inTouch November 2020

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November 2020

“IN TIMES OF STRESS, THE BEST THING WE CAN DO FOR EACH OTHER IS TO LISTEN WITH OUR EARS AND OUR HEARTS AND TO BE ASSURED THAT OUR QUESTIONS ARE JUST AS IMPORTANT AS OUR ANSWERS.”

November 2020

- FRED ROGERS -

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AT A GLANCE 05

In The News

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Personal Development

Sandals Resorts International wins big at World Travel Awards

Balancing work and Covid-19 stress

Hi Friend

20 21 The Buzz

Negril Region

International Men’s Day

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New Parent

Sandals Foundation Supports The Performing Arts

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Express Yourself

Sandals La Toc Team Members Receive Fire Safety training

Fiona Francis

GM Spotlight

Winston Anderson Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Spa & Beach Resort

18 Vox Pop Style Moment 19

Sandals Grande Antigua

Sandals Montego Bay

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PICTURE PERFECT

November in Photos!

November 2020

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Sani Smith Sandals South Coast

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IN THE NEWS

Sandals Resorts International Wins Big At 2020 World Travel Awards!

The Luxury IncludedŽ resort company takes home multiple accolades, including World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company at the 27th annual World Travel

November 2020

Awards Grand Final

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IN THE NEWS Sandals Resorts International (SRI) is thrilled

year, setting the bar as an industry leader in the all-

to announce that the company has received

inclusive space.

four prestigious awards at the 27th annual World Travel Awards Grand Final on November 27th, 2020. Most notably, Sandals Resorts International was dubbed the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company for the 25th consecutive

In total Sandals Resorts International took home four trophies, solidifying the company’s position as an industry trailblazer in the all-inclusive space. The Caribbean resort company’s top honors included:

World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company 2020: Sandals Resorts International World’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort Brand 2020: Beaches Resorts World’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort 2020: Sandals Grenada World’s Leading Caribbean Attraction Company 2020: Island Routes Caribbean Adventures

“We are beyond humbled to be recognized

Furthermore, the resort that takes innovation

as the world’s leading all-inclusive company

beyond the realm of imagination, Sandals

by the World Travel Awards for 25 consecutive

Grenada, was named the World’s Leading

years,” said Gordon “Butch” Stewart, Founder

All-Inclusive Resort 2020, by the World Travel

and Chairman of Sandals Resorts International.

Awards. With its private plunge pools, cascading

“Despite the challenges faced by the travel

waterfalls, unparalleled Love Nest Butler Suites®

industry over the course of 2020, these awards

and 5-Star Global Gourmet™ dining at 10 different

are a testament to the team’s continued

restaurants, Sandals Grenada is the ultimate

dedication to ensuring Sandals Resorts is a

romantic retreat for couples in love. Sandals

brand customers can always trust.”

Grenada was also recently awarded as Grenada’s

Resorts International. Not only did Sandals Resorts win the World’s Leading All-Inclusive Company, but Beaches Resorts – its family-

Best MICE Hotel 2020 by the World M.I.C.E Awards, the World Travel Awards’ sister event, which serves to celebrate and reward excellence in MICE tourism.

friendly all-inclusive brand – was named the

Taking home, the World’s Leading Caribbean

World’s Leading All-Inclusive Family Resort

Attraction Company for the 10th year is Sandals

Brand for the 23rd consecutive year. With three

Resorts International’s sister company Island

magnificent resorts spanning across Jamaica

Routes Caribbean Adventures. Island Routes offers

and Turks & Caicos, and a fourth resort coming

guests off-site experiences that truly immerse

to the island of St. Vincent and The Grenadines,

them in the local culture and beauty the islands

Beaches Resorts has redefined the family

have to offer.

vacation experience by offering a Caribbean escape for everyone – whether you’re a kid, tween, teen or adult.

