Our Team

Giselle Ragoonanan is an Indigenous naturalist and wildlife conservationist with a deep passion for preserving biodiversity. A certified NABC bird bander and nature soundscape recordist, Giselle is honing expertise in avian research and conservation. As the co-founder of the Trinidad and Tobago Bird Observatory and Research Centre (TTBO), she has been working towards advancing bird conservation in the Caribbean. Giselle is also a committed educator, sharing her knowledge and fostering a deeper connection between people and the natural world. Through her work, she continues to inspire and engage communities in the protection of wildlife and their habitats.

Zaria’s enthusiasm for hospitality and tourism influenced her course of study, resulting in an MSc. Business Administration – Major Tourism.

She is passionate about eco-tourism and wishes to see Trinidad and Tobago reach its full potential in this field.

In her spare time she enjoys travelling, reading and baking.

With a meticulous eye for detail and a gift for guest relations, Jacqueline ensures every stay is tailored, seamless, and personal. Jacqueline’s cheerful personality is sure to make you feel welcome when you visit our ecolodge. With over two decades of Culinary Experience and Customer Service in the Hotel/Tourism Industry, she contributes a pool of resources to the team to ensure guest satisfaction.

In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, visiting beaches throughout the island and watching movies.

Warren’s motivation stems from ensuring that all guests are satisfied and eager to return. The former board member of the Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants, and Tourism Association (THRTA) is always looking for ways to strengthen relationships through clear communication and high-quality service.

His hobbies outside of the office include lawn tennis and rescuing stray animals.

As co-founders of HADCO, the Hadad brothers bring vision and a deep-rooted dedication to environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.

John Hadad is the co-founder of HADCO Experiences, a destination management company located in Trinidad and Tobago specialising in eco-conscious luxury tourism that connects travellers to the rich biodiversity, cultural heritage and natural beauty of these special islands. More than just a business leader, he is a passionate advocate for sharing the magic of Trinidad and Tobago with the world.

A graduate of Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada, with a degree in Engineering Physics, John began his career at Schlumberger International before stepping into leadership roles in manufacturing. In 1992, he co-founded HADCO Limited with his two brothers, laying the foundation for a company that would grow and diversify across several manufacturing and servicing industries. But beyond business, John’s heart has always been in nature—exploring, preserving and sharing it.

His deep passion for the natural wonders of Trinidad led him to establish HADCO Experiences, a destination management company dedicated to ecotourism and nature travel. As an avid hiker and nature enthusiast, John believes that the rainforests, waterfalls, beaches and wildlife of Trinidad and Tobago are treasures meant to be experienced and protected. Under his leadership, HADCO Experiences has taken on the management of the ecolodge at Asa Wright Nature Centre following their extensive restoration project of the historical site, ownership of Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel in Grande Riviere and management of the nearby Pawi Lodge, creating opportunities for visitors and locals alike to immerse themselves in the country’s natural beauty.

John is also committed to broader leadership and service. A member of the Association of Professional Engineers of Trinidad and Tobago since 1991, he was appointed Honorary Consul of the Republic of Malta in 2014. He further honed his leadership expertise through the Owner/President Management Program at Harvard Business School and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Limited.

For John, HADCO Experiences was born to invite travellers to reconnect with nature and discover the soul of Trinidad and Tobago while promoting its rich cultural heritage and supporting local communities and conservation efforts. Whether it’s hiking through untouched rainforests, witnessing the nesting of Leatherback turtles, or sharing the flavours of local cuisine, John is devoted to creating experiences that inspire, restore and preserve, while bringing economic benefits to rural communities across his beloved country.

King Tut as he is commonly known, is our in-house tour guide who is extremely knowledgeable about what Grande Riviere and environs have to offer, apart from our star attraction – the Leatherback turtles. Guests always have a fantastic time on tours with him as he often guides them to some of the most beautiful and picturesque spots.

His infectious personality makes for a warm welcome at our gate as a Security Officer when he is not on a tour.

Simeon is one of our newest team members and brings many years of bartending experience with him. A resident of Grande Riviere, Simeon laments having spent many years away from his community, to be able to find decent work. However, following the re-opening of Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel, he has returned home and has found a nurturing space where he is able to perfect his craft and thrive amongst family, friends and well-wishers.

To date, Simeon has become very popular with our guests, who always comment on the creativity and flair that he puts into making their drinks.

Hannah is one of our youngest team members and has already proven to be a vital part of the family. She is a fast learner and given her infectious smile, she continues to work diligently at ensuring that all aspects of the guest experience at Mt. Plaisir are met.

