A new partnership between Reach Within and the New Life Organization Inc. (NEWLO) is set to expand opportunities for young people while strengthening food security through climate-smart agriculture.
Funded by the Sandals Foundation at a cost of EC $ 113,422, the initiative, known as the Reach Within & NEWLO Flex Farm Project (FFP), will introduce hydroponic farming systems at NEWLO’s Life Skills and Vocational Training Centre from April 2026 - April 2027.
More than 80 young people will receive hands-on training in hydroponic farming, preparing them for opportunities in sustainable agriculture and other climate-smart industries. The programme will also engage younger students and community members, helping to build awareness of modern farming techniques.
The project is expected to produce more than 1,000 pounds of fresh produce annually, contributing to improved access to nutritious food in vulnerable communities.
Founder and Director of Reach Within, Dr. Karen Lawson, underscored the importance of introducing young people to innovative approaches to agriculture.
“It is critical that our young people are exposed to modern, climate-smart methods of farming like hydroponics. Agriculture is evolving, and if we want the next generation to see it as a viable and exciting career path, we must equip them with the right tools and knowledge. This project helps bridge that gap while addressing food security and resilience.”
NEWLO, which provides training to more than 200 youth each year, will lead implementation on the ground, including the integration of hydroponics into its existing programmes.
Sister Margaret Yamoah, Chief Executive Officer of NEWLO welcomed the partnership with excitement stating, “This project will set the pace for the introduction of NEWLO’s Agribusiness programme under the OECS Skills and Innovative Project.”
For the Sandals Foundation, the support represents an alignment with its Caribbean-wide effort to strengthen local food systems.
“We are beyond proud to continue our partnership with Reach Within building on the agriculture and nutrition programme that began in 2024. The capacity of our communities to grow more of what they eat despite the changing climate will be vital to strengthening national security and food autonomy,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at the Sandals Foundation.
Three hydroponic Flex Farm systems will be installed at the NEWLO facility, supported by training and a digital educational curriculum from the project’s technical partner Fork Farms.
The Flex Farm from Fork Farms is an all-in-one indoor hydroponic growing system designed for schools and organizations, combining fresh food production with hands-on learning. Compact and mobile, one Flex Farm can grow more than 25 pounds of fresh produce every 28 days delivering year-round, hyper-local, sustainable food production while transforming classrooms into living labs, engaging students in STEM, sustainability, nutrition, and real-world problem-solving. “Fork Farms is proud to partner with Reach Within and NEWLO to expand access to fresh food and drive sustainable change in the community,” said Josh Mahlik, Partnership Development Director at Fork Farms. “This partnership is a powerful example of how we can continue advancing our mission to inspire sustainability and transform the way communities grow and think about food.”
An Agricultural Fellow will also support training delivery and day-to-day operations. The project includes grant support for equipment, training, and initial operational costs. NEWLO will take responsibility for sustaining the systems after the first year. Both organisations say they are committed to monitoring the project’s impact and exploring opportunities to expand hydroponic agriculture across Grenada.
Outpatient services at the Falmouth Public General Hospital in Trelawny and Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover are on track for full resumption following the delivery of four modular units to each health care institution by the Sandals Foundation.
Valued at just under JMD $21million, the health service restoration was made possible via proceeds raised through the Harmonies of Hope Hurricane Melissa Aid Concert held in Canada, December 2025.
“Many of our critical care buildings were significantly damaged or completely destroyed by Hurricane Melissa, leading to an interruption of patient services and a shortage of space to treat patients at the hospital,” says Carlington McLennon, Chief Executive Officer at Falmouth Public General Hospital. “With these new modular units serving as vital hubs for immediate family care, the resources of the hospital will be directed to critical emergencies.”
Outpatient clinics provide shorter wait times and faster turnaround, helping residents do check-ups, receive diagnosis, treatment and same-day care without being admitted or staying overnight. At both hospitals, one modular unit will be used for securing medical records while three others will serve outpatient needs.
For Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation, rebuilding the capacity of the island’s healthcare system is a major milestone on the road to recovery.
“Our Jamaican families and medical providers have been undeniably resilient since the October 28 storm, and the proper restoration of healthcare services is a critical component of any effort to rebuild lives and communities. We are committed to working alongside the Ministry of Health and Wellness as they rebuild and supporting our medical professionals to safely execute their duty of care and facilitate comfortable spaces for families to access the treatment they need for their wellbeing.”
For Geraldine Isaac, Executive Director, Food For The Poor-Canada, the partnership saw the perfect alignment of both organisation’s mandates, “After a storm, families aren’t just rebuilding roofs—they’re trying to protect their health, care for their children, and hold on to hope. We’re deeply moved by the way the Jamaican diaspora and Canadians across the country have rallied around Jamaica, and we are proud to partner with the Sandals Foundation to help restore access to critical health services when communities need it most.”
Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton noted that “Our healthcare model has also included private sector partnership, and we are grateful for the continued support of the Sandals Foundation. Even as we continue to rebuild and improve health service delivery especially now for parishes recovering from Hurricane Melissa, this donation has bolstered our efforts and propel us further down the wicket to realizing the best health outcome for all Jamaicans.”
On December 10, 2025, the Harmonies of Hope Hurricane Melissa Aid Concert was held in Toronto, Canada, raising funds to support a number of Jamaican non-profits to implement key restoration projects.
Held under the Patronage of Dr. Wes Hall and Dr. Donette Chin-Loy Chang O.Ont. and organized by The It Factor Ltd. with support from the Jamaica Tourist Board, the event provided an avenue for the Jamaican diaspora to stand together in Canada in unity with their island home. “We along with the JTB were able to execute a beautifully curated concert that offered sponsors, partners, and donors the ability to gather in hope, love, and harmony for Jamaica.” said Natasha Borota, President of The It Factor Ltd.
