It is with great sadness I pay tribute to the passing of Diane McTurk. Diane was an inspiration to not just me but to the entire tourism industry in Guyana and the thousands of visitors that were privileged to stay with her at Karanambu.

Her work in rehabilitating orphaned Giant River Otters to the wild was grass-roots conservation that helped bring understanding to local people and at the same time provide unrivalled wildlife experiences for visitors.

Diane’s old-style hospitality was legendary and she treated all guests as friends at her dining table. The endless stories were entertaining and often hilarious and told part of the rich history of the Rupununi.

On a personal note Diane was a much cherished friend who daily lived her dream at Karanambu. We shared some challenging, funny and rewarding business experiences over 25 years. Some of my most cherished moments in the Rupununi have been shared with Diane. May she rest in peace in her eternal home at Karanambu.

Tony Thorne
Managing Director
Wilderness Explorers