Island Routes announces a female captain!

Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours is proud to announce that
Sydelle Gifford has been named its newest boat captain and the first female
captain in Jamaica.

Her new rank as Captain of the Kool Kat Kelly was announced yesterday by David Shields, General
Manager of Island Routes Tours.  “We’re very proud to be able to
announce that we have a woman captain amongst our Island Routes Specialist
team.  Captain Gifford is a true leader and a wonderful example of working to
achieve your goals in life. On behalf of the entire company we congratulate her
and we are pleased to be breaking new ground in the industry.”
Sydelle Gifford was born to the water, growing up on the beautiful beaches of Negril.  Her father,
Vincent, operated Honey’s Water Sports facility on Seven Mile Beach, and
she spent all of her time there as a child when she wasn’t in school. In
1998, she went on to work at Beaches Negril in the water sports department and
set her sights on becoming a boat captain; Sydelle took every opportunity to go
out on the water with the catamarans and fishing boats from the resort.  In
June 2009, she began working with Island Routes Tours in the boating division.
Her perseverance and studies paid off and she is now the company’s first
female boat captain at the helm of the majestic 65ft catamaran, Kool Kat
Kelly. 
“It’s an absolute honor to have been named captain of the Kool Kat Kelly, it is
something that I have always wanted and am grateful to know that I was able to
meet the challenges and  accomplish my childhood dream,” said Captain
Gifford. “I also want to thank Island Routes for their confidence in me;
I couldn’t have done it without the company’s support and the
growth opportunities afforded the staff.”
Sydelle continued to say that she’s happy to be able to share her love of the water with
the guests she meets each day and to show off her Negril – one of the
most beautiful parts of Jamaica – from the dolphins that swim alongside
the boat, the crystalline waters to the stunning cliffs and beaches.  She also
said she loves working with her vivacious crew members and wouldn’t give
them up for the world.
When not on the water, Gifford spends time with her two children, one of which has Down’s
syndrome.  This has taught her to deal with life’s challenges and as a
member of the Jamaica Down’s Syndrome Association she has been able to
assist other parents.  Sydelle has a Coxswain License which involves both
theory and practical training,   she also holds certificates in Lifeguarding
and Rescue Training, Her aim is to continue studying in order to improve her
boating skills and knowledge.  
For more information about Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours or to make a
reservation contact your favorite travel provider, an Island Specialist toll
free at 1-877-768-8370 from the U.S. and Canada or visit www.islandroutestours.com.