inTouch September 2020

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September 2020

September 2020

THE BAD NEWS IS TIME FLIES. THE GOOD NEWS IS YOU’RE THE PILOT.

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AT A GLANCE 04

Career Development

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Express Yourself

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The Buzz

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Vox Pop

Celebrating our Housekeepers

Cricket and Sports Tourism

Sandals Royal Caribbean

New Parent

Kimberly Evans Beaches Negril

14 Hi Friend

Sandals La Toc

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PICTURE PERFECT September in Photos!

September 2020

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Mental Health and Wellbeing during COVID-19

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

WORKING REMOTELY DURING COVID-19

September 2020

Your Mental Health and Well-being

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

The coronavirus(COVID-19) is presenting new and unique challenges.

We are navigating unchartered waters with this virus, making it important to find new ways to work and interact while also taking care of our mental health and well-being.

Many are teleworking full-time for the first time, isolated from co-workers, friends and family. Our daily living routines are disrupted causing added anxiety, stress and strain—physically, mentally, and financially. It is completely natural for this disruption and uncertainty to lead to anxiety and stress.

Now more than ever, we all must take care of our mental health and well-being. As we protect ourselves against potential exposure to the coronavirus, keep in mind that social distancing does not mean social isolation. This resource provides practical tips on taking care of our mental health and well-being.

How do I maintain my health and wellness?

Keep a regular schedule: Create and maintain a routine and schedule. Set up a designated space for you and each family member to work and learn. Don’t forget to include periodic breaks for recharging in your schedule. Although everyone’s schedule will be different, here is a sample: 7:00 a.m. - Wake up, stretch, take care of kids/animals 7:30 a.m. - Breakfast and family time (technology free!)

8:30 a.m. - Work and check on updates with small breaks every 30 minutes or so 12:00 p.m. - Lunch break, get fresh air, stretch & exercise 1:00 p.m. - Work with breaks every 30 minutes, check in with co-workers 5:00 p.m. - Dinner and screen break! Call a friend, family, or loved one

Stay connected Stay connected with family, friends, and support systems using technology like FaceTime, Skype, Google Hangout and other video-based options. Talk about your fears and concerns with people you trust. Chances are they are feeling the same way.

September 2020

7:00 p.m. - Self care time

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT Keep your immune system strong Make a commitment to staying strong by: •

Washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds (about two rounds of the “Happy Birthday” song)

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Getting enough sleep

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Eating well and staying hydrated

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Taking vitamins

Prioritize personal hygiene and limit contact with others This is imperative to avoid spreading the virus. Here’s what should be done: •

Again, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds and use hand sanitizer regularly.

•

Use a tissue to cover your sneeze or cough, or when unavailable, cough or

Exercise and stay active: This is not only good for your physical health, but

sneeze into your elbow.

•

areas and objects that are heavily

also your mental health. Periodically, get up and

trafficked or are touched regularly

move around your home. Walking, stretching,

September 2020

planks or jumping jacks—whatever works best

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for you to reduce or alleviate stress and increase

where you live and work.

•

offering free livestreams or app-based workouts for members and the general public, so check online to see what’s available.

Avoid contact with those who are sick and avoid touching your face, eyes,

endorphins. While our favorite gyms and fitness centers are closed during this time, many are

Disinfect with anti-bacterial wipes

nose, and mouth.

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Stay home when you are sick.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Get fresh air: If circumstances allow, go outside for

Distract and redirect: Engage in activities

a brisk walk and fresh air, but avoid crowds and try

that benefit your well-being, bring you joy

to maintain the recommended 6-foot distance with

and distract you from existing challenges.

others.

This might include meditation and yoga, often offered free online. You may also enjoy

Stay informed: Knowledge is power, and it’s good to

journaling, reading, art projects, cooking

stay updated on progress being made in combatting

with new recipes, breathing exercises, or

the virus. Stay informed on the latest updates from

listening to a calming podcast or music.

reliable sources like the Centers for Disease Control

Limit media consumption: Avoid continuous exposure to news, media, and social media that may trigger or elevate anxiety, stress, or panic. Stay informed by following few, authoritative resources, but limit media consumption.