November 2020

This year was one for the books for Sandals

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November 2020

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

How to Cope with Job Stress During COVID-19 Whether you are going into work or working

from home, the COVID-19 pandemic has probably changed the way you work. Fear and anxiety about this new disease and other strong emotions can be overwhelming, and workplace stress can lead to burnout.

How you cope with these emotions and stress can affect your wellbeing, the well-being of the people you care about, your workplace, and your community. During this pandemic, it is critical that you recognize what stress looks like, take steps to build your resilience and manage job stress, and know where to go if you need help.

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Feeling irritation, anger, or in denial

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Feeling sad or depressed

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Feeling uncertain, nervous, or anxious

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Having trouble sleeping

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Lacking motivation

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Having trouble concentrating

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Feeling tired, overwhelmed, or burned out

November 2020

Recognize the symptoms of stress you may be experiencing.

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PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Know the common work-related factors that can add to stress during a pandemic: enough to work or guilt about not being on the frontline

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Concern about the risk of being exposed to the virus at work

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Taking care of personal and family needs while working

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Uncertainty about the future of your workplace and/or employment

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Managing a different workload

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Lack of access to the tools and equipment needed to perform your job

Learning new communication tools and dealing with technical difficulties

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Adapting to a different workspace and/or work schedule

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Feelings that you are not contributing

Follow these tips to build resilience and manage job stress

November 2020

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Communicate with your coworkers, supervisors, and employees about job stress while maintaining social distancing (at least 6 feet).

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Identify things that cause stress and work together to identify solutions.

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Talk openly with employers, employees, and unions about how the pandemic is affecting work. Expectations should be communicated clearly by everyone.

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Ask about how to access mental health resources in your workplace.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

Follow these tips to build resilience and manage job stress •

Identify those things which you do not have control over and do the best you can with the resources available to you.

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Increase your sense of control by developing a consistent daily routine when possible — ideally one that is similar to your schedule before the pandemic.

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Keep a regular sleep scheduleexternal icon.

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Take breaks from work to stretch, exercise, or check in with your supportive colleagues, coworkers, family, and friends.

If you work from home, set a regular time to end your work for the day, if possible.

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Practice mindfulness techniques

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Do things you enjoy during non-work hours.

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Spend time outdoors, either being physically active or relaxing.

Know the facts about COVID-19. Be informed about how to protect yourself and others.

Understanding the risk and sharing accurate information with people you care about can reduce stress and help you make a connection with others.

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Remind yourself that each of us has a crucial role in fighting this pandemic.

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Remind yourself that everyone is in an unusual situation with limited resources.

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Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media.

Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting and mentally exhausting Connect with others. Talk with people you trust about your concerns, how you are feeling, or how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting you.

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Connect with others through phone calls, email, text messages, mailing letters or cards, video chat, and social media.

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Check on others. Helping others improves your sense of control, belonging, and self-esteem. Look for safe ways to offer social support to others, especially if they are showing signs of stress, such as depression and anxiety.

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If you feel you may be misusing alcohol or other drugs (including prescription drugs) as a means of coping, reach out for help.

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If you are being treated for a mental health condition, continue with your treatment and be aware of any new or worsening symptoms.

November 2020

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November 2020

NEW PARENT

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NEW PARENT

SANI SMITH

Sandals South Coast Baby Name: Deshawn Dwayne Bowes

Baby Age: 5 Months

For Sandals South Coast Engineering Secretary, Sani Smith it was a sudden headache one morning that changed her life. “I had been yearning for a baby for about a year and eventually I just took my mind off it altogether and then voilà…!” along came Polly, or should we say Deshawn Dwayne Bowes, the most charming little baby boy ever.

Giving birth in the midst of a pandemic had its obvious concerns, especially having to go to clinics and to the hospital but it also allowed Sani lots of rest time before welcoming baby Deshawn and lots of time to bond with her new little bundle of joy.

“Deshawn is the first child for both myself and his Dad, so that bonding time was really critical and exciting.”

