Sandals Resorts International (SRI), in partnership with its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, has announced the complete list of projects under its “40 For 40” initiative. Launched as part of Sandals Resorts’ 40th anniversary celebrations, the 40 projects were identified across eight Caribbean destinations. These initiatives highlight the link between tourism and its power to transform communities and improve the lives of locals.
The “40 For 40” projects were selected across six areas: preserving natural resources through conservation efforts and tours; investing in food security by supporting and working with local farmers; hospitality training and certification; maintenance of cultural heritage through support of local artisans, music education and entertainment; and bolstering local economies through small business and community market support.
Team members from Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts and the Sandals Foundation will join hands for these projects. Visiting guests can also support and participate in activities taking place throughout the region.
In honor of its late founder and chairman, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the team has partnered with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) to implement its “Sea the Legacy of Love” Scholarship Program, which will provide 40 Caribbean nationals across six islands with dive certifications. Guests will also have the opportunity to participate in activities such as coral out-planting in Jamaica and St. Lucia. Additional projects include supporting the Andromeda Botanic Gardens in Barbados, and providing funding to assist in the recovery of sand dunes in Lucayan National Park in the Bahamas.
The company is ramping up its investment in agriculture. Contributions will include equipment donation at the Agriculture Training College in Barbados, construction of hydroponics at Antigua’s Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center, and establishing on-resort community composting practices. The foundation will also support the Grenada Network of Rural Women Producers (GRENROP).
The Sandals Foundation also invests in local businesses like Oistins Fish Fry in Barbados. Guests will have the chance to go on paid tours that support these vendors and their livelihoods. The foundation is also committed to improving the welfare of locals and their earning potential by upgrading additional locales such as Cultural Market Place in Turks and Caicos and Pineapple Craft Market in Jamaica.
Guests of Sandals and Beaches Resorts have access to locally made items at its retail shops, proceeds of which are reinvested into community groups. The foundation will expand its “Caribbean Artisan Program” by training more craftspeople across more islands including Curaçao, St. Lucia, Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos.
Together with international partners, high school and college music educators will be trained to further develop the Caribbean’s iconic sounds including ska, calypso, reggae and dancehall. The teams at SRI and the Sandals Foundation also provide hospitality training and certification programs to strengthen vocational skills in the areas of food and beverage, health, beauty and wellness.
For more information, visit https://sandalsfoundation.org.
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