Set boundaries on work schedule: When working from home, be sure that you are working reasonable hours. It can be tempting to work more while you have your work at home, however it can also be taxing on your health and well-being, so stick to a schedule with healthy boundaries.

Get creative to stay connected: Share tips with co-workers and friends on what’s working well for you and encourage them to do the same. Come up with new ideas like planning a Google Hangout to exercise together – try one-minute planks, 10 jumping jacks, or whatever you decide, just keep it simple. Share photos of pets enjoying the new routine. Watch movies at the same time while texting or on Skype. The sky’s the limit on creative ways to stay connected.

September 2020

(CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

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THE BUZZ

GRATEFUL FOR OUR BUSY BEES This was a busy month for the Housekeepers at Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort. In addition to attending to their regular duties, they were busy bees around the resort, celebrating International Housekeepers Week. The team participated in a number of activities from Yoga for Housekeepers, to artistic performances and to top it off, they were celebrated during a special lunch hosted by Managing Director Mr. Winston Anderson.

Some of the ladies from the Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort Housekeeping Team were captured on their room blocks, preparing for their guest arrivals. These ladies form part of an enthusiastic team living through the Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness, all out front

September 2020

especially during International Housekeepers Week.

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Alison

Carolina

THE BUZZ

Jackie

Presha

Aurea

September 2020

Candice

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THE BUZZ

SANDALS GRANDE ANTUGUA

REFURBISHES WALLINGS NATURE RESERVE General Manager at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa Matthew Cornall took his first official tour of the newly refurbished administrative building at Wallings Nature Reserve on September 10th. The structural upgrades were made possible by a US$27,000 donation from the Sandals Foundation earlier this year. Work on the building began in February, including the construction of a deck, a shed, electrical work, painting, tiling and guttering. The improved facility also boasts a wheelchair-accessible bathroom, four water tanks, security cameras and a solar panel system.

Additionally, informational signs will be placed along the hiking trails, which will highlight the biodiversity of the area. The project is in keeping with the three core areas of focus for the Sandals Foundation – community, education and the environment. It promotes the conservation of the country’s biodiversity; it was born in the community; it also educates residents and visitors

September 2020

alike about the species of plants and animals in the environment.

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General Manager at Sandals Grande Antigua Matthew Cornall tours the facility with Executive Director of Wallings Nature Reserve Refica Attwood.

THE BUZZ

THE SANDALS FOUNDATION

DONATES SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO POTTERS PRIMARY The Sandals Foundation made a timely donation of school supplies to the Potters Primary School in Antigua on September 16th. Backpacks, pencils, pencil cases, notebooks and pencil crayons were among the many items that were handed over to Principal Jasinter Athill (left) and Education Officer for Zone 2 Alvacea Burton (second from the right). Athill extended her gratitude to the non-profit organisation and noted that the items will be of significant help to the 267 students who attend the primary institution. Burton commended the Sandals Foundation for its consistency in supporting

On hand to make the donations on behalf of the charitable arm of Sandals Resorts were the Environmental Health and Safety Manager at Sandals Grande Antigua Jasiel Murphy (second from the left), Public Relations Manager Amar Spencer-Sayers (centre) and Photo and Video Operations Manager Levor Ricketts (right).

September 2020

the education system in Antigua & Barbuda throughout the years.

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September 2020

NEW PARENT

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NEW PARENT

KIMBERLEY EVANS Beaches Negril, Front Office Agent Baby: Kyandre Simpson Kimberley is mother of two children, a 4 year old daughter and 10 month old Kyandre. When asked what it feels like being blessed with her second child, Kimberley laughingly uttered “I thought it would be easier, however each experience is different. I go through my fair share of emotions - sometimes complete exhaustion to total elation.”

One thing is for sure, she enjoys being a mom; “just that inexplicable feeling of him growing inside me to the first day I laid my eyes on him. It was just love at first sight (my sonshine). It’s fascinating watching him complete each milestone,” she shared.

