Saint John’s Antigua, February 04th, 2025 – Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Honorable Charles Fernandez, has publicly lauded Sandals Resorts for their commitment to employee development, recognizing them as a leader in empowering their team members.
This commendation came during a recent Sandals Corporate University (SCU) graduation ceremony at Sandals Grande Antigua Resort, where twenty Sandals managers and supervisors from across the region received Diplomas in Hospitality Leadership in partnership with Accelerating Leaders and the Florida International University. Eleven of whom were team members of Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa.
Minister Fernandez specifically highlighted Sandals’ visionary approach in consistently offering learning and development opportunities, underscoring the importance of investing in human capital within the hospitality sector.
He said, “the investment Sandals makes in its team members throughout the SCU represents one of the best investments any organization can make – an investment in people. Since its inception in 2012, the SCU has been a transformative force, issuing thousands of certificate, diplomas and credentials that empower Caribbean nationals to advance in their careers and lead with confidence.”
The graduation ceremony celebrated the completion of the SCU’s Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme, a 16-week course that took this cohort of students through crucial modules in human resources, management, customer relations, and leadership, all vital components of effective leaders in the ever evolving hospitality industry.
The significance of the event was further emphasized by the presence of key figures such as Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts, who delivered an inspiring address virtually, along with representatives from both academic partners, highlighting the collaborative effort to nurture future leaders within the Sandals organization.
David Latchimy, general manager of Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa, expressed immense pride in the graduating cohort, emphasizing Sandals’ dedication to developing future leaders and setting a high standard for the regional hospitality industry. “Sandals’ commitment to
its team members serves as a model for other organizations, demonstrating the significant benefits of investing in employee growth and development.”
Photo Captions:
SCU 1 – SCU’s Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme COHORT E Graduates. SCU 2 – Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Tourism, Foreign Affairs and Immigration, the Honorable Charles Fernandez during his feature address to graduates.
About Sandals® Resorts:
Family-owned Sandals® Resorts offers adults-only getaways that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Pioneers of the all-inclusive vacation experience in the region, Sandals has 17 beachfront resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, Saint Lucia, The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Curaçao, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, each reflecting the genuine vibe of its island home. From local food favorites and global flavors to butler service and signature suites, including the Caribbean’s first Overwater Villas, Sandals makes it easy for guests to go all in on vacation mode. Beyond the resort gates, immersive destination experiences, like a newly piloted Island Inclusive dining program and MINI Coopers for island exploration, raise the bar on the all-inclusive vacation. Championing the region it calls home, Sandals demonstrates the transformative power of tourism and its impact on lives through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation. For more information, visit www.sandals.com.
Media Contact:
Leon Norville
Public Relations Manager
Sandals Grande Antigua Resort and Spa
Tel: 1-268-736-9194
