inTouch July 2020

July 2020

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July 2020

TOUGH TIMES NEVER LAST. TOUGH PEOPLE DO.

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AT A GLANCE 06

In the News

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Deputy Chairman’s Message New destination for Sandals Resorts

Development Zoom Etiquette

Coming Soon

10 Questions series

GM Spotlight

Matthew Cornal Sandals Antigua

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Express Yoursels

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Vox Pop

Sandals Montego Bay Toni-Ann Solomon

Sandals Negril

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Hi Friend

Sandals Grande St. Lucian

New Parent

Sharmon Monroe

Style Moment

Beaches Negril

The Buzz

Sandals Foundation

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PICTURE PERFECT

July in Photos!

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July 2020

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Messages

Deputy Chairman’s Message

Greetings Team Sand

Let me start by saying

and the leaders of th

never-ending suppor

loyalty to our brand a

been the driving forc

since 1981 and contin heights.

This year has tested o individuals and I am

together. As we cont we are also opening

possibilities but as yo trials together.

Despite the global ch

grow and we are con even brighter future

and citizens continue and Sandals Resorts

each citizen of our isl receive the amazing many of us.

By now you would ha

July 2020

planned expansion in

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MESSAGES

dals and Beaches,

g thank you. On behalf of our Chairman

his organization, I express gratitude for your

plan to add a fourth Beaches resort aligns with our goal to provide more opportunities for our team members and to continue the Caribbean promise we made back in 1981. This

rt during these challenging times. Your

beautiful island represents a new growth platform for this

and to the teams you are all a part of, have

company and you our amazing team, and we are looking

ce behind the resilience of this company

forward to the adventure of bringing our culture of excellence

nues to inspire us all to even greater

to the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Let us all double down on our own individual commitments

our resolve as a company and as

over the second half of 2020 so we can close the year like

pleased to say we have stood our ground

the amazing team we are. Our new Platinum Protocol of

tinue to re-open our doors in each island,

Cleanliness is an industry leading standard that will assist in

our lives to new challenges and new

redefining how all hospitality purveyors protect their teams

ou all have proven, we can overcome these

and guests. This programme’s success depends on each of us and that is why the leadership of this company is confident it

nfident that we are heading towards an

will succeed because you are all winners!

Even with the uncertainties that surround us, I encourage

together. The Caribbean and its leaders

you to continue being the amazing individuals you are and

e to be pioneers in the hospitality industry

continue to inspire the rest of the Caribbean with your hard

International is proud to stand alongside

work and dedication. We face this new world and all it has

land homes as we once again prepare to

to offer confidently because we do it as we always have- as a

guests that have become like family to

team and with a steadfast focus on a better tomorrow.

ave received information about our

Adam Stewart, CD

nto St Vincent and the Grenadines. Our

Deputy Chairman

“Let me start by saying thank you... This year has tested our resolve as a company and as individuals and I am pleased to say we have stood our ground together.�

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July 2020

hallenges, this organization continues to

IN THE NEWS

July 2020

SANDALS RESORTS INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES EXPANSION TO A NEW DESTINATION, THE ISLAND OF ST. VINCENT

Home to the future Beaches Resorts in

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St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

SRI Acquires Buccament Bay to Develop the Fourth Beaches Resorts in Portfolio strategy,” said Stewart. “Expanding into a brand-new destination ushers in the tremendous opportunity for new and existing team members to experience a whole new way of life and professional growth path. The minute our customers land in St. Vincent, they will be enchanted with its magnificence. The resort hugs the Caribbean Sea and is nestled within a lush mountain range and neighboring rainforest. Best of all, it’s only a short From left to right: Sandals Resorts International CEO Gebhard Rainer and Deputy Chairman Adam Stewart officiating the expansion of Beaches Resorts into St. Vincent and the Grenadines along with

Prime Minister, the Honourable Dr. Ralph Everard Gonsalves; Minister of Tourism, Sports, and Culture, the Honourable Cecil O. McKie and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Camillo Gonsalves

drive from the newly constructed Argyle International Airport.”