Kyandre is very observant, and it is evident that he will be a quick learner. His favorite words are na-na and da-da, he loves dancing and listening to music, especially Baby Shark. He eats a wide range of food items but he still enjoys breast milk and the comfort of breastfeeding. At his age he is comfortably crawling, standing a little and cruising around whilst holding on to furniture.

No doubt, walking is in reach.

“Having children is a life changing experience and Ky is just another blessing and another reason why I wake up every day. And It helps to make my work at a family resort such as Beaches Negril so much more fun as I continue to

“It was just love at first sight (my sonshine). It’s fascinating watching him complete each milestone...”

September 2020

service families like my very own as an ambassador at the front desk.”

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HI FRIEND

SANDALS REGENCY LA TOC Mirella Hubain (Assistant Spa Manager) I want to say HI to Cathy over at the Spa at Sandals Antigua. We miss you! This love is coming from all the ladies at the Spa at Sandals Regency La Toc.

Patricia George (Loyalty & Travel Consultant) I would like to send a big Loyalty shout out to Carla MintoDrummond at Sandals Montego Bay. I hope you’re making all the bookings, Carla. Come see us sometime!

Virginia Edward (Administrative Assistant) Hello to Judy Auguste from Sandals Grande St Lucian and also Marlin Nicholas from Sandals Halcyon. I also want to shout out Jhavline Montoban at Sandals Antigua.

Oneisho Goode (Security & Loss Prevention Manager)

September 2020

Big up to Kimaryo Pinnock at Sandals Ochi Rios and Julia

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Pinnock at Beaches Negirl. Also shout out to Paul Simms at SRI. Big Up yourself!

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September 2020

EXPRESS YOURSELF

WHY IS CRICKET ESSENTIAL TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPORT TOURISM INDUSTRY IN THE WEST INDIES?

by Victroy Arthur Sandals Grande St. Lucia Ahh! Cricket, lovely cricket; a slogan widely used to express the passion and joy of this amazing sport. This sport is loved by so many, and people travel from far and near to be spectators or to play. The concept which involves tourists either observing or participating in a sporting event, staying apart from their usual environment can be termed sports tourism. Sports tourism is a new approach to the region’s attempt to widen and diversify the attractions of the region. So why is cricket so essential to the development of the sport tourism industry in the West Indies?

The governments of these countries are persistent to maximize their income from

September 2020

tourism and since sports attract large crowds,

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their aim is to use sports as a catalyst to lure tourists into visiting their countries. Cricket being the most popular sport played in all these countries; clearly embedded in their culture is now essential in performing and executing the task of attracting tourists into the region.

EXPRESS YOURSELF

Cricket draws attention all the time, as there are

industry because it is one of the good indicators

different professional games played year round

that will help to determine the feasibility of

and some which are also held every four years. To

marketing and promoting the sport. Being a

give a little lesson in international cricket, there are

crowd-pleasing sport certainly helps in drawing

basically three types. Test cricket, which is usually

in tourists from all over the world to boost the

played year round where games usually last up

tourist count within the tourism industry in the

to five days, one day cricket (ODI) and the ICC

West Indies.

three hours respectively and the West Indies Cricket Team participate in all three and have been quite successful. Cricket is therefore the sport essential in the development of the sport tourism industry in the West Indies because of its popularity, historical background and its success.

Cricket was introduced to the West Indies during the colonial times by England, when they were ruled by this nation. Since then, the region has held this sport dear to their hearts as it defines the Caribbean collectively and individually. The West Indies Cricket team is one of the unifying forces among Caribbean people and is one

Today, cricket has become quite popular

of the early building blocks of the Caribbean

amongst the commonwealth and is mostly

integration movement. Cricket can be classified

played professionally by members within the

as a ‘rock solid sport’ when choosing a sport to be

commonwealth. Cricket’s popularity plays a huge

used to catapult the West Indies in their quest for

role in the development of the sports tourism

development in the sports tourism industry.

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Twenty20 (T20), they usually lasts about a day and

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EXPRESS YOURSELF It is not only a sport which has a rich history behind it and is deeply embedded in its culture but one which has a bright future also. With its rich culture it will give the sports tourists something more to talk about and experience while they visit, enriching the visit, further establishing an identity for the West Indies and solidifying its development hence forging a bright future within the sport.

Another reason why cricket is essential in the

Being a crowd-pleasing sport certainly helps in drawing in tourists from all over the world to boost the tourist count within the tourism industry in the West Indies.

development of the sport tourism is that it has been successful in obtaining high rankings on an

a sport that has a task to develop the regions

international scale. The West Indies Cricket Team

sport tourism industry, the sport shouldn’t be

has really made themselves famous with their

chosen lightly. The West Indies Cricket team’s

discipline, determination and performance. They

outstanding performance speaks volumes and

have proved and continue to prove that they are

it can be trusted with the task of being a symbol

a force to be reckoned with. Their record says it

for the region’s goal of developing the sports

all, having won the ICC Cricket World Cup twice,

tourism sector. With Sandals’ assistance further

in 1975 and 1979, the ICC World Twenty20 twice,

development of cricket in the sport tourism

in 2012 and 2016 and the ICC Champions Trophy

sector will be continued to be made possible,

once, in 2004. The West Indies were the first team

instilling faith in the Caribbean fans and others.

to win back-back World Cups (1975 and 1979), and appeared in three consecutive World Cup finals (1975, 1979 and 1983). Currently they stand at rankings of fifth in T20I, eighth in tests and ninth in ODI. This tremendous record exhibits pure talent,

September 2020

talent which investors would love to sponsor.

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To conclude, an essential sport for the development of sport tourism in the West Indies is cricket. Cricket is essential because its popularity draws huge tourists since it is a popular sport on a global scale receiving tourists from all ends of the world. The deep and rich

On June 6th, Loop published an article titled

history the region holds strongly and proudly in

‘Sandals are the new sponsors of the West Indies.’

its culture will ensure that cricket will be taken

Yes, that is right; the prestigious Sandals Resorts

seriously and this quality will certainly aid in

International see their talent. From the article,

the longevity of the sport in sports tourism. And

Mr. Gordon Stewart, CEO of Sandals Resorts

with the success the West Indies have had in the

International said, “we are very happy with our

past and the success everyone knows they are

decision to sponsor the West Indies Cricket team.

capable of, will surely keep the spirit of the sport

For generations, West Indies cricket has been the

alive in the Caribbean, ultimately enlightening

premier ambassador for the Caribbean, doing

why cricket is truly essential to the development

our people proud.” When it comes to investing in

of the sport tourism industry in the West Indies.

SANDALS ROYAL CARIBBEAN

VOX POP

Which country would you most like to visit after COVID-19 ends and why?

A: I would like to visit St Lucia after Covid-19 because I’ve always been fascinated by the country’s beauty.

- Georgette Evans, Front Office

A: I would like to visit Barbados. I have heard exciting things from guests who have visited the country and I can’t wait to go there!

- Cion Robinson, Club Sandals

A: I would like to go to England as soon as Covid-19 is over. I really want to visit my siblings. England it is!

A: I’d like to visit Brooklyn, New York after the Covid-19 chaos. I want to see my father as I haven’t seen him in 5 years.

- Jason MacMahon, Snapshots

September 2020

- Kamoya Robertson-Kelly, (Spa)

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PICTURE PERFECT

#CAME #PICTU

September 2020

The ladies of Beaches Negril housekeeping department gathered for a celebratory jump during their appreciation event on resort.

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PICTURE PERFECT

ERAREADY UREPERFECT

Some of the male managers at Sandals Royal Caribbean doing a boys’ hang out before a recent management event.

September 2020

Executive Housekeeper Novelette Whyte knows she has the protection of all the males in her department.

Here they shared in a photo op during International Housekeepers Week celebrations at Beaches Negril.

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PICTURE PERFECT

September 2020

We don’t just go up and collect accolades, we put on a show too!

And that they did‌ here Executive Housekeeper for Beaches Negril Novelette Whyte (left) joins General Manager Christopher Elliot for a dance number before collecting her certificate of appreciation from him during International Housekeepers Week celebrations on resort.

