inTouch August 2020

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August 2020

August 2020

DON’T COUNT THE DAYS. MAKE THE DAYS COUNT.

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AT A GLANCE 06 09

Wedding Managers Get International Certifications

The Buzz

Supporting Youth Literacy

Vox Pop

Sandals Grande St. Lucian

10 Hi Friend

Sandals Grande Antigua

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New Parent Ossorrannis Cunningham

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Express Yourself

Nikiesha Richards Sandals Negril

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World Photography Day

Dawn Smith Sandals Royal Caribbean

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PICTURE PERFECT August in Photos!

August 2020

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In the News

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MAKING NEWS

Sandals Weddings Managers Receive International Event and Wedding Planning Certification Thanks to the support of the Sandals Corporate

Royal Bahamian recently completed their

University (SCU), five Weddings Managers at

studies and participated in QC Event’s online

Sandals Resorts International now officially

graduation ceremony.

hold International Event and Wedding Planning Professional™ (IEWP®) designation, having successfully completed the QC Event School’s Event and Wedding Planning Certification course.

Romance, Marsha-Ann Donaldson-Brown, tasked the managers with identifying a course that would provide in-depth training specifically targeting their niche market. She

School, an online international school with a

shared, “As our wedding programme is niche

successful reputation of educating creative

specific, we wanted to provide the team with

professionals for the last 35 years.

opportunities to pursue wedding-specific

certification is an industry-recognised distance learning course approved by the International Live Events Association and which cements

August 2020

the company’s Director of Weddings and

The QC Event School is a faculty of QC Career

The IEWP Event & Wedding Planning

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In a bid to further her team’s development,

courses, certification and conferences that would provide international exposure and a cutting edge with consumers, travel trade and other external wedding professionals.”

the holder’s credibility as an established

Having identified the QC Course, a funding

industry professional and provides competitive

proposal was submitted to the SCU, which

advantage.

led to the company offering each manager a

The managers, Kamesha Dennisur and AnnaKay Hawthorne from Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Tannif Turner from Sandals Royal

grant of 50 per cent of the programme cost.

It’s an offer the managers were extremely grateful for and immediately accepted.

Caribbean, Kerry-Ann McDonald from Beaches

Beaches Ocho Rios’ McDonald said, “I

Ocho Rios and Samaria Cooper from Sandals

am very appreciative for the opportunity

MAKING NEWS

Samaria Cooper

Anna-Kaye Hawthorne

Kerry Ann McDonald

afforded to me by the SCU. The certification and

Commending the managers on their

extended knowledge I now have could not have

accomplishment, the company’s Learning,

been possible without the SCU and for that I am

Development and Service Standards Director, Dr.

eternally grateful. Upon pursuing this course I have

Phillip Brown, said, “The mission of the Sandals

gained a wealth of knowledge and insight into

Corporate University is to provide opportunities

event planning. It has provided me with a clearer

for our team members’ continued learning and

vision and has added to my years of experience as

to support them as much as possible in all their

a Wedding Planner. I am even now more equipped

learning endeavours. We are proud to have

with the tools I need to be successful in my career.”

played a part in facilitating this experience for

Her views were also echoed by Dennisur who said, “I decided to take this course to expand my

our Weddings Managers and we share their joy in this remarkable accomplishment.”

knowledge of weddings and event planning and

Adding to Dr. Brown’s sentiments, Donaldson-

also to be capable of executing flawless events. I

Brown expressed pride in the team’s success

am extremely grateful for the opportunity that the

and its implications for the brand at large. “The

SCU has afforded me to pursue this dream that

goal was to give some in-depth International

was long considered. I am indeed thankful and will

knowledge and perspective of the event and

endeavor to make Sandals proud of its investment.”

wedding planning world on a much broader

Among the course’s key lessons were hiring and negotiating contracts with event vendors, planning and organising milestone events, planning wedding programmes with religious or cultural variations, creating and balancing clients’ budget, developing theme, atmosphere and vision for the event with clients and much more.

scale. The great benefit as well is that these wedding managers will now have the ability to train their respective teams. Certification is also an edge to have and for us to have this number of managers in the Group with niche specific certification is a big pulse”, she declared.

