ST JAMES, Jamaica — Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has hailed late restaurateur and former President of the St Ann Chamber of Commerce Eva Myers, as “a true Jamaican ambassador and friend of tourism”.

Myers, who was Italian by birth, but spent decades thrilling both locals and foreigners with her pasta dishes from her signature Evita’s restaurant in Ocho Rios, St Ann, died in the early morning of Friday, June 17.

READ: Popular Ocho Rios restaurant owner dies

“Eva was easily one of the most recognisable personalities across Jamaica, especially in her adopted Ocho Rios, St. Ann home where she truly made her mark,” Bartlett told JIS News.

“Her first class and internationally-acclaimed brand, Evita’s in Ocho Rios, is one of the most recognised across Jamaica and within tourism circles. It was easily one of the island’s leading culinary establishments”.

The minister said tourism, by extension Jamaica, has lost one of “its most iconic assets”, adding that “her restaurant attracted some of the biggest names in the entertainment sector [movie stars and many famous persons]”.

“She will be sadly missed and so on behalf of the Ministry of Tourism…my condolences to her family and friends,” he continued.

Meanwhile, the St Ann Chamber in a statement said, the entire body is in mourning the passing of Myers, noting that her invaluable contributions when she served as president, director and chairperson for its finance committee are well documented.

Friend and former tourism minister Aloun Ndombet-Assamba, said “I join in the many voices paying tribute to the late Eva Myers. The St Ann community will miss you and your many and varied contributions to the life of the parish. My condolences to her family and friends. Rest in peace.”

Known as the “Queen of Creativity” and considered the pioneer of pasta and being the first entrepreneur who decided to capitalise on the worldwide favourite, Myers was also celebrated for her charitable work, civic-minded enterprises and initiatives, and service to organisations such as the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association; Kiwanis International; the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs; and other non-governmental organisations.

It was during her tenure as president of the Kiwanis Club of Ocho Rios in 1993, that Myers was instrumental in building the One Love Basic School at Mansfield Heights, in Ocho Rios.

Lifelong friend and owner of the Taj Mahal Plaza, Ocho Rios, St Ann, Sanju Chatani, said he was truly saddened by the passing of a true giant and one of the “friendliest and nicest persons that I know”.

“Eva will always be remembered by that signature smile…the way she greeted and treated people,” he added.

Myers is survived by her only child, daughter Cristina.