Sandals inTouch December 2021 by Sandals inTouch

December 2021

NO MATTER HOW HARD THE PAST, YOU CAN ALWAYS BEGIN AGAIN.

December 2021

- BUDDHA -

AT A GLANCE 08

Executive Chairman

In the News SRI Opens New High Grove Village

Show Your Property Sandals South Coast

Express Yourself

The Buzz

HM Spotlight Stuart Jones Sandals Grenada Resort & Spa

32 New Parent Sandals Negril

Hi Friend Sandals Royal Barbados

Sandals Barbados

Sandals Negril Beaches Negril Sandals Ocho Rios Beaches Ocho Rios Sandals Emerald Bay Sandals Royal Caribbean Sandals Grande St. Lucian Sandals Montego Bay Sandals South Coast Sandals Halcyon

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December in Photos!

December 2021

04 06

Holiday Message

December 2021

PUBLICITY/STATEMENTS TO THE MEDIA All media enquiries about the company must be referred to the General Manager or the Hotel Manager if the General Manager is not present. For SRI, such queries should be referred to the Communications Department. Team Members are not authorised, unless specifically designated, to make public statements. Additionally, the use or mention of the Sandals brand and/or the use of the company’s logos, for personal media exposure, personal benefit or for promotional items outside of approved company material, is prohibited, unless prior approval

December 2021

is sought and obtained.

IN THE NEWS

SANDALS RESORTS INTERNATIONAL OPENS NEW HIGH GROVE VILLAGE 84 new and upgraded rooms at Sandals Royal Caribbean Recently Sandals Resorts International officially launched 84 new rooms and suites, officially named the High Grove Village at Sandals Royal Caribbean in Jamaica. As the global landscape evolves, the company continuously innovates through design, service and product development. The leadership team was joined by the Minister of Tourism, The Honourable Edmund Bartlett

December 2021

for the momentous occasion.

The 48 brand new Suites and Junior Suites join 36 other completely ‘Sandalized’ rooms renovated earlier this year to make the 84 Junior and River Suite total. Mr Stewart offered his sincerest thanks to the Sandals team for their support, “Thank you to our Development and Operations teams and our amazing General Manager Dawn Smith, for their continued commitment to providing the World’s Best experience…40 years and counting.”

December 2021

SHOW YOUR PROPERTY

Sandals South Coast

December 2021

Soaking at the Dutch Village.

Sunset at the

gazebo.

December 2021

EXPRESS YOURSELF

Sandals barbados

‘Man of the Arts’

From a Hospitality Training Programme intern – whose first attachment was with the Public Relations Department – 25 year old Jaron Griffin can now be found behind a computer in Epix, ensuring that all finished photographs are of the highest quality. But away from his editorial role, Jaron is quite the ‘man of the arts’. Jaron has always been on a stage, noting that he started signing, acting and performing poetry from as early as three - it was something that his mother encouraged him to do. Fast forward a few years and Jaron would begin to pen and perform his own poetry, achieving a bronze medal in the Spoken Word category of the local National Independence Festival of Creative Arts (NIFCA) 2019

December 2021

competition.

Drawing and painting are another two of Jaron’s loves but his passion is now in digital art, branching out into the field seven years ago. Jaron says he loves the fact that it is a lot cleaner than traditional art, allowing him to create a finished piece much faster and more efficiently. His aspiration is to be a professional illustrator/animator. Jaron wants to work in the Entertainment Industry either illustrating for his own franchise or under an established company.

EXPRESS YOURSELF POEM:

Dis is dialect! Not a accent I cuh hear all wunna already ya know. It really matter doa? [All is anudda way to talk] But de way I see it, when my ancestors struggle to learn a new way to speak for weeks and weeks and weeks, Creating a vernacular that tourists today find oh so spectacular, I think dont think iz fair that we disrespect it. Give our nation language its due credit.