Hannah professes that she is an animal lover and always enjoys spending time with her loved ones and friends.

Brenette has been with Mt. Plaisir for over 18 years and is truly dedicated to ensuring that the rooms are immaculate before guests arrive and during their stay. She has always brought a sense of pride to everything she does and always has a smile on her face.

She has welcomed the renovations and changes with open arms and takes immense pride in ensuring that her department is always ahead of the curve.

Alicia has been working in the Hospitality industry since 2002 and has spent those 22 years as an employee of Mt. Plaisir Estate Hotel. She is described by many as being a person who is dedicated, hardworking and honest. Of herself, Alicia says that she is not afraid to try new things. Her interactions with the guests of Mt. Plaisir are also some of the highlights of her job.

In her free time, Alicia enjoys cooking, looking at movies and of course, leisurely walks along the shores of Mt. Plaisir.

Lydia is our most experienced team leader at Mt. Plaisir, having worked in every department. As such, she no longer considers her role a job, but more a “passion.” She further shares that under the guidance of HADCO Experiences, she has been able to grow her existing skillset, which has deepened her love for regenerative tourism.

Lydia also describes herself as a highly sociable person, who enjoys cooking and entertaining loved ones.

Randell Duberry joins the HADCO Experiences team as a tour guide following several years of employment in the wider tourism sector. He is well-known for his extensive knowledge about Trinidad and Tobago’s history, culture, and landmarks, which has proven to be an invaluable skill set in the field. Randell believes that it is his “enthusiasm for discovery and attention to detail,” that has allowed him to build a credible career, coupled with his ability to connect with persons from different cultures and lifestyles.

Caleb has been a Tour Guide at Asa Wright Nature Centre for 13 years, a role he still holds now with HADCO Experiences. His many opportunities over the years such as representing the Centre at the British Bird Fair in Rutland, England, and completing a 6-month internship at Klamath Bird Observatory in Southern Oregon, USA, have equipped him with the skills to meet and exceed the expectations of our guests at HADCO Experiences.

Mukesh began Birdwatching and Landscaping at the age of 16. He has been a part of Asa Wright Nature Centre for the past 34 years, and is now a Tour Guide/Groundsman with HADCO Experiences. His specialties include daily guided tours at the Centre, lecturing on the exquisite flora and fauna and the enchanting history of Asa Wright, as well as after-dinner walks and conducting the annual Christmas bird count.

Paulagean’s affinity for Customer Service and Hospitality continues to enhance the HADCO Experiences brand. Her qualifications extend across the fields of Human Resources Management, Supervisory Management, Project Management and varying Computer competencies. Paulagean ensures that her team maintains a high standard of cleanliness and service that will surpass your expectations during your stay at our ecolodge.

Anisa brings over seven years’ experience in Sales and Customer Service to her role as Operations Manager at HADCO Experiences. She enjoys the challenge of learning new things and being part of the guest’s experiences that allow her to bring her love for customer service to the forefront.

Anisa is thrilled to be a part of the unique experiences offered at our ecolodge and delights in learning about the various species of plants and animals at Asa Wright Nature Centre.

Jacqueline’s cheerful personality is sure to make you feel welcome when you visit our ecolodge. With over two decades of Culinary Experience and Customer Service in the Hotel/Tourism Industry, she contributes a pool of resources to the team to ensure guest satisfaction.

In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, visiting beaches throughout the island and watching movies.

Jacqueline Landeau

With a meticulous eye for detail and a gift for guest relations, Jacqueline ensures every stay is tailored, seamless, and personal. Jacqueline’s cheerful personality is sure to make you feel welcome when you visit our ecolodge. With over two decades of Culinary Experience and Customer Service in the Hotel/Tourism Industry, she contributes a pool of resources to the team to ensure guest satisfaction.

In her free time, she enjoys cooking, baking, hiking, visiting beaches throughout the island and watching movies.

Warren Sinanan

Warren’s motivation stems from ensuring that all guests are satisfied and eager to return. The former board member of the Trinidad Hotels, Restaurants and Tourism Association (THRTA) is always looking for ways to strengthen relationships through clear communication and high-quality service.

His hobbies outside of the office include lawn tennis and rescuing stray animals.

Meet the People Behind the Magic

John Hadad

Giselle Ragoonanan

Zaria Lynch-Lewis

Anisa Shah-Daniel

Caleb Walker

Paulagean Marshall

Alicia Roberts

Lydia Belliel

Brenette Coa

Hannah James

Simeon Cummings

Tutankhamen Murai