August 2020

Kamesha Dennisur

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THE BUZZ

The Sandals Foundation:

SUPPORTING YOUTH LITERACY

August 2020

in Antigua

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Youth Officer at the Department of Youth Affairs Betty-Ann Bloodman (right) assists Sandals Grande Antigua’s Public Relations Manager Amar Spencer-Sayers with the distribution of supplies.

THE BUZZ The Sandals Foundation provided support to the Department of Youth Affairs in its Literacy Programme in Antigua. The foundation donated a variety of school supplies which the students will use during the course of the programme. The initiative was launched in 2016 and is aimed at addressing challenges of illiteracy among the youth on the island. Through the programme, both primary and secondary school students are given the opportunity to improve their reading and comprehension skills.

Youth Officer at the Department

Some of the students who are currently enrolled in the programme are pictured with their parents.

August 2020

of Youth Affairs Betty-Ann Bloodman accepts the donations.

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August 2020

SANDALS GRANDE ST. LUCIAN

VOX POP

Q: How do you feel now that you have to wear Personal Protective Equipment?

A: With the new normal I feel very safe and comfortable. Since the

pandemic, wearing the PPEs makes me feel comfortable coming to work.

- Diana S. Durancy (Restaurant Manager)

Q: Now that a second Sandals resort is about to reopen how do you feel for your team members who will be going back to work soon?

A: I am quite happy that they are going back to work. Like me when we were reopening at Sandals Grande, I was so excited to go back to work. I am just

as excited for them. I just hope they will continue to be as safe as we are and that they continue to follow the protocols which are in place for our safety.

- Laurina A. Stanislas (Receptionist Red Lane Spa)

Q: What are you doing to maintain your guest satisfaction?

A: Well today I am serving special surprise cocktails on the beach. And that is in addition to checking my rooms and attending to all of my guests’ needs. I want to ensure that they come back to us at Sandals Grande.

August 2020

- Clynns Emmanuel (Butler)

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HI FRIEND

SANDALS GRANDE ANTIGUA Alex Clarke (Loyalty & Travel Manager) I’d like to send a shout-out to Duncan and the entire Loyalty and Travel team at Sandals Montego Bay. Also, shout-out to Jonathan and the Photoshop team at Sandals Grande St. Lucian .

Leighton Josephs (Hotel Manager) Sending greetings to Duncan and AnnaKay at Sandals Montego Bay. Hello also to everybody at Sandals Royal Caribbean, where my Sandals life started.

Michael Betty (Landscaping Manager) Shout-out to Landscaping Manager at Sandals Ochi Christopher Mundle, Regional Landscaping Manager Lenworth and Mr. Simon Dixon, my Group Manager.

Sherlann Barro (Entertainment Manager) Hello to Mr. Whitehead, Mr. Bailey and all the Playmakers

August 2020

at Sandals South Coast. Hello also to all the Entertainment

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Managers in the chain and my Director, Mr. Joel Ryan.

OSSORRANNIS CUNNINGHAM Accounts Department at Sandals Montego Bay

Ms Cunningham’s baby’s name is Ashae Lawrence.

“It is truly an awesome feeling knowing that I am responsible for carrying, nurturing, grooming, loving, caring for this little life that God has gifted me with.”

August 2020

VOX POP

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STYLE MOMENT

SANDALS GRANDE ST. LUCIAN

When the rains came in August, The Red Lane Spa Team at Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort whipped out the special gear. It was truly a “Style Moment”.

Portia Thompson - Spa Manager

Tanya Medouze - Receptionist Red Lane Spa

Ron Emmanuel - Spa Attendant

August 2020

Akeem Gustave - MTP

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EXPRESS YOURSELF STYLE MOMENT

NIKIESHA RICHARDS Sandals Negril

From her Unspoken Words Series Have you ever felt so alone?

Being in a room filled with people and it’s like no one can see you..

Your silence screams out for help But no one ever hears it That feeling of loneliness..

That feeling of despair..

But does anyone really care?

All you want is to be seen..

For the cries of your heart to be heard..