The agreement, which has been in the works for nearly a year, will bring Beaches Resorts to the archipelago chain known as the ‘Jewels of the

Luxury all-inclusive resort leader Sandals Resorts International

Caribbean.’ “The resort will undergo

(SRI) is expanding to St. Vincent and the Grenadines, its eighth

extensive reimagination and

island in the Caribbean, and a new destination for the brand,

renovations,” stated Adam Stewart,

following the acquisition of Buccament Bay Spa and Resort.

Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts

The resort, which has been shuttered as a failed development

International. “Each time we expand,

since 2016, will be completely transformed to become the fourth

we bring with us the full potential of

Beaches Resorts within the portfolio, joining their award-winning

our 40 years in hospitality with the

family-friendly resorts in Jamaica and Turks & Caicos.

creation of new jobs and skillsets

Stewart, “investing in St. Vincent and its captivating people, was not only compelling, but a natural next step for continued expansion within the Eastern Caribbean. Beginning with our first entry in Saint Lucia many years ago and more recently Grenada and Barbados, we are champions of growth for the Eastern Caribbean, and it has remained at the forefront of our expansion

through our Corporate University, the on-the-ground work of our Sandals Foundation, the dedicated airlift and comprehensive global marketing campaigns that always follow. As we look to the future, this growth stands for tremendous possibility.”

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July 2020

According to SRI Founder and Chairman, the Hon. Gordon “Butch”

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

ZOOM MEETINGS

July 2020

Etiquette and Best Practices

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Tips for Meeting Host Don’t Make Private Meetings Public

Manage Your Participants

Whenever possible, distribute your Zoom

This feature can be useful when you want to

meeting link only to those individuals who will

control your guest list and invite only certain

be attending your class or meeting. If you share

individuals (for example, students or colleagues). If

your meeting link on social media or other public

someone tries to join the meeting who isn’t signed

platforms, anyone who sees the link will be able

in to a Zoom account, they will receive a notice

to join your meeting (unless you set a password

indicating the meeting is open only to authorized

for your meeting and share that privately with

attendees, and they will have the option to sign in

attendees). That includes trolls, who can then

with an authorized email address.

(“zoombombing”).

Manage Screen Sharing

Lock the meeting Locking a Zoom meeting that is in progress prevents new participants from joining, even if they have the meeting ID and password (if you have

Only hosts and co-hosts have the ability to share

required one). In the meeting, click Participants

their screens by defaul in the University’s Zoom

at the bottom of the window, then click the Lock

service (pitt.zoom.us). However, hosts may enable

Meeting button in the pop-up window.

screen sharing for participants on a per meeting basis or change settings to enable participant screen sharing by default for all meetings.

Set a meeting password This option requires attendees to enter a password that you provide before they can join the meeting.

Click the Security icon in the meeting host’s

Requiring a password makes it easier to share

toolbar to easily enable and disable screen sharing

the Meeting ID publicly (for example, on Twitter),

and other common security settings from within

because you can send the meeting password

an active meeting.

privately (for example, via email or a Twitter DM).

Remove unwanted or disruptive participants Navigate to the Participants menu, mouse over a participant’s name, and click Remove. They will not be able to rejoin unless you allow them to do so (see below).

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July 2020

share or post inappropriate or offensive material

Allow only signed-in users to join

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Allow removed participants to rejoin If you remove the wrong person from a meeting,

You and your attendees can doodle and mark up

you can allow them to rejoin. Sign in to pitt.zoom.

content together using annotations during screen

us and click Settings. On the Meetings tab, ensure

share. You can disable the annotation feature in

Allow removed participants to rejoin is toggled on.

your Zoom settings to prevent people from writing

Place participants on hold You can put everyone else on hold, and the attendees’ video and audio connections will be

all over the screens.

Disable private chat Zoom has in-meeting chat for everyone, or

disabled momentarily. Click on someone’s video

participants can message each other privately.

thumbnail and select Start Attendee On Hold to

To cut back on distractions, you can restrict

activate this feature. Click Take Off Hold in the

participants’ ability to chat amongst one another

Participants list when you’re ready to resume the

while your event is in progress. This also helps

meeting.

prevent anyone from receiving unwanted

Disable video As a meeting host, you can turn off someone’s video. This will allow hosts to block unwanted, distracting, or inappropriate gestures on video.