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Too busy to even notice the paparazzi, team members of the Beaches Negril wedding department go about setting up a wedding display for an upcoming video shoot.

Can you tell he is in the right place, with the right sort energy and vibe? Yup, Christopher Elliot, General Man at Beaches Negril has no qualms exploring his inner c at work. After all, our goal is to relate to everyone, kid especially.

Sandals Royal Caribbean Assistant Human Resources Manager Anecia adds her own inimitable style as she hands over back to school supplies to Alyssa from Accounts at the resort’s back to school treat for team members.

Members of the Sandals Montego Bay Housekeeping Team receiving refreshment on the job from EHS Manager Haniff.

Noel Isaacs (right), Hotel Hanager at Beaches Negril delivers a token of appreciation to one of the resort’s housemen during one of the scheduled events to mark International Housekeepers Week.

September 2020

ta nager child ds

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PICTURE PERFECT

September 2020

The beautiful ladies of the Beaches Negril front office department send smiles our way.

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Loyalty and Travel Manager at Sandals Antigua Alex Clarke celebrates with outgoing Butler Manager Clarista Hillaire during her farewell dinner.

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Members of the Sandals Montego Bay Entertainment Team showing off their vaunted dancing skills at a recent event at the resort.

Sandals Royal Caribbean’s Club Sandals Manager Dezreen dancing up a storm at a recent event for managers at the resort.

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ds bright eyes and

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PICTURE PERFECT

September 2020

Rain, sun or a dip in the pool, Epix photographer Brian Perch is committed to capturing that perfect shot at Sandals Barbados.

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The Sandals Barbados Team proudly welcomes guests back to Sandals Royal Barbados.

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PICTURE PERFECT

Outgoing Butler Manager at Sandals Antigua, Clarista Hillaire raises her glass for a toast shortly after cutting her cake.

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Eye testing being done on property for team members at Sandals Royal Caribbean.

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PICTURE PERFECT

Miss Sandals Montego Bay Flagship Festival Queen Annastacia performing her duties as hostess at a recent team member function.

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It’s a victory sign for Sandals Royal Caribbean’s Loyalty and Travel Manager Kay after completing a recent leadership seminar for managers at the resort.

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PICTURE PERFECT

September 2020

Members of the dedicated Housekeeping team as they celebrated Housekeeping week at Sandals Barbados.

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Members of the Sandals Royal Caribbean Housekeeping team showing off their winning form in front of the Overwater Villas at the resort.

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It was an all hands on deck effort as team members worked to get Sandals Regency La Toc ready to welcome its first guests recently.

Job titles were thrown into the ocean as team members donned their personal protective equipment and got to work.

It’s said that water is life. Gary from room service made sure to bring “life” to the clean-up.

Julius from Housekeeping used his height to his advantage in cleaning the ceilings.

September 2020

Housekeeping team members led by Supervisor Virgil (second from left) are beaming with pride, confident that all rooms at Sandals Regency La Toc are ready for black light inspection.

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PICTURE PERFECT

Cont’d from page 31

September 2020

Dining room team members are busy sanding and painting to get our butler carts in top shape.

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The Spa team is always photo ready. They were proud to show off their cleaning cloths, eager to rejuvenate their first guest.

The Loyalty & Trav their lounge was s

Joy from Food & B painting brush.

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vel team enjoying some down time after ensuring that spic and span and ready for bookings.

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Beverage learnt a new skill and would not put down the

Kayniah from Food and Beverage was trying her hand at painting for the first time.

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PICTURE PERFECT

Retirees Marcia and Horace (second right) from Sandals to cut their cake with members of the team at a sending

September 2020

It was a regular fun-day at the beach for the Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort Entertainment team

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The hardworking Sandals Negril housekeeping team in all their glory.

Night Manager at Sandals Royal Caribbean Steve, handing over gifts at a special Welcome to Work appreciation event staged by the hotel for members of the night crew. Way to go team!

Sharon from Sandals Montego Bay getting some rejuvenation at the Red Lane Spa.

September 2020

Royal Caribbean getting ready g off event.

