Transport mogul Arthur Watkin passes on

Adrian Frater, News Editor

WESTERN BUREAU:

The city of Montego Bay last Saturday said farewell to one of its most revered sons, transport mogul Arthur M. Watkin, founder and owner of Blue Danube Tours, who passed on after a protracted period of illness.

"He was ailing for quite some time," said Watkin's United States-based radio personality son, Raymond. "We are all saddened by his passing, but we take comfort in the fact that his life was one of service to humanity."

Watkin, popularly known as 'Flyer', was accorded the prestigious Governor General Award in 1999 for his impact on the transportation sector alongside his well-respected input into commercial and residential real-estate development and the hospitality industry.

Watkin, who was born in the rural community of Somerton in rural St James, decided early in life that unlike most of his peers, he did not want to become a farmer. So when he got a chance to join the Royal Air Force (RAF) during World War II, he readily took the opportunity.

Touched by Manley

In Britain, Watkin encountered National Hero Norman Washington Manley, whose intellectual acumen as a lawyer so impressed him that he promptly embraced the view that education was key to upward mobility.

During his three-and-a-half year stint in England, Watkin attended the RAF School of Motoring, where he studied the science of transportation, which placed him in good stead for a future life in that sector on his return to Jamaica.

After marrying the woman of his dreams, Lucille Shim, Watkin embarked on the dual task of building both a family and a business. The union produced seven children, while the business evolved into the very successful Blue Danube Tours.

Realising that he was naturally good at business in general, Watkin decided to widen his scope by venturing into commercial and residential real estate as well as the hospitality industry. His involvement in hospitality spawned the establishment of his own Cariblue Hotel.

With numerous local and national awards for his phenomenal contribution to nation building, there is no doubt that Watkin's place in Jamaica's history is pretty secure.

Watkin is survived by his wife Lucille; sons Ken, Roy, Ray, David and Bryan; daughters Veronica and Joy; daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.