Sani says being a new Mom has taught her how to be more loving and compassionate.

“Even when I’m feeling down Deshawn’s little smiles have this magical way of lifting my spirits and detoxing my mind.”

Sani says she’s also super grateful for the support from both families. “Sometimes it’s a fight as to who got to keep Deshawn the longest,” she says with a chuckle.

She says being back at work is great but sometimes she misses Deshawn so very much and we suspect that she’s also feeling a little left out as Deshawn is getting to says he loves attention and will bang his toys against his crib to get it, only to greet you with a smile when you run over … kind of like the boy who cried wolf.

November 2020

spend more time with his Dad and is clearly growing into a Daddy’s boy. Already, she

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EXPRESS YOURSELF

Survivor BY: Fiona Francis Sandals Regency La Toc Human Resources Manager Fiona Francis reveals her hidden talent with an amazing poem on resilience and survival.

The storms of life are raging and the waves of trials roar, But through it all like eagles, we will rise, we will soar.

Sometimes it seems we are broken, battered and bruised, But life is a race we must finish; we can’t afford to lose.

Every corner has an obstacle, some temptation there waits, And though we often stumble we will never lose the faith.

So don’t ever judge us by looks, don’t you dare cast us aside, We may be down for a while but we are destined to survive.

Many times we feel life’s pressure; yes we feel the heat, But one thing I am sure of, we will not accept defeat.

November 2020

There are days when our situation, brings us to our knees, Yet we will not surrender, for the warrior will not cease.

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November 2020

GM SPOTLIGHT

Winston Anderson Managing Director, Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Spa & Beach Resort

To know Mr. A. as he is affectionately called, is to love him. He just does not quit. We think his new favourite line is – if you are tired, rest, but never stop moving. Wise words to live by, and his team look to him for support and advice every day.

November 2020

So who really is this charismatic Mr. Anderson? Let’s hear him tell it in his own words.

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GM SPOTLIGHT

The Inside Scoop: I was born in Portland Jamaica, a small parish of about 90,000 people, well known for its cultivated crops and pretty much like Saint Lucia. My father died when I was very young, and my mother struggled for the 8 of us, determined that her dream of us getting a good education would be achieved.

In those days when I saw the way my mother worked hard for us, I knew that what I wanted was to make her proud and give back. I chose hospitality despite the many options available and I can say my dream was to be what I am now. I did not let anyone convince me that my dream was too big or impossible.

I did not let anyone tell me that I could never accomplish my dream.

In fact, when I went to hotel school, I was nicknamed Smally, as I was so tiny, and of course I took my mom’s height. At the college I was surrounded by guys from all the big named schools - Jamaica College, Campion, Kingston College etc and they made a point of showing all the others like me from the country school, that they were superior. Well Smally made one decision: I will show them that it’s not the school you attend, the area you come from or how rich your family is but it’s your attitude, determination and what you want out of life that matters. So here I am now, Ms. Cybil’s little boy, standing as the Managing Director and the proud holder of several degrees two Bachelors, a Masters and a Doctorate. Talk about living the

Believe me when I tell you that I started as a Night Auditor.

And I had no connections. Just good old fashioned hard work is what it took to make my dream come true.

November 2020

dream.

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GM SPOTLIGHT

Mr. A., the mentor and friend Mr. A. has been a mentor, family advisor, big brother, father figure and so much more to his team. It is very evident that he lives for this business. By his admission, and in answer to the quintessential question – Why Am I here, he says, “I still, after so many years, have the same passion and love for the industry. I still look forward to coming to work every day. I have a strong sense of commitment to the brand. In fact, I would say that I am 100% loyal to the brand. And especially now – in these very trying times, my

November 2020

team depends on me to help them navigate the rough waters brought on by this new

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environment of uncertainty.”

Our Mr. Anderson – A Man for all Seasons, a strong family man, with a heightened sense of the value of community and giving back.

