere to this beautiful island for many years. We have calculated that well over 100 first-time visitors have been a direct result of our recommendation that was sparked by Superville. It is “the word of mouth” tourist promotion that forms the backbone of any tourist industry.

May the influence of Superville, that great tourist ambassador, carry-on and God rest his Soul.

ROSS AND MARCIE TRAVERSE, CANADA