Lost in a world that always seems to be against you When will it be my turn?

My turn to be seen?

My turn to be heard?

My time to be found?

I’m not searching for someone to save me, that I can do on my own..

August 2020

I’m just wondering why I have to feel so alone.

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EXPRESS YOURSELF

WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY DAY Recently a challenge was issued to our photographers for World Photography Day (August 19). The challenge was to capture in their own style, three images on resort they think best represents the Sandals or Beaches brand.

Here are the entries:

August 2020

Sandals Grande St. Lucian

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Sandals Grande St. Lucian

Sandals Montego Bay

EXPRESS YOURSELF

August 2020

Winner: Sandals Royal Caribbean

Sandals Montego Bay

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GM SPOTLIGHT

DAWN SMITH SANDALS ROYAL CARIBBEAN

1. Personal Philosophy Walking in Humility and Integrity with Perseverance in the sight of God and Man, gives me the courage and confidence to see the positive in every situation, (be it good or bad).

August 2020

2. Favorite Foods Lots of East Indian Mangoes and Curried Mutton

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3. Proudest Moment at Sandals The Day I was accepted as a part of the Family. Also seeing many Team members whom I have trained become great leaders in the company . But most of all, receiving great compliments from our guests about the exceptional experience at Sandals.

4. My Motto With God All Things are Possible if you only Believe! Put Faith in Action!

5. Favorite Song My Wealth is in the Cross (by Hillsong Worship) Why? It’s important to Put God First!!! Our focus on this earth should not be to acquire earthly wealth, but instead, to focus on my stance with God! To walk in the Richness of His Presence, and watch Him Work in My Life for His Glory.

PICTURE PERFECT

Independence Day celebrations are hardly ever complete if you don’t have beautiful Jamaican ladies waving flags and dancing to our popular folk and festival songs. Here, Beaches Negril Weddings Manager, Kahadeesha Warsop graces our lens during the resort’s Independence Day celebrations.

Butler Manager Clarista Hillaire is about to welcome some of the guests who arrived on the first flight from the UK (August 1) since the V.C. Bird International Airport in Antigua reopened.

August 2020

Rehydration shot anyone? From left: Landscaping Manager Michael Betty, Photoshop Manager Levor Ricketts and IT Manager Herve Volney took a moment for the camera during the rehydration drive at Sandals Grande Antigua.

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PICTURE PERFECT

August 2020

Members of the Housekeeping team at Sandals Montego Bay engage in a game of musical chairs with General Manager Carl Beviere.

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PICTURE PERFECT

The Sandals Montego Bay team showing off their new Jamaica Day shirts.

August 2020

Nicky is one of the stars at Butch’s Steak and Seafood Restaurant at Sandals Montego Bay. The guests keep raving about her on The Loop.

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PICTURE PERFECT

August 2020

Peter is another superstar at Sandals Montego Bay.

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Sandals Montego Bay’s General Manager Carl Beviere handing over school supplies to Butler Millisea during a special back- to-school even hosted for team members.

Annastasia Salmon being crowned Miss Sandals Mont Festival Queen during the Independence celebrations resort recently.

Members of the always proud Housekeeping Team at Sandals Montego Bay

The new misting machine for team members at Sandals Montego Bay which sanitizes team members.

Anthony Salmon, animator at Beaches Negril is in full prep mode for the resort’s most awaited Sesame Street Grande Carnival Parade

August 2020

tego Bay s at the

PICTURE PERFECT

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PICTURE PERFECT

August 2020

Beaches Negril’s ever efficient Concierge Team always does it right. Nat shoot with the team was also done the right way.

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Ever the patriot, Resort Shop Manager at Beaches Negril, Belinda Henlon-Brown donned her colours in celebration of Jamaica’s Independence.

PICTURE PERFECT

turally, a mini photo

From left: Director of Sales, Groups and Conventions Nadi Alphonse, Executive Chef Sandeep Supakar, Assistant Executive Housekeeper Scotty Nelson and Revenue Manager Retail Maria Jeffery are all smiles as they head to one of the rehydration drives at Sandals Grande Antigua

August 2020

Assistant Learning and Development Manager at Sandals Montego Bay Kimberly Martin shares a joke with Odene from Loyalty and Travel after presenting him with school supplies for his child during a back-to-school event at the resort.