Iz dialect. Not a accent

But i mean...wuz de real difference. I gin tell wunna jus now. Doan worry....fuh instance, where a British man would use all the linguistic tools That still follow the proper grammatical rules, we create we own. A so called “broken english”. Others might say dat we got nuff errors in we syntax, but somehow, while it incorrect, it still very much...intact. These rules were made to be broken, then they were learned and spoken. But yet still, we does express weself eloquently in past, present, continuous and even future tense Because iz dialect. Not a accent

But Listen... some o wunna, real ridiculous doa. Abandoning we whole nation language. Like it cause wunna some type o’ trauma or anguish. Dropping all dis culture, all this history, this unique marker for Standard English. *stupse*.....some o wunna barely get rich and switch. But we speak a beautiful language. With its own words, conjugations and grammar rules. You ain gin read bout it in nuh books. Nor you won’t learn bout it in school. Any learning of this language does get do socially. Actually....I think it does come sorta naturally. Like...Wunna does doan gotta think bout wuh wunna gin say before wunna say it next, right? No! Exactly So if I come bout hay and say sein like.... “I does doan know which part I gin gaw go to get cross dey by Sandals. Yuz go above or below?”

Don’t laugh. Don’t scorn me or act like I talkin bad. This is me trying to show you a skill you never even knew you had. A secret code that could only get understand. Buy about 300,000 people on this 166sqm of land

We ancestors mix English with Twi, Igbo and Fulani. So I ain know wuh wunna really expect. This is a shining piece of bajan history. We can’t let it end up like one cents. So try an talk like a bajan Fuh me man. And remember, dis is dialect! Not a accent

By Jaron Griffin

December 2021

We need to acknowledge our nation language. Give it its due respect.

THE BUZZ

Sandals Negril & Beaches Negril

Gee Whiz, it’s Christmas! As we welcomed the Christmas season, students from schools in Westmoreland and Hanover were showered with gifts, snack packages and school supplies from Santa’s elves, on behalf of the Sandals Foundation. An average of 20 team members from Sandals and Beaches Negril travelled to the various institutions daily to show over a thousand children they were appreciated and that Christmas is still a big deal despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sandals Negril Call Centre Reconnect It was a “yummy to the tummy” morning when team members

December 2021

from Sandals Negril treated

workers at Unique Vacations to scrumptious foods and refreshing beverages to show their gratitude for the hard work done in 2021; which helped to maintain excellent occupancy rates at Sandals Negril.

THE BUZZ

Sandals and Beaches Negril Give Christmas Packages to Staff While it was another year without a Christmas party; in true Sandals spirit, with employees being seen and treated as family, the teams at Sandals and Beaches Negril were still acknowledged for their dedication throughout the year. Team members gathered at both locations to collect bags stacked with some of their favourite food items, toiletries and much more to take home before the Christmas holiday. If there are goodies

Beaches Negril December Prestige Award Who doesn’t want to be rewarded for their hard work? Team members from Beaches Negril were rewarded for a job well done in November; some for their heroic character, being money makers for the resort, dedication to protecting the environment, volunteerism and outstanding customer care services, among others. The awardees were most excited to collect their prizes and to celebrate their wins.

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involved… then it is still a party!

THE BUZZ

Team Landscaping, Kerron Pyne, Nicholas Moore and Shamar Roper stand proudly with their care packages from Beaches Ochi Rios.

OCHI REGION Sandals Resorts is making 2021 a Merry Christmas for its team members as the organization recently granted each team member a well needed Christmas Care Package to celebrate the season. Because of the ongoing pandemic, Sandals Resorts had to forego its regular Christmas and New Years’ parties for its team members. The executives of the organization ensured that the team members were treated to special care packages and Christmas meals regardless. Gift cards, spot prizes, and giveaways had the staff

December 2021

members buzzing at the various get-togethers during the festive season.

Linen Coordinator at Sandals Ochi, Thrishanna King could barely contain her excitement about the care package. “My colleagues and I are grateful for the commitment shown by the organization and its leaders. Amidst the financial challenges faced by the Tourism industry, we recognized that Sandals Resorts gave it their all as this gesture was more than appreciated. Within this our 40th anniversary, them giving back to us, shows that they value each team member as this is undoubtedly the least they could do at this time.”