Mute participants You can mute/unmute individual participants or all participants at once. This allows you to block unwanted, distracting, or inappropriate noise. To mute everyone, click Manage Participants and select Mute All. You can also enable Mute Upon Entry in your settings to keep noise at a minimum during large classes or meetings.

Turn off file transfer In-meeting file transfer allows people to share files through the in-meeting chat. Toggle this off to keep the chat from getting bombarded with unsolicited pics, GIFs, memes, and other content.

July 2020

Turn off annotation

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messages during the meeting.

Additional Meeting Tips Mute your microphone

•

To help keep background noise to a minimum, make sure you mute your

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your audience and keep them focused.

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microphone when you are not speaking.

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Be mindful of background noise

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When your microphone is not muted, avoid activities that could create additional noise,

Position your camera properly

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If you choose to use a web camera, be sure

on something you covered, or to see if people are expressing poor understanding.

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Enable video only for the presenter. You can only see a limited number of participants anyway, depending on your screen size, and enabling video gobbles up network resources. If you plan to lecture without feedback (e.g., for a large seminar), you can

it is in a stable position and focused at eye

also disable participant audio.

level, if possible. Doing so helps create a more direct sense of engagement with other

Monitor the chat function for questions as they come in, to see if people are expounding

such as shuffling papers.

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Use poll questions periodically to engage

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participants.

Schedule one or more feedback breaks.

In a physical classroom, you can see raised hands or observe confused looks. It’s

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Limit distractions

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You can make it easier to focus on the

students to ask questions. An audio free-for-

meeting by turning off notifications, closing

all can be a nightmare, but dedicated Q&A

or minimizing running apps, and muting

periods work really well.

your smartphone.

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Avoid multi-tasking

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You’ll retain the discussion better if you refrain from replying to emails or text messages during the meeting and wait to work on that PowerPoint presentation until after the meeting ends.

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Prepare materials in advance

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If you will be sharing content during the

important to assess understanding and allow

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Address Internet disruptions: At this time, many network providers are seeing massive increases in residential bandwidth use during the day, and many users are being throttled. If participants are experiencing lagging or skipping, suggest that they use their computer to access video, while simultaneously dialing in by phone for the audio.

meeting, make sure you have the files and/or links ready to go before the meeting begins.

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July 2020

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TUNE IN! How much can you learn about a person from their answers to 10 simple questions? You’d be surprised! We’re excited to introduce 10 Questions, our brand new social media feature where we sit down with our very special and valued team members to find out some fun stuff about them.

JAVADA PARKES In our first episode, we’ll get to learn a little bit more about Javada Parkes, Entertainment Supervisor at Sandals Montego Bay. Can you guess what weird food combination is his favourite? He tells us that and MUCH more!

Stay tuned to @Iam_SandalsHR on Instagram and @IamSandalsHR on Facebook to catch the first episode when it drops and be sure to follow us so you don’t miss out! ** Please note that this series was filmed in February

July 2020

2020, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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GM SPOTLIGHT

MATTHEW CORNAL SANDALS ANTIGUA

What is the most adventurous thing you’ve done?

I’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro.

Name one thing you wish you could change in the world.

The damage that we are doing to our natural environment What is your all-time favourite song and why?

Start Me Up by The Rolling Stones . I fancy myself as a Mick Jagger, but the only time I can sing is when I’m in the shower to avoid embarrassment Name one country that you would love to visit that you’ve

If you were an animal, what would it be and why?

A dolphin. As a keen diver, I’ve seen them many times and they look really free.

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July 2020

not yet visited. Why? Japan. The history…the culture…the food

EXPRESS YOURSELF

SANDALS MONTEGO BAY Toni-Ann Solomon Sandals Montego Bay’s Social Media Coordinator Toni-Ann Solomon is a nature buff. Apart from her normal duties at work she loves to express herself through the lens, capturing photographs of natural scenes on weekends.

Here she shares some gorgeous photos she has taken across St James in Jamaica just for your

July 2020

viewing pleasure.

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July 2020

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VOX POP

SANDALS NEGRIL

What’s in a name?

Jamaica’s very own eight-time Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt and girlfriend Kasi Bennett took to social media recently to introduce their first child to the world as Olympia Lightning Bolt - much to the delight or maybe chagrin of many a fan or follower. According to CNN “Usain Bolt has given his newborn daughter a name worthy of a future champion,” a sentiment echoed by a lot of persons, but --- yup, there is a but! – there are also many who really aren’t fond of the name at all. Let’s hear what our team at Sandals Negril has to say on the matter.

Aneka Johnson (Photoshop) “I like it. I think it is fitting and represents her dad. It’s the perfect name in my opinion”

Felix Johnson (Front office) Too excessive right there man!

I think they should have just settled with Olympia Bolt and give her a ‘normal’ middle name. Usain already has the moniker ‘lightning bolt’ anyway.

Orayne Lewis (Housekeeping) “Seriously? The child is so young, you haven’t seen her personality or potential yet so why push such a loaded name on her? But, it is Bolt’s child and it is his right if he wants to continue his legacy in that way. But for me, I would wait to see her potential first, or even see if she loves sports and then

July 2020

use it as a nickname maybe.”

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Nicksha Hogg-Tardiel (Photoshop) “I don’t like the name at all. It isn’t suitable for a girl, I think it sounds more masculine than feminine”

SANDALS HI FRIEND GRANDE ST. LUCIAN Sending greetings to our friends

Nerian Hilaire (Landscaping Manager Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort)

“Wah gwaan Michael? How the grounds look over in Sandals Grande Antigua?”

Shatal Lionel (Management Trainee Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort)

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July 2020

“Hi Krystal, sending you my love. Keep on shining like the diamond you are. Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort Shop is doing well!”

NEW PARENT

SHARMON MONROE Sandals Grande St Lucian

July 2020

“Becoming a mom makes me so joyful. I am elated at having my daughter Saari and I feel so empowered.”

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July 2020

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STYLE MOMENT

BEACHES NEGRIL Double trouble The ladies of Beaches Negril just need to hear there is an event, and best believe, they are coming all the way through. Never disappointing are our two favourite girls Sydia Fraser (left) wedding planner, rocking a black and gold number and Shanique Gray from the photoshop who donned a chic figure

July 2020

hugging maxi dress for the occasion.

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July 2020

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THE BUZZ

SANDALS FOUNDATION Sandals Foundation Launches ‘Ocean Connect’ Programme in Antigua Swimming is, undoubtedly, a valuable life skill. The Sandals Foundation has embarked on an initiative in Antigua to ensure that children there not only learn to swim, but also develop an appreciation for the marine environment. One hundred students ages 7 to 12 from four schools across the island will be a part of the ‘Ocean Connect’ programme over the course of a year. The initiative is a partnership between the Sandals Foundation and the Marlin Swim Club, a local swimming company that has been in existence since 2002. The students have been divided in groups of 25, with the first group session running from June to

July 2020

September.

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July 2020

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PICTURE PERFECT

Team Housekeeping has been receiving much kudos from their guests at Sandals Royal Caribbean. The team was in a festive mood as they modelled for the camera on the lawns of the resort.

July 2020

(Please note this picture was taken before the current physical distancing protocols)

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PICTURE PERFECT

For team members at Sandals Montego Bay, The Flagship, love is always in the air.

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July 2020

General Manager Carl Beviere and Deputy Chairman Adam Stewart welcoming guests at the reopening of Sandals Montego Bay.

PICTURE PERFECT

July 2020

Giving back never stops. Here, Regional Public Relations Manager for Sandals, Beaches and Grand Pineapple Negril Jervene Simpson (right) hands over care packages for the elderly from the Sandals Foundation to Hanover Poor Relief and the Moreland Hill community representatives.

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Sandals Montego Bay Spa Therapist Andrea showing glowing letter written to her from a recent guests tou vaunted skills. Way to go, girl.

Managers at Sandals Royal Caribbean take turns serving meals at a special breakfast put on for team members at the resort.

Ready to snap dem pics and sell ‘em? And our Beaches Negril photoshop team is in agreement.

She may supervise the bartenders but Jodian ‘Jo Jo’ Campbell hasn’t lost her touch as she shakes up a quick cocktail order for her guests.

Bartender Dre can serve up just about any drink. And with his show tending skills he is one of the ultrastars of Sandals Royal Caribbean.

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July 2020

off a uting her

PICTURE PERFECT

PICTURE PERFECT

Managers at Sandals Royal Caribbean take turns serving meals at a spec team members at the resort.

July 2020

Gavin, one of the ace Bellmen at Sandals Royal Caribbean is ready for any task at hand.

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PICTURE PERFECT

cial breakfast put on for

Miss Audrey, one of our chefs in the Grapevine Team Member cafeteria at Sandals Royal Caribbean, is as pleased as punch as she received new pots to assist in her making the culinary offering served to our team members that much sweeter.

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July 2020

Executive Chef at Sandals Royal Caribbean Delroy Dennis shows off his vaunted customer service skills by personally serving guests at the resort. Way to go chef!

PICTURE PERFECT

Entertainment Supervisor Javada is all smiles as Montego Bay recently.

July 2020

Beaches Negril’s Kids Camp Counselor Monique Williams shows off art work made from popsicle/fudge sticks. An activity that the little ones totally enjoy at the Kids Camp.

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Jermaine , Banqueting Manager at Sandals Montego Bay, takes time out to display his skills at Cafe de Paris. He’s so versatile.

PICTURE PERFECT

he receives his care package at Sandals

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July 2020

The Learning and Development team at Sandals Royal Caribbean recently staged a book fair which gave team members a chance to take home some extra reading material. Here they organize the books during a break in the action.

PICTURE PERFECT

Live on set for a Mother’s Day television special for our team members and all other mothers. Regional Entertainment Manager Trevor King and Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Spa & Beach Resort Entertainment Manager Melissa Giddings looking like television stars!

July 2020

The Wedding Captain at Sandals Montego Bay shows he is ready to take care of all your wedding needs.

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PICTURE PERFECT

Watersports is one of the major attractions along the fabulous beach at Sandals Montego Bay and a member of the watersports team shows how it’s done.

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July 2020

The Entertainment team is always involved in fun and games at Sandals Royal Caribbean

PICTURE PERFECT

July 2020

The lovely Spa team at Sandals Montego Bay has been creating waves since The Flagship reopened. Here they team show off their fashionable garb.

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PICTURE PERFECT

The smiles behind the masks are quite evident as Sandals Negril’s loyalty and travel manager Kerry-Ann (centre) poses with her team members Janine (left) and Kacheef .

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July 2020

Sandals Negril team members turned up and out to welcome our very first set of guests on reopening day.

PICTURE PERFECT So here we are, months later and getting used to welcoming our guests back while wearing Personal Protective Equipment. From our Managing Director to all other team members, it is a whole new world of smiling behind the mask, and delivering first class service to our discerning guests at Sandals Grande St Lucian.

July 2020

Hygenia Mathurin - F&B Weddings Specialist showing off her PPE.

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Managing Director Winston Anderson leads the way in wearing the new PPE while welcoming the first guest back after months of lockdown.

The time has come - Reopening Day a

PICTURE PERFECT

at Sandals Grande St Lucian.

Club Sandals Team Member and Ms. Saint Lucia 2018 rocking the new gear like a star.

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July 2020

The Watersports team working in their new gear alongside Housekeeping.

PICTURE PERFECT In the days leading up to the shutdown of our beloved resorts in St Lucia, team members were ever so energized preparing care packs for each other.

Preparing the care packs for team members at San

July 2020

Team Members and GM “G� Sindhi from Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa preparing care packs for redistribution to the team.

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Rodesha Reid EHS Manager at Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort, inspiring hope for her team with the preparation of care packs.

She took special care to include fruit packs.

PICTURE PERFECT

ndals Regency La Toc.

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July 2020

Shanna from Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Spa & Beach Resort poses with Sandals knapsacks.

PICTURE PERFECT After a prolonged hiatus, team members were anxious to return to the hallowed walls of Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Spa & Beach Resort. Therefore when the call to clean was sounded, they came‌

Chef Henrique steals a bite before the rush.

July 2020

Shana in motion, cleaning, cleaning, cleaning while other people look on, supervising we suppose.

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Terrol from Watersports led the cleaning crew along the Pigeon Island causeway.

PICTURE PERFECT

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July 2020

The Maintenance Team added some muscle.

July 2020

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