The Buzz

SANDALS SOUTH COAST EXTENDS SUPPORT TO STAFF FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL

Throughout the years Sandals Resorts International has always made the wellbeing of their team members a priority and back-to-school treats and distributions, heralding the beginning of a new school year, have been an annual best practice. This year, Sandals South Coast had to shelf their annual treat for Staff Members and their kids, in light of COVID-19 restrictions and given the gatherings that generally accompany this event. However, the resort did not miss an opportunity to assist their team with back-to-school preparations. A special presentation which took place recently saw hundreds of team members walking away with backpacks and other school supplies. Team members expressed how grateful they were for the support especially during this time when many are still trying to recover from the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn of 2020.

In this photo, fathers, Alton Williams (left) and Nicardo Dennis from the resort’s Watersports department show us some of the items they got for their kids

Moms, Fellecia Smith (left) and Nickesha Cunningham were more than excited to receive beautiful backpacks for their kids.

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SANDALS SOUTH COAST GETS THE JAB DONE

As the Private Sector Vaccine Initiative (PSVI) continues their island-wide campaign in Jamaica to get as many persons as possible vaccinated through a number of coordinated vaccination drives, the PSVI team recently made a stop at Sandals South Coast.

This vaccination drive saw over 230 staff members, dependents and contractors receiving first and second doses of the Pfizer and AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

Sandals South Coast has been on a drive since April to educate their Team Members about COVID-19 safety precautions and the benefits of vaccination. This in addition to stringent Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness instituted across all Sandals/Beaches resorts.

“Our Team Members continue to work on the front line in Tourism and looking after the sector here on the South Coast and we want to make sure that they are protected at all times as best as possible,” says Sandals South Coast General Manager, Adrian Whitehead, “the vaccines provide the safest way to do so and continue their work.”

Among the team members who got their first jab was Front Office Agent, Javed Outar who noted that he got the vaccine to boost his immune system, having suffered for most of his life with chronic Bronchitis. “If the vaccine can help my immune system to fight the COVID-19 then I thought it best to take it.”

Dr. Jose Manuel Chinea of the National Chest Hospital has a special message for all Jamaicans while Sandals South Coast Chef, Talbert Howard showcases his vaccination card.

Chaz Dillion, Sandals South Coast Entertainer receives his COVID-19 vaccine during a recent Private Sector Vaccine Initiative (PSVI) vaccination drive at his resort.

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SANDALS ROYAL CARIBBEAN FETES HOUSEKEEPERS IN FINE STYLE

To mark International Housekeepers Week, Sandals Royal Caribbean feted the housekeeping team in fine style with a number of special events. These included: a worship service and continental breakfast; managers delivering tokens to every member of the team in their work stations; group luncheon and entertainment; group photoshoot, towel art and bed-making competitions; group boat cruise and a special awards ceremony.

General Manager Dawn Smith lauded the housekeeping team for the outstanding work they had been doing, especially during the pandemic and said their efforts had not gone unnoticed. Miss Smith said the Housekeeping Department was one of the backbones of the hotel and pledged that they would not be feted on Housekeeper Week alone but would be acknowledged throughout the year. A proud Executive Housekeeper, Kemar Russie, thanked the team for their sterling efforts throughout the past year.

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SWIM CHALLENGE AT SANDALS GRANDE ST LUCIAN

It began as a regular week. Vanessa Eugene, a Snorkel Guide/Assistant Dive Instructor from Water Sports at Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort decided that she was going to swim 6.24km from the beach at Sandals Grande to a rock called “Barrel O’ Beef” and back. She was going to do the swim as a personal challenge, and she budgeted 3 and a half hours for the plunge. From 5:00am on the fated morning, news of Vanessa’s arrival on resort began to circulate among the team. The sun had not risen yet, but Vanessa was out there. And lo and behold, before the clock struck 8:30am, Vanessa had swum the channel and had returned in 2 hours, 38 minutes and 20 seconds! She holds the record as the only female on resort to hit the waves in such a dramatic way. She set the tone for the month – push yourself to do more, every day!

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NEW TEAM MEMBER RESTAURANT AT SANDALS GRANDE ST LUCIAN

Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort unveils the upgraded team member restaurant. After months of speculating about the format and how it would unfold, “D” Day had arrived. Suddenly the restaurant was a hive of activity; okay – more activity than usual.

Our Chefs came out to impress, and that they did! Our newly improved restaurant facilities are popping, and create safe spaces inside and out.

