In collaboration with its philanthropic arm, the not-for-profit Sandals Foundation, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) announces the complete list of projects under its 40 for 40 initiative. Started as part of Sandals Resorts ’40.
The 40 for 40 initiative Projects were selected across six areas: natural resources conservation through Conservation efforts and tours; Investment in food security through support and collaboration with local farmers; Hospitality training and certification aimed at ensuring continuous excellence; Maintenance of cultural heritage through Support of local artisans in the Music Education & Entertainment; and strengthen local economy through Small business and community market support.
Across the Caribbean, SRI team members from Sandals Resorts, Beaches® Resorts and the Sandals Foundation will be rolling up their sleeves to bring these projects to life. Visiting guests can also support and participate in many activities that take place in the region.
“Tourism has the power to transform not only the lives of the guests immersed in the charm and culture of the Caribbean on vacation, but also our team members and neighbors who are building their families’ roots in the region. “, said Adam. Stewart, Executive President, Sandals Resorts International and President and Founder of the Sandals Foundation. “This is the important work we are building and celebrating today, as part of our tireless efforts to strengthen the transformative link between tourism and the empowerment of our local Caribbean communities.”
Conservation efforts and tours
Through the Sandals Foundation, SRI has made the environment a priority, investing millions in training and advocacy programs, founding marine sanctuaries, planting more than 12,000 corals and engaging over 55,000 people in conservation efforts. Now the team will present its efforts to protect the region’s natural resources by expanding the opportunities for marine conservation.
In honor of its late founder, president and philanthropic Stalwart, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the team partnered with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) for its “Sea the Legacy of Love ‘ Scholarship Program. The program gives 40 Caribbean nationals across six islands with diving certifications from open water to master level. This, along with opportunities for guests to engage in activities such as coral reefs in Jamaica and St. Maarten. Lucia’s participation will have a lasting impact on life below the surface.
Additional projects include support for the Andromeda Gardens, a 6.5-acre botanical garden in Barbados, created in the 1950s, and funding to assist in the recovery of sand dunes at Lucayan National Park in the Bahamas, which is strongly supported by invasive plants and storm surges were affected.
Investment in food security
Together with the Sandals Foundation, SRI, which already provides more than 90% of its food supply to local sources, is increasing its investment in agriculture and the institutions that train the next generation of producers. Various contributions include equipment donations at the Agricultural Training College in Barbados, construction of hydroponics at the Antigua Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center, and the establishment of community composting practices at the resort. The foundation will also support the Grenada Network of Rural Women Producers (GRENROP), a group of 65 local women and at-risk youth who map their financial independence through agriculture.
Small business and community market support
The Sandals Foundation continues to invest in local shops like the Oystins Fish Fry in Barbados, where locals and visitors meet vendors and enjoy freshly prepared seafood. Guests at Sandals have the opportunity to embark on paid tours that directly support these providers in their living conditions.
With establishments like these, which account for an average of 30% of the island’s global development product (GDP), the Sandals Foundation is committed to improving the well-being of operators and also improving their revenue potential by providing additional premises such as. Kulturmaart Plaz in Turks & Caicos Pineapple Craft March in Jamaica. The Sandals Foundation community projects are highlighted on outings, inviting guests to support through donations.
Supports local artisans
For years, visitors to Sandals and Beaches resorts have had access to locally made items in their retail stores, from which proceeds are reinvested in local community groups. The Sandals Foundation will expand its hugely successful Caribbean Artisan program by training more craftsmen across more islands, including Curaçao, St. Maarten. Sandals and Beach Resort guests can also enjoy meeting these artisans and women through pop-up shops at the resort and seeing the magic unfold.
Music education and entertainment
From Ska and Calypso to Jamaica’s iconic reggae and dancehall, the Caribbean’s unmistakable soundtrack keeps visitors coming back and locals alike. Together with international partners, high school and college music educators will be trained on key techniques to further develop the iconic sounds of the region. In addition, you are 40 for 40 initiative will culminate in a musical showcase that brings the magic of Caribbean music to Miami to help raise funds for the region’s continued growth.
Hospitality training and certification
To ensure the further training of future tourism industry players, the teams at SRI and the Sandals Foundation support hospitality training and certification programs to strengthen professional skills in the areas of food and beverage, health, beauty and wellness. In Antigua, trainees can get a health and beauty certificate to gain skills for the fast-growing wellness sector. In Exuma and New Providence, the foundation will assist with year-long programs that support commercial food preparation.
“We are very excited about these 40 transformation projects and our role in helping to realize the impact of tourism in the Caribbean,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “Tourism touches almost every corner of the local communities and we fully appreciate its ability to make a real difference. We are extremely grateful to every guest, team member, partner, travel consultant, donor and supporter who has volunteered or supported us. “Working to improve literacy, health care, youth engagement and the many areas in which we focus. Together with our SRI team-mates, we will continue to use the power of tourism to bring about lasting change,” said Clarke.
Celebrating its 13th anniversary on March 18, since its inception in 2009, the Sandals Foundation has implemented projects and programs estimated at nearly US $ 79 million, affecting the lives of more than 1.1 million people.
For a complete list of 40 for 40 initiative Projects, visit here.
For more information on the Sandals Foundation and to donate, visit here.
About Sandals Resorts International
Founded in 1981 by the late Jamaican entrepreneur Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is the parent company of some of the travel’s most recognizable vacation brands. The company operates 24 properties throughout the Caribbean under four separate brands, including: Sandals® Resorts, the Luxury Included® brand for adult couples with locations in Jamaica, Antigua, Bahamas, Grenada, Barbados, St. Louis and more. Beaches® Resorts, the Luxury Included® concept designed for everyone but especially families, with properties in Turks & Caicos and Jamaica, and another opening in St Vincent and the Grenadines; private island Fowl Cay Resort; and the private homes of Your Jamaican Villas. The importance of the company in the Caribbean, where tourism is the number one of foreign capital, can not be underestimated. Family owned and operated, Sandals Resorts International is the largest private employer in the region.
Sandals Foundation
The Sandals Foundation, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization, was created to continue and expand on the philanthropic work that Sandals Resorts International has done. It is the culmination of nearly four decades of commitment to play a meaningful role in the lives of the communities in which we operate in the Caribbean. The Sandals Foundation funds projects in three core areas: education, community and environment. One hundred percent of the money donated by the general public to the Sandals Foundation goes directly to programs that benefit the Caribbean community. To learn more about the Sandals Foundation, visit www.sandalsfoundation.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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