by Linda Straker
- Sir Royston died early this morning in Trinidad, age 75 years
- Survived by his wife Lady Betty Hopkin and his 3 children
- Awarded Knight Commander of The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG) in 2004
Almost 7 months after receiving a lifetime award from Tourism Minister Claris Modeste, hotelier Sir Royston Hopkin has died. He was the owner of Spice Island Beach Resort, located on the Grand Anse Beach.
“Yes, he died early this morning in Trinidad,” said Brian Hardy, General Manager of the hotel. Hardy promised that a statement will be issued later in the day. Sir Royston was recovering from a medical procedure which occurred a few weeks ago. Sir Royston was 75 years old. He is survived by his wife Lady Betty Hopkin and his 3 children.
“It is a true honour to be recognised with the Minister’s Outstanding Achievement Award. As I accept this prestigious recognition, I reflect on how far we’ve come and the continued growth we are realising today,” Sir Royston said at the award ceremony in mid-2019.
Besides the minister’s award, Sir Royston received many awards. In December 2004, he earned the introduction “Sir” when Queen Elizabeth II deemed him Knight Commander of The Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG), for his contributions to the tourism industry in Grenada and throughout the Caribbean.
Sir Royston held numerous positions within the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA), and served on the board of directors. He received the organisation’s 1991 “Hotelier of the Year” award as well as Lifetime Achievement awards from CHTA and the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO). In early 2019, the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Caribbean Hotel and Resort Investment Summit in Miami recognised his contributions to the tourism industry in Grenada as well as the luxury services he provides at his resort.
Royston Hopkin began his tourism career when he joined his family business, the Ross Point Inn, in 1965. By age 20, he was appointed to the Grenada Board of Tourism, where he served for 18 consecutive years. By age 24, he became the first Grenadian-elected president of the Grenada Hotel Association, a position he held on 14 occasions. By 1987, he had purchased a majority interest in the Spice Island Inn and became the owner and chairman of the property, which he renamed Spice Island Beach Resort. Under his direction, the property expanded from 28 to 66 suites as part of a $6 million renovation in 2000.
Like much of Grenada, Spice Island Beach Resort was devastated by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, but one year later, and with a $12 million investment, the resort reopened.
Sir Royston was a legend who was respected Throughout the industry. I had a wonderful working relationship with him for more than 20 years and I learned so much from him. He has championed his beloved Grenada and done so much to advance its tourism profile – countless guests, friends and work colleagues will mourn his passing. My thoughts are with Betty, all the children and all the Hopkin family.
Gerry COPSEY – Just Grenada
It is with great sadness that I learn of the passing of Sir Royston and my heart and condolences go out to Lady Betty, his children, his siblings and the entire family at Spice Isle Beach Resort.
Sir Royston is a great example of a distinguished Grenadian who made full use of his talents in the hospitality and tourism industry starting from a young age at his parents’ Ross Point Inn, famous for its local Grenadian cuisine, a tradition which he maintained and developed at Spice Isle Beach Resort.
The many awards which he received every year – internationally and locally – in recognition of his accomplishments, his caring generosity and the many ways that he served his country, are a testament to his character and he will be missed.
My condolences to Lady Hopkin and family. RIP Sir Royston
I was so sad to hear of the passing of Sir Royston. We had met many times, the last being in September last year. My thoughts go out to Lady Betty, his family and all the team at Spice Island Beach Resort at this very sad time, my heart is with you in beautiful Grenada.
Ann
I was saddened to learn of the death of Royston Hopkin. He and I were hotelier colleagues back in the late 1960s when I was manager of the Grenada Beach Hotel. I subsequently followed his illustrious career with interest. My condolences to his family and friends.
Christopher Davies.
My husband and I are very sad to hear that Sir Royston has passed on. We enjoyed visiting Spice Island yearly and enjoyed conversations and meals with Sir Royston. He shared so much with us and his presence will be missed immensely. Our prayers and condolences go out to his family. Sir was truly a blessed and special man. Lady Betty, I know we only met once at your home last year with the Ambassadors from Grenada and Canada, however, if there is anything my husband and I can do, please do not hesitate to call. We would also like to know about the arrangements and would like to attend if at all possible.
You are in our thoughts,
Foster and Denise Earl
I offer my condolences to the family and friends of Sir Hopkin. I had the pleasure of talking with him in March 2019. I am an active and generous person! It is a pity that he left this world … May the earth rest in peace and his memory will live in our hearts for a long time to come. .Amen…
A great shock and sadness. Our family had the pleasure of staying at Spice Island Hotel over a number of years and from the moment we arrived and were welcomed by the Royston family and Spice Island staff we thought of our annual visits from the UK as return to our second home. Our thoughts and condolences are with with the Family ,all Hotel management and staff and to Grenada.
Ron,Liz and Emily Williams
My condolences to Lady Betty and all the Family. I have known the family since childhood. Rest in peace Royston.
Joan Parris Williams.
Sir Royston will be missed. He distinguished himself as he rose to the top round of the ladder in his business. We were contemporaries at the Grenada Boys’ Secondary School and he was outstanding then as an exemplary gentleman among his peers.
On a visit to Grenada in 2017, I had the pleasure of dining with him and family at Spice Island Beach Resorts. The facility including the staff and decor was so reflective of who he was – opulent setting, courteous staff, and outstanding service.
Grenada has lost another GIANT. May he RIP.
My sincere condolences to his family and friends.