Tourism Pioneer, the late Yanktesh Reddy was a Visionary

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka paid tribute to one of Fiji's tourism pioneers Yanktesh Permal Reddy (Y.P Reddy).

"The late chair of Reddy Group, would be remembered as a leader whose influence went beyond the boardroom, leaving a lasting mark on the lives of those fortunate to have known him," Mr Gavoka said at the Girmit Centre in Lautoka on Saturday.

Mr Reddy's funeral was held in Auckland, New Zealand. He died on January 4 at the age of 89 surrounded by his family members.

Mr Gavoka said Mr Reddy was not just a captain of the tourism industry, but a visionary who saw possibilities where others saw challenges.

"After operating a hotel in Nadi, under his leadership, the Tanoa Group acquired other hotels from the 1960s to early 1990," Mr Gavoka said.

"Until today the Reddy Group continues to invest and contribute immensely to Fiji and the Pacific.

Last May, the first registered hotel for the Tanoa Hotel Group in Fiji, the Tanoa Hotel in Rakiraki turned 55.

"During his life, Mr Reddy held many directorships on government and State owned companies including the then Fiji Electricity Authority (FEA), Fiji Development Bank (FDB) and the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF)," he said.

Mr Gavoka said Mr Reddy joined the family company in 1957 and later launched the Reddy's Enterprises Limited to invest in tourism becoming one of the first local pioneers of this industry.

"Beyond the accolades and business triumphs Y.P was a compassionate and giving person. He was a man who gave himself unstintingly to his faith and the community he loved and served. He was modest in his achievements, which he himself neither documents nor boasted about.

"Mourning the loss of a loved one is never easy, but we find comfort in celebrating the incredible contributions Y.P made to the tourism industry and to Fiji."

Condolence Table for Y.P Reddy. Photo: DEPTFO News

Y.P Reddy's dedication Fiji Hotel and Tourism and Tourism Association chief executive officer Fantasha Lockington said

Mr Reddy's commitment, strategic vision and keen eye for tourism investment despite the circumstances was evident in the Tanoa International Hotel extending its footprint.

"If you're wondering what it takes to become that sort of visionary, consider the kind of dedication Mr Reddy has put through," she said.

"We pay homage to his always humble approach. Mr Reddy was always somewhere standing in one of the industries many events, but only when you call, he will come stand in front. I've never seen Mr Reddy in a suit, he was always in a casual shirt, in a Bula shirt and he was always Y.P, always approachable, always humble, always soft spoken. We will cherish his memory and his legacy."

TISI Sangam Fiji secretary general Gyaneshwar Rao said Mr Reddy's association with Sangam at the national level began in 1976 when the TISI Sangam appointed him to be part of the reform committee before being elected the national president in 1977 with his term spanning 23 years.

"Two aspects of his character stand out. One is his personal attributes, humble, humane, readily accessible and a very kind person, second is strong work ethic and leadership by example. He said determination to succeed must be backed by hard work. Under his leadership Sangam achieved unity and flourished, he restored lost unity within Sangam and ensures its financial stability and good governance," he said.

Reddy Group head of People and Performance Sharol Vere said Mr Reddy was not just a business tycoon, but a nurturing presence and father figure, fostering opportunities for growth and advancement within his company by believing in his staff.

Fiji Girmit Council secretary Selwa Nandan said the council was indebted to Mr Reddy for all he had done and given to ensure its stability in the interest of the Indo-Fijian community.

"We mourn the loss of a true and great son of Fiji and a proud decedent of a girmitya, who has done so much for Fiji and its people. In his passing, Fiji has indeed lost a gem. He has left behind a powerful legacy of simplicity and patriotism," he said.

Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj