NEW YORK, NY (Jan. 9, 2017) – Former member of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), Neil Blyden, passed away in his home on Jan. 1, 2017.
The late businessman is renowned for promoting the British Virgin Islands internationally when he served under the Virgin Islands Party government as Chairman of the British Virgin Island (BVI) Tourist Board from 1999 to 2003 and again from 2010 to 2011. While Chairman, the BVI Tourist Board went through a successful rebranding exercise.
He was also known for his years in advertising and promotions, his distinctive radio voice especially when recording radio and TV commercials, and his contribution to the Virgin Islands culture.
Blyden spent many years in New York City where he was well connected to the entertainment community and was instrumental in bringing the CTO's Caribbean Week NY activities to Harlem's famous Apollo Theater.
"It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to Neil, a true leader in the promotion of Caribbean arts and culture around the world," according to CTO Secretary General Hugh Riley. "He will be truly missed and his contribution to the marketing of Caribbean tourism in creative and spectacular ways will long be remembered," he added.
Neil Blyden is survived by his wife Janice Nibbs-Blyden.
