Tributes to Our Friend and Colleague Carolann Giles 1970 – 2026 Database/Statistical Assistant, CTO
The Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has lost one of its most devoted and cherished team members with the passing of Ms. Carolann Giles on Tuesday, 19 May 2026. Over many years of dedicated service, Carolann became a respected and familiar presence within the Organization and among regional tourism partners. She will be remembered for her professionalism, kindness, and the warmth she brought to those who had the privilege of working with her.
Carolann devoted almost twenty-seven years of faithful and dedicated service to the CTO, having joined the organization on 9 September 1999. Throughout her years with us, she served with unwavering commitment, professionalism, humility, and care.
She began her journey with the organization as Receptionist/Clerk Typist and, in 2005, transitioned to the Research Department as Database/Statistical Assistant. In that role, Carolann managed and maintained the organization’s statistical databases and provided invaluable support in the preparation of statistical reports and research documents that informed and supported the work of our member countries and partners throughout the Caribbean tourism sector.
Carolann’s contribution to the organization extended far beyond her technical and administrative responsibilities. She was a dependable and caring team member whose quiet dedication, kindness, and thoughtful spirit positively impacted colleagues, members, stakeholders, and all those she served over the years. Many across the region would have benefitted from her work, often without realizing the steady and committed individual behind it.
As an organization, we are deeply grateful for Carolann’s years of loyal service and the lasting contribution she made to the work and mission of the CTO. Her passing represents not only the loss of a valued employee, but also the loss of a cherished member of our wider tourism family.
The Council of Ministers, Board of Directors, management, staff and the entire CTO family extend deepest condolences to her dad, Alban St. Hill; her siblings, Dean, Dave and Neil St. Hill and the rest of the St. Hill family and assure them of our prayers and support.
I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Carolann’s passing. I know what a vital part of the team she was, not just in the Research Department but the entire Secretariat going back many years, even before the days of Baobab Tower. I will always remember her dedication, kindness and ready smile.
Losing a colleague is incredibly difficult, and I know that CTO has experienced this more than once before. Yet, the suddenness of Carolann’s death is jolting. I can only imagine how much she will be missed around the office.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this tough time. My thoughts are with all of you and with Carolann’s family.
Winifred Harewood from Bridgetown May 31, 2026 at 1:59 pm
Rest in peace my sister. God did not give me biological sisters but He gave me two cousins that mean the world to me and whom I love dearly. Carolann you are gone and it hurts; I just assumed we would continue to grow old together. You will always live on in my heart along with Ruby and Wilfred. Love always, Winni.
I’ll share here a message that I sent to my former colleagues at the CTO. “I’m still trying to process the absolute shock of hearing about Carolann. I simply can’t believe it. I cannot begin to imagine how all of you feel. Carolann was one of the loveliest souls I have ever had the privilege to call a colleague. She was warm, gracious, accommodating, and genuinely kind in every sense of the word. I honestly cannot recall her ever uttering a single word in anger. Instead, she was somewhat motherly with her infectious smile, gentle spirit, and calm presence. When I last visited the office in February, I didn’t see her. I did not know at the time that she was ill. On my previous visit late last year, we met and she greeted me with her all-too-familiar smile and warmth. Please be assured that I mourn as you mourn and my heart aches alongside yours. The CTO has lost not just a colleague, but a truly beautiful human being. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with Carolann’s family, friends, and the entire CTO family during this incredibly difficult time.”
Yolande Lashley from New York May 29, 2026 at 10:52 am
My deepest and sincere condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of Carolann. She was my class and play mate during our primary school days at the then Four Roads Primary School. I have been gone from Barbados for over 34 years but I was very saddened to hear of her passing; too young and gone too soon. I hope that the joy, love and sunshine that she brought to everyone’s world during her time continues to live on as she is remembered, and the memories of her brings comfort during this difficult time. She is now an angel to watch over her loved ones. May her beautiful soul rest and sleep peacefully.
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