ELEVEN SANDALS TEAM MEMBERS FROM ANTIGUA GRADUATE FROM SCU’s DIPLOMA IN HOSPITALITY LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

Eleven Sandals managers and supervisors from Antigua have recently celebrated a significant achievement, graduating with diplomas in Hospitality Leadership. 

This accomplishment follows a comprehensive 16-week course provided through the Sandals Corporate University (SCU), in collaboration with Accelerating Leaders and Florida International University. 

The team members covered several modules over this period including business analytics, financial management, coaching and mentoring, influential communications, leadership strategies and tactics and a capstone project that will be used by the brand and implemented across resorts in the chain. 

The diverse cohort of graduates includes Herve Volney (information technology manager), O’Neil Denny (director of food and beverage), Luana Johnson (weddings and romance supervisor), Kemberly Greenaway (resort shop supervisor), Corentia Edwards (Red Lane Spa supervisor), Michelle Martin (EPIX supervisor) Parmanan Umrao (restaurant supervisor), Marisa Lynch (accountant), Belinda Bellott-Ferris, Natasha Jno-Baptiste, and Cassandra Mathias (housekeeping supervisors). 

Reflecting on their experience during the programme, the graduates expressed enthusiasm to apply their newly acquired knowledge within their respective departments. Golden Grove resident, Luana Johnson noted a deeper understanding of leadership and human resource management as a key takeaway, “having access to programmes like this through the SCU continues to drive my desire for personal growth and development within Sandals as it is the one of the many hotel brand that significantly invests in their human resource capital.” 

Lightfoot resident, Kemberly Greenaway shared, “I am personally proud of myself and colleagues who enrolled in this programme and the value it added to our abilities through the various modules we were exposed to. This programme was truly timely for many of us, as the hospitality landscape continues to evolve. As leaders we appreciate the knowledge and the guidance in being able to adapt to these changes, particularly those impacting team members and guests.”

“I’m inspired by the learning that took place and the key principles we were able to grasp over the period. I thoroughly enjoyed the curriculum and highly recommend the programme to other managers and supervisors at Sandals.” Michelle Martin added.

Delivering the keynote address at the graduation ceremony, held at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort, Minister of Tourism, Foreign Affairs, and Immigration Charles Fernandez encouraged the team members to keep learning at the forefront of their hospitality careers. 

He said, “today is not just a celebration of your hard work but your commitment to growth, excellence and leadership. It’s also a testament to the importance of nurturing talent within our region and as Minister of Tourism and Investment, I am deeply aware of the critical roles that home grown industry professionals play in ensuring long-term success and sustainability of the Caribbean’s tourism product.”

He further lauded the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) for their forward-thinking approach in focusing efforts on staff development and team member empowerment stating that, “this reflects a profound understanding of the true pillars of success.”

The Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme, was launched just two years ago, with the intention to cultivate future leaders within the dynamic hospitality sector, equipping them with the necessary skills in key operational areas, while bolstering developmental and professional opportunities for team members that successfully complete the course.