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PICTURE PERFECT

August 2020

The proud dance competition winner at Sandals Royal Caribbean claims her prize.

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It was Independence Day, and you don’t have to guess the nationality of our Entertainment Manager at Sandals Negril, Rosalind Brooks - her entire ensemble speaks for itself.

Members of the Sandals Montego Bay Entertainm outfits during the Independence celebrations at t

“Take your pick of your favourite beverage” is what Chris, our beloved bartender at Sandals Negril is telling you to do. And, if you want to step it up a notch, he can shake up something else that’s bound to satisfy your taste buds.

A member of the Sandals Royal Caribbean Entertainment Team showing off her vocal prowess at a recent event at the resort.

August 2020

ment Team showing off their national the resort.

PICTURE PERFECT

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PICTURE PERFECT

August birthday celebrants at Sandals Royal Caribb resort’s monthly birthday party celebrations.

August 2020

Sandals Royal Caribbean team member showing off her dancing skills during a recent staff event at the resort.

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Retiring Sandals Royal Caribbean General Manager Gerald Christ posing with members of his favourite Entertainment Team at a send off party in his honour.

PICTURE PERFECT

bean are excited as they cut the birthday cake at the

August 2020

Sandals Royal Caribbean Guest Engagement Manager Celene is always immaculately dressed and ready to serve.

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PICTURE PERFECT

We have to admit, our four ladies from Sandals Negril’s weddings team s make you want to step in for consultation, engaged or not!

August 2020

Our DJ at Sandals Royal Caribbean pumping up the volume during a recent beach event.

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Acting General Manager at Sandals Royal Caribbean Dawn Smith servin to team members arriving on the morning shift as part of staff apprecia at the resort.

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Sandals Royal Caribbean’s Entertainment Team large and in charge during Independence Celebrations at the resort recently.

ng breakfast ation efforts

Leaders at Sandals Royal Caribbean all dressed up in their national colours during Independence celebrations at the resort.

August 2020

PICTURE PERFECT

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PICTURE PERFECT

August 2020

Our Grapevine Cafeteria team at Sandals Royal Caribbean were indeed welcoming of the new pots received recently.

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Chef Rose enjoying a sumptuous meal during a special Power Lunch with Acting General Manager Dawn Smith at Sandals Royal Caribbean.

Front Desk Receptionist Sasha beams at the deliciou culinary fare she is enjoying during a Power Lunch wit Acting Sandals Royal Caribbean General Manager Daw Smith.

A big welcome back to Oneil Evans from the Landscaping Department at Sandals Royal Caribbean who was out ill due to a motor vehicle accident. He is being presented with a gift by Patrice (left) and Anecia from Human Resources.

Spa Manager Kamar at Sandals Royal Caribbean rates himself as a top DJ.

Sales Representative at Sandals Negril, Anjelica Nunez, is giving away smiling eyes and selling souvenirs in the resort’s gift shop.

August 2020

us th wn

PICTURE PERFECT

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PICTURE PERFECT

August 2020

The Sales and Front Office teams at Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort are out on a mission to connect with all of their guests and of course we caught them in action.

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Two peas in a pod. Together forever, Sandals Grande Lucian’s Watersports Manager Terrol Compton and C Sandals Manager Clifford Willie

Always leading by example, Sandals in St Lucia Managing Director Winston Anderson decided to show the maintenance team at Sandals Grande St Lucian how to paint a room. Once he picked up the brush, there was no stopping him. Just another of his finer moments on resort.

In an ongoing DJ competition between the Managing Director Winston Anderson and Hotel Manager Filius Laurent, Mr. Laurent manages to win the trophy every time. This time, even the guests voted in favour of the Hotel Manager. Grounds for a re-match‌

Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort Receivables Clerk Kerry Reynolds in the background as EHS Manager Venecia Durrant expresses herself.

August 2020

e St Club

PICTURE PERFECT

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August 2020