The support to Falmouth Public General Hospital and Noel Holmes Hospital forms part of a series of projects being implemented by the Sandals Foundation through proceeds from the Harmonies of Hope benefit concert. Earlier this year, in partnership with the Tourism Enhancement Fund, the philanthropic organization provided building materials to enable roofing, structural repairs and housing rebuild under TEF’s Tourism Housing Assistance & Recovery Programme. In the weeks ahead, key infrastructure support will be provided to the University of the West Indies Western Jamaica campus in St. James.
Two Jamaican crafters from the Sandals Foundation’s Caribbean Artisan Collection Programme will take center stage at this year’s New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, April 23 to May 3, showcasing the island’s artistic expression on a global stage.
Westmoreland natives Dana Baugh and Omar “Sheldon” Daley are part of a 5-member local craft team that will spotlight the island’s rich creative heritage within the Festival’s Cultural Exchange Pavilion, which is sponsored by Sandals Resorts and the Jamaica Tourist Board. The move comes as Festival organizers have selected Jamaica as the country of focus to celebrate through music, food, and art.
Building Local Craft
Dana Baugh, founder of BAUGHaus Design Studio handcrafts porcelain tableware, planters, and sculptural forms that capture the quiet beauty of everyday Jamaican life. Having spent over a decade refining a practice that merges functional design with cultural storytelling, purchase of her products under the Sandals Foundation’s Caribbean Artisan Collection, enables proceeds to be reinvested by the philanthropic organization into the development of other artisans and their crafts.
“When people experience my work at the festival, I want them to feel a Caribbean that is both elevated and deeply rooted. Pieces that are elegant, well-made, and grounded in who we are. My work invites people into our way of life—where memories are made around the table, and food, stories, and laughter shape everyday moments. From Saturday soup to patties, I translate those experiences into heirloom pieces that carry warmth, joy, and culture. It’s about showing that our story goes beyond sun, sand, and sea—it is rich, layered, and beautifully expressed through what we make and use every day”.
Omar “Sheldon” Daley, founder of FIRSTSTRAW Company, is one of the first crafters under the Sandals Foundation Caribbean Artisan Programme, gaining key product and business development training from Sandals Resorts’ retail team in 2018. A thatch straw weaver trained by his mother, Daley’s work is deeply rooted in traditions carried from our Taíno and African ancestors. Today, he reimagines that heritage into contemporary designs, weaving bags, baskets, trays and more that utilize resources and skills from a robust value-chain ecosystem in and around his community.
“Even as basketry declines, there are still artisans committed to keeping the craft alive. Through my work, I blend traditional techniques with modern design and materials to create pieces that reflect Jamaican creativity and identity. It’s a reflection of who we are—‘Out of many, one people’—where different elements come together to form something unified and meaningful. Being at the festival is not just about me; it represents the many people and forms of support that made this journey possible. While each piece I create is different, the story behind them remains the same”.
Rebuilding after the Storm
The journeys of Dana and Sheldon are not without challenge. Following the passage of Hurricane Melissa, damaged infrastructure and loss of access to raw materials impacted Daley’s livelihood. However, through targeted intervention by the Sandals Foundation, the installation of a solar energy system enabled the artisan to restore production and re-enter the market.
“This is what meaningful investment in people looks like,” said Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation. “When we support artisans, we are not just preserving craft—we are protecting livelihood and strengthening communities. We are extremely honoured to be part of the stories of Dana and Sheldon, who will share their expressions of Jamaica at the upcoming Jazz Fest to a whole new market.”
Since its launch in 2018, the Caribbean Artisan Programme has supported over 30 artisans across the 9 islands in which Sandals Resorts operate. The initiative has resulted in members experiencing expanded production, up to 30% increase in sales, and a stronger and more stable livelihood.
For Baugh and Daley, the upcoming Jazz Fest, which will be attended by some 500,000 patrons, is a signal of what is possible when creativity is supported with intention. Both, through their active mentorship of emerging creatives, set the stage to ensure the knowledge, skill, and vision are passed on.
For the Sandals Foundation, the crafters are a representation of a broader mission of investing in people, preserving culture, and building pathways so that communities not only survive—but thrive.
Over 300 children across eight Caribbean islands stepped out of the classroom and into nature this Earth Day, as the Sandals Foundation rolled out a guided mindfulness programme designed to build environmental awareness and support mental well-being.
Spanning multiple ecological spaces, students aged 9 to 11 across Antigua, Barbados, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Grenada, The Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands, Curacao, and Jamaica engaged in breathing exercises, nature walks, sensory observation and discussions within national parks, mangrove forest, the gardens at Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort, and national conservation areas, allowing time to decompress and connect to observed biodiversity.
The activity, which fostered disengagement from digital devices, highlighted the role of nature in physical and mental wellbeing. The programme also reinforced the everyday actions young people can take to protect these resources.
“By combining mindfulness with environmental education, we wanted to encourage students to slow down, be present, reflect, and appreciate the beauty of nature which is around them,” says Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation. “We also wanted to share with students that sense of responsibility and power they each have to protect their communities’ natural resources and the services those resources support.”
Across the Caribbean, the Sandals Foundation implements in a wide range of conservation work – engaging 177,526 people in environmental education, planting 28,117 trees, outplanting 38,156 corals, investing in programmes that see to the safe hatch of 221,392 sea turtles, and supporting 23 marine and terrestrial protected areas.
The Earth Day initiative forms part of the Foundation’s ongoing work to support sustainable development—ensuring that environmental protection, community well-being, and economic stability advance together.
