𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐦 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬: 𝐏𝐚𝐮𝐥 𝐉𝐨𝐡𝐧

During its 60th Anniversary Annual General Meeting on February 28th, 2024, the SLHTA recognized tourism pioneer Paul John.

John began his career in the tourism industry at the tender age of 16 and worked in Food & Beverage for his entire working life. He began with an establishment called Kings Arms which was located to the back of the present location of Monroe College.

From there we went onto Marigot Beach, Holiday Inn, Blue Waters Beach Hotel, Malabar Beach, St. Lucian Beach, each time being invited to render his services. He worked at the North Point South Hotel in Barbados and was the Restaurant Manager and Chef at the highly popular Coal Pot Restaurant for many years.

The valuable experience and expertise that he gained during these years led him and his wife Margaret to open The Naked Virgin where he basically hosted visitors and they dined with him in his personal home space. John was one of the pioneers of offering visitors an Authentic Experience which has become the buzz phrase in these times.

John found his calling as visitors, very much like today, were looking for a unique “eating out experience.”

Why The Naked Virgin? This was named after a drink which he concocted using fruits, coconut cream, liqueur and that which he called his ‘State Secret.’ To date he has not revealed it. This drink was popular with the ladies who visited the establishment.

The intriguing aspect of “The Naked Virgin” was its location at Marchand. It was space constrained and it was an appointment only establishment. However often times you would find visitors just showing up. They had no problem standing outside engaging the men “On the Block” as they waited for their turn to have a seat inside. This is how popular the Naked Virgin was.

John was innovative, creative and an extraordinarily kind and resourceful individual. Visitors loved him, his food and his services. He recalls with great fondness Robert Michum berthing his yacht at Marigot and making his way to Marchand to eat at the Naked Virgin. The then attorney responsible for the affairs of Cunard Hotel La Toc Mr. Boonasie and family dined with him . It was popular with visiting and local politicians and celebrities. John could tell you many a story. He encouraged his diners to explore the island and introduced them to many fruits and vegetables.

Due to his health he was forced to give up this activity which he so loved. However, John looks back on his career with great fondness and would like to thank everyone who made his tourism journey a wonderful experience.