THE BUZZ Front Office Supervisor at Beaches Boscobel, Cordella Miller alluded, “as someone who is tasked with the opportunity to lead, we are mindful of the benefits of positive energy within the workforce and being able to have the team members being satisfied especially at this time of the year, make the working relations more meaningful. The care packages that were shared with each team member will prevent us from having to shop for these items, hence allowing for a more comfortable budgeting at the end of the year.” Sandals Royal Plantation, Room Attendants, Feona Williams and Kavine Warren expressed gratitude for the tokens of appreciation shared by the Sandals executive. Said Williams, “Whenever an international company can budget for each team member, it says a lot for not just the leaders, but for the team as well. The special bonus and the gift bags will go a far way in helping us to budget our way as we sail on in these financially challenging times.” Warren added, “every mikkle mek a mukkle and we are grateful for the thought given for the family here at Sandals. This will go a far way with helping us to budget not just for Christmas but also heading into the near year.” The Sandals resorts within the Ocho Rios region (Sandals Royal Plantation, Beaches Ocho Rios and Sandals Ochi Beach Resort) shared more than 2300 care packages with its team members for the festive season.

Gary Holgate, Hotel Manager at Sandals

Kadine Roper from Housekeeping (left) at Beaches Ocho Rios

Ochi Beach Resort and Psalmonie Wright,

accepts her care package from Michelle Jenkie Human Resources

Housekeeping Supervisor are all smiles as

Manager at the resort at the recently held team member get-

he presents her with a care package at the

together.

Feona Williams (right) Room Attendant from Sandal Royal Plantation shows off her care package with help from Marcia Wilmot, Executive Housekeeper at the resort.

December 2021

resort.

THE BUZZ

Sandals Foundation in Exuma Makes Christmas Merry! The Sandals Foundation spread Christmas cheer to over seven hundred (700) children throughout the island of Exuma recently. General Manager, Jeremy Mutton and a team of ambassadors from Sandals Emerald Bay Resort headed a convoy of decorated vehicles which included Santa Clause and elves. The procession which was directed by outriders of the Royal Bahamas Police Force

December 2021

handed out gifts to the children of the island to spread Christmas cheer this holiday season.

December 2021

THE BUZZ

Sandals Royal Caribbean Team members from Sandals Royal Caribbean made sure members of the surrounding communities had a Merry Christmas as they participated in a number of treats staged by the Sandals Foundation during the Yuletide season. They were present at: Canterbury, White House, Flankers, Barrett Town, Lilliput, Green Pond and Farm Hill among others as they spread the Christmas cheer. “I am really proud to be a part of the Sandals Foundation’s Christmas efforts,” noted Housekeeping supervisor Shelisia, who sacrificed her days off to attend a number of the treats. “There is no greater feeling than giving back to those in need and especially to the kids at Christmas. I feel really honoured. Thank you Sandals Foundation.” Winsome from the Resort Shop was equally effusive in her praise for the outpouring of love. “I feel really special to be a part of the Sandals Royal Caribbean team that made sure so many kids not only received toys,

December 2021

but meals as well. It was a great Christmas season and l am looking forward to next year.”

December 2021

THE BUZZ

Santa’s visit Sandals Grande St Lucian

Santa decided that he could not in all good conscience abandon the team and take the year off. So, he decked the halls and came calling, looking for all the naughty and the nice ones. After much consultation, he decided to go with: Salancia from the Kitchen, Zidan from Front Office, Lance from Club Sandals, Latoya from Snapshots/Epix, and Jeané from Entertainment. In his own words, “it was rough this year, but we whipped the team into shape, and as always, Rudolph managed us to our destination.” Santa wants to wish all of the Sandals Grande Team Members a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, especially his helper, the Elf – Chrisann, from the Training Department at Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort. Santa says his reputation requires that he must remain anonymous. (That is what Dyon – Assistant Training Manager, Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort told us.)