@iamsandalshr

Follow us for: Staff happenings

Updates General shenanigans!

November 2020

@iam_sandalshr

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VOX POP

Sandals Grande Antigua

The year 2020 has been filled with many challenges because of the COVID-19 pandemic. If you had one wish for 2021, what would it be?

Mikhael Watson, Watersports Manager at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa In 2021, I would like to see the return of normalcy – no masks, no social distancing. I would also like night life to resume.

Maria Jeffery, Revenue Manager, Retail at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort & Spa I would love to see everything being back to normal. I’m looking forward to a mask-less 2021. I want there to be regular flights; I want to see much more guests. I would like to make my financial target every month in the Resort Shop and continue to receive support from team members and management alike. I would also like to see an effective vaccine come on stream.

Kafi Samuels – Spa Manager at Sandals Grande Antigua I’m good with the sanitising of hands and I understand the wearing of masks. However, I want us to get to the point where we can get

November 2020

rid of the masks and be able to wear lipstick again :)

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STYLE MOMENT

Sandals Barbados

Lead Entertainment Supervisor Chad “CJ” Hicks and Play Maker

We do dress up for SSG…sometimes… Check out Assistant Loyalty and Travel Manager Dominique – and a mask to match.

Nakita is always a smile away…

November 2020

Shaquan Ward as they serenade guests.

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HI FRIEND!

NEGRIL REGION

Sending greetings to our friends DONALD WRIGHT – Front Office Agent – Sandals Negril Shout out to number one team member Sudane (SRI front desk), Selene from the front office department at SRC – friend from them time deh till now!- to Denise at Sandals South Coast Red Lane Spa and Trisean from Loyalty and Travel at SRC.

NIKIESHA RICHARDS – Regional Social Media and Intranet Coordinator – Sandals & Beaches Negril Sending shout outs to the Social Media & Intranet Coordinator, Toni-Ann, Regional PR Manager, Ian and all the other amazing people I met at Sandals Montego Bay when I was there! Miss you all!

TAVIA-SHEA BERNARD – Environment, Health and Safety Manager Shout out to my EHS counterparts at all our resorts.

November 2020

Keep on doing an amazing job. Blessings and guidance.

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THE BUZZ

SANDALS GRANDE ST. LUCIAN: CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL MEN’S DAY It was early in the dawn of the morning before International Men’s Day. All the men were worried.

They had conferred and thought that the ladies were going to forget to acknowledge them! Oh Men of Grande of little faith… if only they knew. But we shall let each picture tell 1000 words.

It was a meal for Kings!

For a while it was touch and go. We thought our Managing Director was not going to relinquish his phone. But he was strong and took one for the team.

November 2020

In the Foyer they waited with baited breath.

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November 2020

THE BUZZ

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We had to promise to keep our Executive Chef Henrique

Acting General Manager Filius Laurent was in his element. He

Sparrow sufficiently happy throughout the process. We did, he

wanted to show off his muscles but we were able to contain him

could not stop smiling.

– barely.

And all’s well that ends well. Just as we had difficulty separating our Managing Director from his phone in the beginning, so to it became difficult to separate him from the other toys he received during his celebration of International Men’s Day. Marsha) got caught out, we could not get her out of the shot on time…

THE BUZZ

A bunch of satisfied men – and these are just some of the Grande prize winners!

Resort wish all of the Gentlemen of Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach Resort a healthy time of reflection, peace and joy, even as they move away from International Men’s Day, and begin planning for the upcoming holiday season.

