The Birth of KHATTS
Over four decades ago, on an October afternoon, I arrived on the shores of Dominica - a lush and unspoiled gem cradled by the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. My coming was more serendipitous than planned; I married a remarkable Dominican woman I met while she was studying in Jamaica. This love story brought me to Dominica not as a visitor, but as her husband.
I clearly recall stepping off the small LIAT aircraft at Canefield Airport, looking eastward towards the lofty, green-clad mountains. My love affair with Dominica began that moment - unknowingly, a new chapter in my life was eagerly waiting to be written.
My Dominican experience took a significant turn when I met Albert Astaphan, who would become not only my mentor but a dear friend. Inspired by our connection, Albert started Wilderness Adventure Tours, dedicated to exploring the untamed beauty of Dominica. I worked alongside Albert for several years, gaining firsthand experience crafting unforgettable adventures - inadvertently planting the seeds of what would later become my own venture.
The foundation of KHATTS was truly laid when I met Polly Pattullo, a British journalist with an undeniable love for Dominica. Polly invited me to design a two-week programme focusing on botany and natural history for her company, Travelers Tree. This reignited my desire to explore and share Dominica’s wonders. With KHATTS, I set out to create something unique: experiences that immersed people in the essence of Dominica’s lush rainforests, its rich biodiversity, and the stories hidden in its landscapes.
KHATTS’ success enabled me to form meaningful partnerships with prestigious institutions including Texas A&M, Clemson University, Texas Tech, Syracuse University, Arcadia University, the University of Toronto, and Operation Wallacea. These alliances brought students and researchers to Dominica, creating educational opportunities that enriched not only my guests but the island itself.
My love for Dominica’s environment has taken on another dimension through beekeeping. The vital role bees play in maintaining ecosystems captured my imagination, and beekeeping became a labour of love, deepening my connection to nature and reinforcing my commitment to sustainability.
Through KHATTS, I strive to transform my love for Dominica’s natural wonders into unforgettable experiences for visitors and locals alike - opening gateways to the island’s untouched beauty, always with a focus on sustainability and preservation.
- Kenneth George Dill, Founder & Lead Guide