Salancia who successfully manages Chef

Lance, ever-ready to offer a smile and a

and his team from the Kitchen at Sandals

helpful hand (or two) from Club Sandals at

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Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort

Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort

Latoya, calm, but a strong leader constantly pushing her team from behind the scenes

Zidan, always the professional and ready-for-

Jeané, who doesn’t need the music to keep

from Snapshots/Epix at Sandals Grande St

the-camera guy, from Front Office at Sandals

her moving, from Entertainment at Sandals

Lucian Spa & Beach Resort

Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort

THE BUZZ

Team Members Rejuvenate at Sandals MoBay Team members at Sandals Montego Bay were treated to a special day of pampering dubbed “Rejuvenate” recently. ‘Rejuvenate’ was staged in conjunction with EGAS Spa and saw team members receiving hair grooming, eye shaping, manicures, makeup treatment as well as feet, hand, neck and full body massage. According to Sandals Montego Bay Learning and Development Manager Sigourney Hastings-Cox, with the advent of the novel coronavirus pandemic, Sandals MoBay team members, as has the rest of the society, been facing varying degrees of stress levels and as such the resort continued to find innovative ways to ease their tension. “It is very much the Sandals way of trying to make things as comfortable as possible to our valuable team members during this pandemic,” said Hastings-Cox. “This is our second Spa Day and is an effort we plan to continue into the foreseeable future.” Managing Director of EGAS Spa and Ambulance Service Andrew Mullings said his organization was always been closely associated with Sandals through our ambulance services and see the Spa Day as an extension of our partnerships,” Mullings added. Baggio Campbell, restaurant supervisor at Sandals Montego Bay, while getting his manicure, observed “This is an awesome gesture by management . It has been a while that I haven’t been pampered, so trust me I’m enjoying this. Because of work you don’t get as much time to do things like this, so seeing it now, I enjoy taking advantage of it”.

December 2021

pleased to be a part of the effort in tending to the wellbeing of the Sandals team members. “We have

THE BUZZ

Thrilling Sandals MoBay Dominoes tournament In a thrilling encounter, favourites Zagga Zow emerged winners of the 2021 Sandals Montego Bay Dominoes tournament. The new champs turned back a spirited Hot Tools team 40 to 36 to cap off four weeks of excitement at the resort. The grand finals was witnessed by an enthusiastic audience who observed social distancing and enjoyed the refreshment present at the event. General Manager Christopher Elliott praised all

December 2021

the teams that entered the competition for the

spirit in which the matches were played and the high sense of camaraderie. “We want our team members to have fun while working even as we practice proper covid-19 protocols and this competition was a testament to that,” Mr. Elliott noted.

Winning captain, Surano Bird, praised his opponents for a hard-fought encounter which saw them leading at the half-way stage. “Even though we were trailing, we knew we had the firepower to come out on top,” Bird said. “But it was a great competition and special kudos to the all-female team which reached the semifinals.” Both the winning team and the runners-up received cash prizes and bragging rights for the next installation of the high-anticipated competition.

THE BUZZ

Sandals Montego Bay wins Sandals All-Stars Quiz

Sandals Montego Bay, The Flagship property, emerged winners of the 2021 Sandals all-Star Quiz Competition, defeating Beaches Ocho Rios in a memorable final recently. The team of Veronica Campbell - Photoshop ; Shantoy Blagrove - Photoshop ; Apphia Morgan - Front Office; Kelita Barnett - Accounts ; Tashawna Clarke - Dining Room and Leonard Shettlesworth – Bar, were unstoppable during the event. The final itself was a nerve wracking affair for team members at Sandals Montego Bay who watched the event live on Zoom and shared their comments in the chat room. “It’s an amazing feeling to be Sandals all-Stars champions,” faced put up a good fight, but we were confident in our abilities and knew that we would be hard to beat.” General Manager Christopher Elliott praised the team for their amazing performance. “We are indeed proud of your efforts and words cannot express how over the moon we are as your success.”

December 2021

noted Campbell. “It was not easy because all the teams we

THE BUZZ

December 2021

Managers Cook Off Competition 24

Red, yellow, blue, green all vying to be the number one team! The weekly Manager’s Cook-Off Competition at the sexy Sandals South Coast Manager’s Meet and Greet, continues to be the talk of the town. Guests gather by the main pool on a Monday of each week to witness the show down and then help to determine the managers who are the ultimate chefs.

(MORE ON PAGE 23)

THE BUZZ

December 2021

A new challenge is given each week and team members are rotated on a roster to prepare tantalizing dishes worthy of representing their team members. Four guests are then chosen at random to do taste tests and the scores are then tallied. General Manager, O’Brian Heron says, “The competition provides a great way for guests to interact with the managers on property and experience them in a fun way, while it also provides bonding opportunities and healthy competition for the managers.”

