​In graduating its latest cohort of hospitality leaders, Sandals Resorts came in  for praise from both the Deputy Prime Minister as well as the Minister of Education of Saint  Lucia, for its commitment to continually invest in developing its team members. 

The two ministers were attending the recent graduation ceremony for Cohort C of the Diploma in  Hospitality Leadership Programme offered to team members at no cost by the Sandals Corporate  University, in partnership with the Florida International University and Accelerating Leaders.  The third groups of graduates, comprising Sandals team members from throughout the region,  were celebrated at a lavish ceremony at the Sandals Grande Saint Lucian Spa and Beach Resort  on October 29th, just ahead of the launch of the next cohort. 

In delivering the keynote address, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and  Investment Dr. Ernest Hilaire, told the graduates to recognise the opportunity being made  available to them by the company, “I want you to appreciate the investment that Sandals is  making in you as a person and as a professional. It is an immense investment. What it tells you is  that Sandals has confidence in you as professionals and as individuals.” The Minister added, “it  also says a lot about Sandals with its understanding of the broader developmental context that we  face in the Caribbean, that the only way we can accelerate our development and advance our  economies and societies is if the human resource development takes place. Sandals must be  commended.”  

Also speaking at the graduation ceremony, Minister of Education, Innovation and Vocational  Training Shawn Edward said Sandals has again demonstrated its role as a leading corporate  citizen and employer by the holistic care it continues to extend to its team members. He drew  reference to the Sandals Early Childcare Center that was launched in Saint Lucia earlier this  year, “this is tremendous, this is revolutionary and this demonstrates a level of thinking that  cannot be matched as we speak, in the hospitality industry. Sandals has demonstrated over the  years that it is about more than just profit.” With respect to the Diploma in Hospitality  Leadership Programme he noted, “Sandals has been particularly deliberate in recognizing the  need for its workers and staff to constantly be retooling, and being ahead of the game. And that is  why today Sandals can boast of being one of the most successful chains in the industry.” 

Several team members from Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa have benefitted directly  from the Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme and are now proud alumni of the prestigious programme. They also extended their heartfelt congratulations to the graduates as  they were reminded of their own transformative journey while enrolled.  

Assistant Weddings and Romance Manager at Sandals Grande Antigua Meria Govia, shared that  the opportunity offered to them by the Sandals Corporate University gave her a newfound surge  of confidence in her leadership skills, allowing her to enrich her team and inspire them daily on  the job.  

Club Sandals Supervisors Je’Mel Francis and Ieasha Tuitt echoed similar sentiments,  highlighting that the training received, fostered a greater sense of collaboration within their  teams, ultimately enhancing the experiences they bring to guests. Sous Chef Juleen Rose  described the programme as a life-changing experience that has opened new avenues for  personal and professional development on the job. She encouraged her fellow team members to  consider applying for the programme as knowledge and insight gained can be actively applied in  their day-to-day roles, creating a ripple effect of growth and innovation team wide