November 2020

…And 8000 words later, we the ladies of Sandals Grande St Lucian Spa & Beach

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THE BUZZ

SANDALS FOUNDATION SUPPORTS THE PERFORMING ARTS The Sandals Foundation made a significant contribution to the Performing Arts Programme at the All Saints Secondary School in Antigua. The foundation donated a brand new set of steel pans for 25 players. Tthe musical instruments were handed over to the school on Thursday, November 5. The instruments will serve a dual purpose for the 125 students who are currently enrolled in the programme and the hundreds of others who will be a part of the initiative in the future. The steel pans will facilitate the practical exercise for the annual Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Music exams as well as the Inter-schools Panorama Competition. Donated were: three sets 6

November 2020

Bass, 3 sets Triple, 3 sets Double Guitar, 4 sets Double Second, 4 sets Double Tenor and 8 Leads.

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GM at Sandals Grande Antigua Matthew Cornall (centre) and Hotel Manager Leighton Josephs (right) join with Ministry of Education officials, faculty at the All Saints Secondary School and other representatives from the Sandals Foundation for a session of pan playing

Mr. Cornall tests his skills on the steel pan

THE BUZZ

SANDALS LA TOC TEAM MEMBERS RECEIVE FIRE SAFETY TRAINING In line with its commitment to continuously enhance and upgrade the skills of its team members, Sandals Regency La Toc Golf Resort & Spa recently undertook a fire safety training exercise to certify approximately 200 staff members.

The training, held over a two week period, was facilitated by Fire Safety Engineer Mabius Francis of the St Lucia Fire Service, who commended Sandals for its commitment to this important issue.

It covered a number of areas including, fire awareness and prevention, emergency action planning and emergency equipment and use. The practical component saw team members being trained in the proper use of a fire extinguisher.

They were also re-familiarized with the emergency assembly points on the resort. The exercise is expected to help reduce potential fire hazards by ensuring that employees know how to event of a blaze.

November 2020

respond quickly and efficiently in the

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PICTURE PERFECT

Guests of Sandals South Coast just love getting all Tiedyedup with Nickesha (left) and Kemeisha from the resort shop.

As couples walk by the spa at Sandals South Coast in the mornings, they are greeted by sweet salutations and

November 2020

sweet hearts from our

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Red Lane® Spa Angels.

This morning it’s Denise (left) and Tracey-Ann.

PICTURE PERFECT

There’s a big Windy White Wedding happening at Sandals South Coast in just a few hours and Wedding Event Coordinator, Shanice has it

PICTURE PERFECT PICTURE PERFECT

November 2020

locked.

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PICTURE PERFECT

November 2020

Ever heard of a photoshoot photobomb?

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That’s what we had in store for Sandals South Coast Photographer, Emilio.

Beaches Negril’s Butler Andre caught setting up a special wow for his guests on the beach .

PICTURE PERFECT

November 2020

Beaches Negril bartenders share in a photo op before the theatre bar comes alive with thirsty families.

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PICTURE PERFECT

Aren’t Bullies supposed to be mean? Not

November 2020

Devaughn aka ‘Bully’ Dennis is actually so

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Bartender at Beaches Negril Mickhail, makes some colourful and equally delicious cocktails much to the paparazzi’s delight

Beaches Negril General Manager Chris E morning show host Toni Foxx.

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t this one! Sandals South Coast Butler extraordinaire,

Elliot sits in for his radio interview with Jacksonville’s

Beaches Negril Bartender Shash-Kay, makes the perfect Appleton shot – can’t you tell.

November 2020

o sweet guests just can’t stop raving about him.

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PICTURE PERFECT

Sheena Williams Training Manager at Sandals Grenada leads a Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness workshop in collaboration with the Grenada Tourism Authority. This extensive partnership gives essential training weekly for tourism stakeholders all throughout Grenada. In this capture she presents to persons on the sister island of Carriacou.

You’ve got to love our Ent

here. But if only we could

Peter Rodd Butler Manager at Sandals Grenada specifies the details of Sandals Platinum Protocols of Cleanliness in a weekly forum with hospitality

November 2020

stakeholders.

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PICTURE PERFECT

tertainment team at Sandals South Coast like Monique, Kimron (2nd left) and Tah-Je

Look who we found inside the spa at Sandals South

d get them to stop these tree climbing, sign hiding antics!