THE BUZZ

December 2021

The New GM at Sandals Halcyon Beach Mr Filius Laurent, front and centre, leading the breakfast charge from as early as 7:30am.

Team Member Welcome Breakfast at Sandals Halcyon When Sandals says breakfast is served, it means something special. And when it comes to the team members in the outdoors, well… let’s just celebrate and enjoy!

THE BUZZ

December 2021

Front Office Manager at Sandals Halcyon Beach Ruth Dubois, adding the finishing touches to that hot chocolate.

Look closely and observe – healthy choices first thing in the morning to keep the team healthy, healthy and wise.

December 2021

HM SPOTLIGHT

Getting to Know Stuart Jones With years of experience in international luxury

continue his education.

hospitality, this Kingston, Jamaica native is now

“Canada was a shock in terms of the weather.

making his mark in one of the region’s rising

Going from mild Caribbean weather to

luxury destinations, the “Pure Spice Island”

proper full on winters was a shock. However,

Grenada, as the new Hotel Manager for Sandals

eventually it became enjoyable as there were

Grenada Resort & Spa.

so many new things to do, such as skiing, and just appreciating the change of seasons.”

Despite living abroad for most of his life, his Jamaican accent naturally rings through, as

Undaunted, he moved from Canada, to New

he reflects on his Jamaican upbringing and

York, then to London where he was based

experiences around the world. This last- of- four

for 15 years. “London is a great city. There’s

siblings, exudes confidence, and class, as he

the best of sports, theatre, concerts, culture.

describes his ‘typical’ childhood; “ I grew up with

Travel is easy from London. You feel that you

my parents and siblings. As the youngest, I felt

are at the center of the world.”

very protected.” He continued, “At that time I worked as a Some of his favourite childhood memories were

Quality Assurance Assessor of five star luxury

at Christmas time, “Christmas was filled with

properties around the world. It was a great

good food and family time. We would host friends

way to see the world. By the end of my time

and family at our house, and also visit others. The

there, I reviewed just about 450 of the best

effort and energy that my mother would put into

hotels at the best locations around the world.

this big family and friends event was tremendous.

I’m very, very grateful for that experience.

a big roasted ham, roasted chicken and fish

There were many locations that never came

options. My father didn’t like fried so there was

across my radar, but when I got there I was

always a whole baked fish. There was also bread

wowed. One of those that stands out is Santa

pudding, rum cake, sorrel and just that full spread

Fe, New Mexico- what a special place. It’s

that we all enjoyed.”

very high above sea level and it’s very much steeped in its Native American roots. It looks

His warm, loving childhood provided the

different than anywhere else I’ve ever seen.”

foundation for Stuart to tackle the cold Canada air, in his late teens, when he moved there to

One of his favourite places in the world is

December 2021

It would typically involve a massive spread with

HM SPOTLIGHT

South Africa; “As a child it was always some place I was curious about and wanted to visit. It’s an act of providence that the opportunity came to me years later to work in Johannesburg. It’s one of the most diverse countries, and Johannesburg particularly is so well- integrated. It has a wonderful climate. The people were warm, friendly and welcoming. I’d love to visit again in the

December 2021

future.”

His return to the Caribbean has been fulfilling as he applies his international experience to a native brand; “I love the fact that Sandals is a family owned brand. Coming in to the fold I was well- aware that there is a great focus on luxury and moving more toward the high end luxury market and the majority of my exposure has been with luxury so I knew I would have a lot to offer. This is a period of growth and development for the brand so it’s an exciting time and the perfect time for me to be a part of this incredible brand.”

