In honor of Sandals Resorts International’s 40th anniversary, the Sandals Foundation has identified 40 transformational community projects that reflect our mission to use the incredible power of tourism to transform Caribbean communities and improve lives.

FARMING AND AGRICULTURAL PROJECTS

Exuma

Chicken Farming Education

Construction of chicken coop and a greenhouse at LN Coakley High School to support training in agriculture, entrepreneurship and food security. Produce will be sold locally and reinvested into the expansion of the school’s program which provides strong foundation for interested students to pursue higher level studies in animal and crop science horticulture.

Grenada

Grenrop Women Farmers

Charting their financial independence, this group of women will be aided with irrigation, cold storage and trained in packaging, leadership, and other key skills to build their capacity and enhance their agri-products business for sale in resort shops and local grocers.

Turks and Caicos

Community Compost Training

Composting comes alive as resort teams lead by example. By establishing practices on property and training community groups and schools in waste reduction, adopting sustainable food production mechanism is made even easier with the provision of compost bins and resources to top it off.

Barbados

Agriculture Training College Support

With the provision of key equipment and supplies to support practical training at the island’s agricultural college, together we will strengthen the capacity of students and graduates to meet the nutritional needs of their citizens.

Antigua

GARD Smart Agriculture

Construction of hydroponics units and providing starter kits to enhance climate smart agriculture training at the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Centre. These improved farming skills will increase food output for the island and improve livelihood opportunities.

HOSPITALITY TRAINING & CERTIFICATION

Nassau

Sweeting Hospitality

Welcoming the next generation of service leaders by funding the hospitality training program and international certification for vulnerable young people to gain employment in the tourism Industry. With upgrades to their training facilities and resources, students will be well equipped to excel in their service field of choice.

Turks and Caicos

Vocational Training Certification

By providing the equipment and supplies for a two year practical training program in commercial food preparation, high school students can build their portfolios and receive the requisite Caribbean-wide certification upon completion.

Exuma

Exuma School Leaving Certification

This one year program provides equipment and supplies to support practical training in commercial food preparation, helping students build their portfolios and receive the requisite high school leaving certification.

Grenada

New Life Organization Hospitality Certification

Building the vocational skills of the next generation of hospitality leaders through the provision of equipment and resources to support their certification and employment in the service Industry.

Grenada & Antigua

– 11. Health and Beauty Certification

Offering training and certification to interested persons in the fast growing wellness sector an opportunity to gain the needed skills and knowledge for employment.

NATURAL RESOURCE CONSERVATION & TOURS

Jamaica

Blue Mountain Tree Planting

There will be more to explore at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Blue and John Crow Mountains as we plant and maintain 7000 trees to add to its rich biodiversity and support the appetite of nature lovers and tours with improved visitor facilities.

Jamaica

Salt Marsh Blue Certification Project

Supporting 5 locally operated micro and small businesses acquire blue certification through implementing environmentally sound business practices.

Antigua

Wallings Signal Hill Project

Continued reforestation of the island’s second highest peak - Signal Hill – the removal of invasive plant species and improving the facilities of the 1680 acres reserve to support school, tourists and community group tours.

Grenada

Woburn Interpretive Centre

Development of eco-friendly tour by establishing viewing areas, providing signage, equipment, and training to community-based guides and organisations to lead the charge.

Grenada

Telescope Eco Tour

Development of eco-friendly tour by establishing bird viewing areas, providing signage, equipment, and training to community-based guides and organizations to lead the charge.

Grenada

Coral Reef Restoration and Dive

Enhancing the overall health of the marine ecosystem through community-led habitat restoration and rehabilitation activities.

Bahamas

Coastal Strengthening at Lucayan National Park

Recovery of sand dunes at Lucayan National Park heavily impacted by invasive plants and storm surges from the 2019 category 5 Hurricane Dorian. Invasive species will be replaced with coastal native plants to build resilience of the coastline.

Barbados

Andromeda Gardens

Developing the infrastructure to improve offering and experience at the unique organic botanical gardens which comprise a series of palms, succulents, medicinal, butterflies visited by locals & international guests.

Bahamas

Education at Lucayan National Park

Funding for interpretive signs to increase educational awareness and visitor experience.

St. Lucia

Coral Restoration

Together with CLEAR Caribbean we will build the capacity of local coral gardeners in Soufriere and establish a community based organization that will provide jobs for tour guides to showcase the beauty of the marine space.

Turks and Caicos Islands

Birds Caribbean

Sponsorship of Bird Guide training towards the creation of sustainable livelihoods and conservation of the beautiful biodiversity and the protection of those threatened species and their habitat.

Regional

PADI 40 for 40 Dives

In honor of the late SRI Chairman, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, PADI will offer 40 lucky recipients the opportunity to achieve key certifications. From dive professionals to journalists, fishers to students and community volunteers, teens and adults will have the chance to advance their careers and or conservation efforts in the marine space.

ARTISAN SUPPORT

St. Lucia

Straw Artisan Program

Developing the island’s straw product industry for the tourism and local retail markets by strengthening the capacity of craft communities to expand their scope of work and produce diverse handicraft.

Curacao

Recycled Artisan Crafts

Developing capacity of local recycled artisan producers to upgrade their products, increase sale and their ability to employ more community members to continue to showcase their exquisite culture and solid waste management skills.

Turks and Caicos Islands

Caicos Straw Artisans

Assessment and capacity building for local artisans to develop products and expose the straw growing industry of the Middle Caicos Islands.

Bahamas

Artisan Training

Assessment and capacity building for local artisans to develop their craft products, increase their earning potential, and showcase their unique culture.

Jamaica

Mount Olivet Wood Work

Providing wards of the state skills for life through wood work training that not only opens doors for livelihood opportunities but adds to the rich artistry of local cabinet makers who form a key part of the island’s furniture industry.

MARKETS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

Caribbean-wide

29 – 34. Business Development

Empowering multiple locally operated micro and small businesses with through infrastructure upgrades and trainings to increase earning potential both from local and international visitors.

Barbados

35. Oistins Fish Fry

Increasing earning power of local fish vendors who cater to visitors and locals alike in this exciting weekly food fair through facility upgrades and targeted training.

Turks and Caicos Islands

36. Cultural Market Place

Providing infrastructure upgrades and signage to encourage more visitors, improve experience, and increase sales for a more sustained livelihood.

Grenada

37. YEAC Community Safety Training

Building safe communities by empowering residents to better safeguard themselves and visitors in times of emergency and or disaster. From emergency preparedness to First Aid, CPR, disaster risk reduction, emergency response, and first safety, residents will be capable of handling extreme events to save lives.

Jamaica

38. Pineapple Craft Market

Infrastructural upgrades and capacity building of craft vendors to earn more through improved service and enhanced visitor experience.

MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT

Jamaica

39. Brass Workshop for Music Instructors

Training of high school and college level music educators to provide best practices in brass music education thus strengthening the next generation of trumpet and trombone players and the further development of Jamaica’s iconic popular music.

Miami

40. Vibes on the Island

Bringing the magic of Caribbean music to the world. Closing the 40/40 celebrations with a musical showcase in the United States while raising funds for the continued growth of the industry with the training of the next generation of entertainers.