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HOUSEKEEPERS CELEBRATED AT SANDALS BARBADOS

It was a week of celebration and fun as Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados observed International Housekeeping Week – September 12-18. These dedicated team members offer an invaluable service to the resort, often going above and beyond to ensure guests satisfaction. The week culminated with a Breakfast Event, with saw housekeeping staff engage in fun games and challenges as many took home some wonderful prizes.

Alista was definitely here for the fun!

After a few laughs, Keisha was up for the challenge.

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Rooms Division Manager Annette Forbes encouraging her team!

Just a quick word from Resort Manager Patrick Drake. September 2021 25

THE BUZZ

SANDALS AND BEACHES NEGRIL CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL HOUSEKEEPERS WEEK

Housekeeping team members at Sandals and Beaches Negril recently enjoyed a series of celebratory events in recognition of International Housekeepers Week. The dedicated professionals were feted all week long at both hotels. The resorts had a full seven-day schedule of activities where their housekeeping team members got to enjoy a Spa and Wellness SPArty, special luncheons with resort executives, a catamaran cruise, fun competitions, daily prize giveaways and an after-work appreciation ceremony. Here are the highlights of the week that was.

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SANDALS AND BEACHES NEGRIL THANKS SAVANNA-LA-MAR HOSPITAL STAFF

Over 300 staff members of the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital were recently treated to special lunches by Sandals and Beaches resorts in Negril as a show of solidarity and support as the local hospital system and frontline workers continue to grapple with the ongoing effects of the pandemic. With recent reports of patient occupancy being at full capacity in many of our nation’s hospitals, front line workers have been working overtime and under high stress conditions to deal with the spike in COVID-19 cases.

The Savanna-la-Mar Hospital is no exception and according to the Western Regional Health Authority, the situation at the facility has reached “crisis proportion”. The efforts of the Sandals and Beaches Negril team mirror similar activities recently undertaken at the Black River, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay based health care facilities. Donation of supplies to include bed linens, towels and chairs for patient use was also made.

“As a group we continue to play our part in combating this virus. The team at Savanna-la-Mar Hospital has provided great care to many of our employees and community members and it really is a tough time for all the workers there. Through our Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart, this is just one way of saying, we are in this together and we continue to support you,” shared General Managers from Sandals Negril and Beaches Negril David Latchimy and Christopher Elliot.

Manager at the Accident and Emergency Ward Patma Williams expressed her thanks to Sandals and Beaches Negril for the kind gesture to her and her colleagues, “We are thankful to Sandals and Beaches Negril for the gifts extended and we appreciate their support and kind words. God has called us to be destiny helpers and problem solvers and we continue to do our best every day.”

This latest activity represents a part of the resort company’s ongoing support to health-care facilities and frontline workers in the country’s collective efforts to combat the effects of this pandemic. The company’s Sandals Inn resort in Montego Bay continues to be fully utilized by the Ministry of Health since March 2020, amidst company donations through several Private Sector Organization of Jamaica initiatives and earlier this year, a donation of complimentary stays was extended to frontline workers across the region.

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The hotel chain’s philanthropic arm, Sandals Foundation, also remains active in providing additional extensive support and is also exploring further assistance to the Savanna-laMar Hospital and others. September 2021 29

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BEACHES TURKS & CAICOS TEAM MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN BFF FASHION SHOW

This month the Beaches Turks & Caicos Entertainment team participated in the BFF Travel Group Fashion show held on Treasure Beach. The event was a major success and it was primarily due to the impressive display by the BTC team members and the entire entertainment staff.

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HOUSEKEEPERS THE TOAST OF SANDALS MONTEGO BAY

The Housekeeping Department was the toast of The Flagship property, Sandals Montego Bay, during the recent staging of International Housekeepers Week.

Apart from being the guests of honour at a spectacular dinner, members of the department engaged in a Praise and Worship Service; worked up a sweat at a morning ‘Get Fit’ exercise session; were pampered with a Spa Day treat and Paint and Sip event. The managers also made sure they were well taken care of during a rehydration session for the housekeepers at their work stations.

General Manager Carl Beviere was lavish in his praise of the sterling efforts of the Housekeeping Team, stating that the company owed them a debt of gratitude for their outstanding and selfless work during the pandemic. “We love and cherish you, and this week was just a small token of our appreciation,” Mr. Beviere noted.

Members of the Housekeeping team thanked the General Manager and the rest of the resort team for the outpouring of love during their special week.

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