December 2021

31 Informa�on Technology Division 02-2021

NEW PARENT

MALANY SALMON Sandals Negril

There is no real preparation for parenthood; it is a lifelong commitment to learning, growing, and changing. According to Sales Representative at the Resort Shop at Sandals Negril, Malany Salmon, this is a lesson she is currently learning as a new mom. The 22-year-old mother of Malachi Scott notes that while motherhood has not been the easiest, it has been one of the most rewarding things in life so far. “Motherhood has been pure joy and love, a bit of sadness sometimes because you wish you could be with your child every moment so you wouldn’t have to miss anything, but it has been a great experience with the constant lesson of responsibility.” She said. Though little Malachi is just a year old, Malany says one thing she has admired so far is his perseverance. She notes that he has shown independent qualities as early as at 2 weeks old, where he was rolling over and a few months later attempting to sit on his own; this she says has so far been one

December 2021

of her proudest moments as a mother.

When it comes to balancing work life and motherhood, Malany agrees that though at times it can be difficult, her drive to provide the best life for her child has kept her going. Her goal is to be the best role model for her son and to always show him the positive sides to life. She stated that though she is new to this journey, she is fully committed to learning her child and nurturing him in the best possible way. And for Malany, little Malachi’s smile is the most precious thing that melts her daily and also his little voice calling her ‘mama’

HI FRIEND!

SANDALS ROYAL BARBADOS

AKIL

KIMBERLY

NIKITA

CLAIRE

December 2021

Sending greetings to our friends

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The Gingerbread man made Beaches Negril his home this

December 2021

Christmas and with him was his dashing sidekick!

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Team members from Beaches Negril were in a festive mood and they were excited to share it. If you don’t shake your presents before unwrapping like they do; you’re doing it wrong.

The Animations team paused and gave their best tree, to show why they are called the creatives on resort.

December 2021

pose by the Christmas

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Sales Manager at Beaches Negril, Nickesha Greenfield and Sean from the front desk are always keen on NEGRIL2 making the guests feel welcome.

Peter Rodd Butler Manager at Sandals Grenada specifies the details of Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness in a weekly forum with hospitality

December 2021

stakeholders.

Bartender at Beaches Negril, Rojaye shared the Beaches Christmas love.

You’ve often heard about the gingerbread m

eager to show off this gingerbread woman

The management team form Beaches Negril dressed up as various Christmas characters for their Christmas photo shoot, to show that even they are still children at heart.

The management team at Beaches Negril was out at the crack of dawn to treat the staff to a mouth-watering Jamaican style breakfast.

December 2021

man, but Patreena form Beaches Negril was

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With her warm smile, Beaches Negril’s Wendy Gavin or this year’s Mrs. Grinch was not

December 2021

scary at all.

One of Santa’s favourites, Maxine from Sandals Negril’s P

to collect her package after a long year of doing her part amazing vacations.

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This duo from Sandals Negril’s Resort Shop, Malany (right) and Chrystol (left) were also in a festive mood as they

Photo Shop, stopped by

t in treating guests to

While it was an all blue affair at Sandals Negril, there was nothing ‘blue’ about these two Club Sandals ladies, Sasha (right) and Assana (left).

December 2021

stood proudly beside their Christmas tree right outside of the shop.

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Hotel Ma It was all laughter as General Manager for Sandals Negril; Mr. David Latchimy trapped this employee for a quick snap at this year’s

Negril, G

team Christmas treat.

Christma

December 2021

It was not one, but two

thumbs up from Sonya from Loyalty and Travel at Sandals Negril, as she got ready to take on the day!

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anager, Melissa Clarke and Human Resource Manager from Sandals

Garfield Blake were busy ensuring each team member got their chicken for

as. Hotel Manager at Sandals Negril, Melissa Clarke (left) and Weddings Manager, Tessiann Todd (right) posed for a picture while serving

The vibrant server Sileta, was all about showing the Sandals Negril love during breakfast at the Bayside Restaurant.

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workers at Unique Vacations.

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Tavia Jugar and Cordella Miller Sandals Foundation volunteers from Beaches Ocho Rios, show off the beautiful toys donated by Hasbro for the children’s treat at the Port Maria Health Department.

December 2021

Chevelle Henry and Tahje Thompson strike a pose for the lens during

the resort’s Christmas photo shoot at Beaches Ocho Rios.

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Bartender, Trevolyn showed off two of her mixes and why the bar is one

December 2021

of the hotspots at Sandals Negril.

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Epix Supervisor, Shanaque Williams happily presents a toy to a student

December 2021

at the Boscobel Primary School during the annual Christmas treat