In partnership with the company's philanthropic arm, the not-for-profit Sandals Foundation, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) announced the full list of projects under its "40 for 40 Initiative." Launched as part of Sandals Resorts’ 40th anniversary celebrations, 40 projects were identified by the company across eight Caribbean destinations where SRI operates that showcases the link between tourism and its power to "transform communities and improve local lives." 18MAR also marks the 13th anniversary of The Sandals Foundation.
“Tourism has the power to transform, not only the lives of the guests who immerse themselves in the charm and culture of the Caribbean while on vacation, but for our team members and neighbors who build their families’ roots in the region,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman, Sandals Resorts International and President and Founder of the Sandals Foundation.
“This is the important work we build on and celebrate today, as part of our relentless efforts to strengthen the transformative link between tourism and the empowerment of our local Caribbean communities.”
The 40 for 40 Initiative projects were selected by The Sandals Foundation across six areas: preserving natural resources through Conservation Efforts and Tours; Investing in Food Security by supporting and working with local farmers; Hospitality Training and Certification; maintenance of cultural heritage through Support of Local Artisans and Music Education & Entertainment; and bolstering local economies through Small Business and Community Market Support.
Across the Caribbean, SRI team members from Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and the Sandals Foundation will work to help bring these projects to life. Visiting guests can also support and participate in many of the activities taking place throughout the region.
Conservation Efforts and Tours
Through the Sandals Foundation, SRI has invested "millions" in education and advocacy programs for the environment, established marine sanctuaries, planted more than 12,000 corals, and engaged over 55,000 people in conservation efforts. The team now aims to advance its efforts to protect the region’s natural resources by expanding opportunities for marine conservation.
In honor of its late Founder, Chairman and philanthropic stalwart, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the team has partnered with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) to implement its "Sea the Legacy of Love" Scholarship Program. The program will provide 40 Caribbean nationals across six islands with dive certifications from open water to master level. In addition, guests can have the opportunity to take part in activities such as coral out-planting in Jamaica and St. Lucia.
Additional projects include supporting the Andromeda Gardens, a 6.5-acre botanical garden in Barbados created in the 1950s, and providing funding to assist in the recovery of sand dunes in Lucayan National Park in The Bahamas that were heavily impacted by invasive plants and storm surges, according to SRI.
Investing in Food Security
Together with the Sandals Foundation, SRI is ramping up its investment in agriculture and the institutions training the next generation of producers. Various contributions will include equipment donation at the Agriculture Training College in Barbados, construction of hydroponics at Antigua’s Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Centre, and establishing community composting practices on-resort. The Foundation will also support the Grenada Network of Rural Women Producers (GRENROP), a group of 65 local women and youth aiming to achieve financial independence through agriculture.
Small Business and Community Market Support
The Sandals Foundation continues to invest in local businesses such the Oistins Fish Fry in Barbados, where locals and visitors can meet with vendors and enjoy freshly prepared seafood. Guests at Sandals also have the opportunity to embark on paid tours that "directly support" these vendors and their livelihoods, according to SRI.
The Sandals Foundation commits to improving the welfare of small business and community market operators as well as their earning potential by upgrading additional locales such as Cultural Market Place in Turks & Caicos and Pineapple Craft Market in Jamaica. In addition, the Sandals Foundation’s community projects are highlighted on resort, inviting guests to support through donations.
Supporting Local Artisans
For years, guests of Sandals and Beaches Resorts have had access to locally made items at its retail shops, proceeds of which are reinvested by SRI into local community groups. Now, the Sandals Foundation will expand its Caribbean Artisan Program by training more crafts people across more islands including Curaçao, St. Lucia, Bahamas and Turks & Caicos. Resorts guests can also meet these artisans through pop-up shops on resort.
Music Education and Entertainment
Together with international partners, high school and college music educators will be trained on key techniques to further develop the region’s iconic sounds. Additionally, the 40 for 40 Initiative will culminate with a musical showcase that brings Caribbean music to Miami in order to help raise funds for continued growth of the region.
Hospitality Training and Certification
To help ensure the continued training of future tourism industry players, the teams at SRI and the Sandals Foundation are supporting hospitality training and certification programs to strengthen vocational skills in the areas of food & beverage, health, beauty, and wellness. In Antigua, trainees can receive a health and beauty certification to gain skills for its wellness sector. In Exuma and New Providence, the Foundation will assist with year-long programs that helps to support commercial food preparation.
“We are very excited about these 40 projects of transformation and our role in helping realize the impact tourism makes in the Caribbean,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “Tourism touches almost every corner of local communities and we are fully appreciative of its ability to make a real difference. We are extremely grateful to every guest, team member, partner, travel advisor, donor and supporter who have volunteered or supported our work to improve literacy, healthcare, youth engagement and the many areas in which we focus."
For a full list of 40 for 40 Initiative projects, visit Sandals' web site.