Coast…Steward Khani who may very soon be Butler Khani. You go Khani, all the best with your training!

Sandals South Coast General Manager, Adrian Whitehead is never shy to share his resort experiences with visiting whether it’s during a quick interview like this one or a charming dinner at any one of his resort’s nine luxurious restaurants.

November 2020

reporters and journalists;

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November 2020

PICTURE PERFECT

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It’s a bird; it’s a plane… No! Its Sandals Regency La Toc Snapshots Supervisor Kathy flying over the main pool deck on Halloween…

The team at Snapshots at Sandals Regency La Toc brough

Need a scrumptious, to-go, pick-me-upper in the middle of the day? Junior of Giuseppe’s at Sandals South Coast, has a freshfrom-the-over Pizza made with love especially for you.

November 2020

ht out their ghosts for a special sales promotion on Halloween.

PICTURE PERFECT

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PICTURE PERFECT

Taking a break from all the radio remote

left) Entertainment Manager Rosalind Br

November 2020

Manager Jervene Simpson

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Sandals Negril’s Regional PR Manager Jervene Simpson (left) shared in a colourful photo op with Philadelphia’s radio host Rachel (Rachontheradio) during the welcome cocktail and dinner for the US Multi-station radio remote at the resort.

Sandals Negril Entertainment Manager,

activities guests can enjoy at Sandals N Blanco.

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e excitement at Sandals Negril for a photo op were (from

Rosalind Brooks animatedly shares info on all the exciting

Negril with Denver and Atlanta radio hosts Deuce and Nina

It’s lionfish time at the Aqua Center at Sandals Grenada- Clevon Charles preps the pot of lionfish safely caught by our very own expert divers.

November 2020

rooks, Executive Chef Delroy Haye and Regional PR

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PICTURE PERFECT

Sandals Negril housekeepers Sophie (left) and Kenisha pause from doing an awesome job of

High stakes and high kick

constantly cleaning and sanitizing the radio broadcast site for a quick pic.

Park Rangers v St. John’s

All our Sandals South Coast Stewards are superstars but these three – Jerene, Jennifer and Patrick really captured our hearts with their unwavering support and commitment this

November 2020

past month.

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PICTURE PERFECT

In winners’ glee: Captain of the St. John’s FC, Vijay 15 Football Tournament- alongside Sandals Grenada

s FC.

PR Manager Deleon Forrester.

The capable group of Sandals Negril Food and Beverage team members (from left) Thorn, Simone, Navine, Corrine, Mariel and Selvin did an awesome job serving up treats for the radio DJs the US multi-station radio remote at the resort.

November 2020

Valcin- winning team of the Sandals National Under

ks at the final match of the Sandals National U-15 Tournament in Grenada: Queen’s

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PICTURE PERFECT

Sandals Antigua Hosts Health Fair Sandals Grande Antigua hosted an employee health fair on Tuesday, November 24 with a focus on diabetes and prostate cancer.

The initiative was a collaborative effort of the resort, the Medical Benefits Scheme and two doctors on island who provided prostate screening services. This initiative follows a breast cancer screening session, which the resort held in October. Members of the management team were among the

November 2020

team members who made use of the service.

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November 2020

PICTURE PERFECT

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Independence Antigua Style

(from left) HR Manager at Sandals Grande Antigua Donna-Jean Samuels, General Manager Matthew Cornall, Training & Development Manager Matara Murphy and Spa Manager Kafi Samuels don their versions of Antigua & Barbuda’s National Dress during the resort’s independence celebrations on Friday, October 30th. Antigua & Barbuda celebrated 39

November 2020

years of independence on Sunday, November 1st.

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Training & Development Manager Matara Murphy takes a curtsy as she models in her national attire.

HR Manager Donna-Jean Samuels strikes a pose

Spa Manager Kafi Samuels also hits the catwalk

November 2020

PICTURE PERFECT

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November 2020