In Loving Memory of Mr. Geoffrey Shaw
Mr. Geoffrey Shaw, the former owner of Castaway Island, Fiji and a leading advocate of environmental sustainability in tourism development, passed away on the morning of Sunday, September 22, 2024.
Mr. Shaw was the Chairman and a founding member of the Mamanuca Environment Society since 2004. He carried an unquestionable passion for Fiji, which resulted in his purchase of the original Reef Resort on the Coral Coast, ultimately transforming it into the OUTRIGGER Fiji, and when opportunity allowed Mr. Shaw turned his vision to the Mamanuca Islands, purchasing Castaway Island, Fiji in 1992 evolving the island into one of Fiji’s most beloved resorts.
”I started working for Geoffrey in 2001, looking after his Fiji properties, he was my mentor, father figure and over 24+ years, one of my closest and dearest friends,” said Andrew Gee, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Asia Pacific. “The legacies Geoffrey will leave behind cannot be put into words, in Fiji he will forever be known one of the true pioneers of Fiji tourism. He was an amazing man and in the past week I have received so many wonderful comments relating to Geoffrey and the underlining theme was a reference to “The Great Man” – that says it all, what a way to be remembered.”
Geoffrey was a gentleman, a mentor and a pioneer of tourism whom Fiji will forever be indebted, and for whom will be forever held in the hearts of his beloved Castaway Island, Fiji, OUTRIGGER Fiji and indeed the entire Fiji tourism sector.
“Having the opportunity to work alongside Geoffrey Shaw for over a decade, and to call him a friend, was truly a privilege,” said Sean Dee, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer. “His remarkable efforts with the Mamanuca Environment Society at Castaway Island Fiji and OUTRIGGER Fiji Beach Resort inspired us to launch our own global conservation initiative, the OUTRIGGER Zone, in 2014. Geoffrey’s unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship continues to inspire us and we remain proud partners with the Mamanuca Environment Society, honoring his legacy of preserving Fiji’s natural beauty. He will be sorely missed.”
The global OUTRIGGER ‘ohana joins Tourism Fiji and the country of Fiji, his beloved island vuvale, to say Aloha and Vinaka vakalevu for your service and stewardship.
We extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Shaw’s family at this time and may he forever rest in peace.