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PICTURE PERFECT

September 2020

The day the seaweed came! Led by Night Manager Lerry and Acting General Manager Filius Laurent, Stewards took to the beach at Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort to manage the wayward seaweed.

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Massage Therapist at Sandals Negril, Vanessa Johnson sports the bag pack she handpicked for her child at the resort’s Back to School Fair for team members

PICTURE PERFECT

Always a warm welcome from Front Office Agents Claire and Shanice at Sandals Barbados.

September 2020

Sandals Montego Bay Learning and Development Manager Sigourney is a certified fitness trainer.

Here she shows off her winning form.

Sandals Royal Caribbean Hotel Manager Lancelot Lebert showing off his speaking skills at a recent function at the resort.

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PICTURE PERFECT

Butler Supervisor at Sandals Barbados Jane Fran

September 2020

The Club Sandals team received a Malta treat as a surprise gift at Sandals Royal Caribbean recently. Lots of carbs for this winning team.

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Acting General Manager at Sandals Royal Caribbean Dawn Smith offering excellent service at a Welcome to Work Breakfast staged by the resort management for team members.

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A member of the Housekeeping Department at Sandals Royal Caribbean dancing up a storm during the entertainment segment at a recent appreciation event.

September 2020

nรงois, showing some love.

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PICTURE PERFECT

It was a fiery atmosphere Sandals Regency La Toc

September 2020

Team entertainment welcomed our firs

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Entertainment team member Donovan was in party mode on the first day of the reopening of Sandals Regency La Toc.

Sandals La Toc General Manager “Mr. G� (white shirt) and Sandals St Lucia Managing Director Winston Anderson (grey shirt) welcome the first guests to Sandals Regency La Toc on recently.

st guests with fire eaters and stilt walkers.

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Club Sandals team members Toni, Kimma and Keitha jump for joy as the first guests make their way onto the resort.

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re with full covid-19 protocols as c welcomed its first guests recently.

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PICTURE PERFECT

The ace Epix crew at Sandals Montego Bay showi awards function.

September 2020

Sandals Negril landscaping team member Rushane Brown busies himself pruning plants.

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PICTURE PERFECT

ing off certificates won at a recent

Sandals Royal Caribbean Acting General Manager Dawn Smith handing over back to school supplies to Garfield from team Dining Room.

September 2020

The Red Lane Spa Team at Sandals Montego Bay offering teasers to team members at the resort.

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PICTURE PERFECT

Sandals Negril’s Hotel Manager O’Brian Heron (right) joins Human Resources Manager, Tameca Sutherland-Franklyn (left) in distributing back to school packages to team members Francia Stephenson (second left) and Onetta Allen.

September 2020

Sandals Montego Bay General Manager housekeeping during a special Housek

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Every week Sandals Royal Caribbean’s Acting General Manager Dawn Smith stages a power lunch with members of the line team. Here they get ready to enjoy a sumptuous meal at Spices.

Housekeeping team members at Sanda party dubbed A Touch of Utopia.

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r Carl Beviere dishing up goodies to team keeping Week breakfast for the team.

als Negril captured before their spa and wellness

September 2020

This definitely is Housekeeping Supervisor at Sandals Montego Bay Deroan being spoilt, as she receives refreshment while on the job from resort shop’s Marcia.

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PICTURE PERFECT

Housekeeping supervisors along with their assistant Executive Housekeeper at Sandals Negril sit to have lunch with their General Manager, David Latchimy (right) and Hotel Manager O’Brian Heron (3rd left).

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Sandals Negril housekeeper Coleen M therapist Simone Stewart-Anglin gets and wellness party put on by the resor

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Sandals Montego Bay General Manager Carl Beviere serving lunch to team members in the staff canteen during a recent team member appreciation breakfast.

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Murray prepares to be in a state of bliss as spa s ready to give her a neck and back massage at the spa rt to celebrate International Housekeepers Week

Our Sandals Negril bar team members are ready to get those guests spirits up.

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Housekeeper Kami Barrett flexes her muscles as she gears up for a fun spa and wellness party at Sandals Negril to celebrate International Housekeepers Week

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September 2020