Over fifty local craft vendors in Turks & Caicos recently participated in customer service training aimed at enhancing their business acumen, improving customer relations, and strengthening their economic independence. Delivered through the Sandals Foundation in collaboration with the Sandals Corporate University, this initiative reflects a long-term commitment to supporting the growth of local artisans and fostering sustainable livelihoods across the region.
With a focus on capacity building, the workshops covered vital areas such as customer service, entrepreneurship, and effective marketing strategies. The programme aims to improve their interactions with both local and international buyers, ultimately boosting their income and livelihood.
For vendors like Cassandra Gardiner, the opportunity to enhance her skills has been invaluable. "The training has helped us understand new ways of marketing and better interacting with customers, which will have a direct impact on our businesses. This is a partnership that truly supports our growth as entrepreneurs," Gardiner shared.
Similarly, Daphiney Williams, another participant, emphasized the importance of continued education in her industry. "As artisans, we need to keep up with the changes in the market. This training is helping us become more adaptable and prepared for the future," she said.
Beyond just training, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts International remains committed to the continued development of local markets and the preservation of cultural heritage. These efforts include plans to further upgrade the Cultural Market Place, a central hub where many artisans showcase their products. By improving the market infrastructure and creating opportunities for ongoing professional development, the Foundation aims to ensure that local artisans can capitalize on the growing tourism industry and build sustainable businesses.
“Tourism can truly transform communities by opening doors to much-needed opportunities,” said Karen Zacca, Operations Director of the Sandals Foundation. “This isn’t just about offering training—it’s about making sure our neighbors have the skills and support they need to take care of their families and build a better life.”
The training in Turks & Caicos is part of the Sandals Foundation’s wider mission to support local economies through capacity building and economic empowerment. By investing in programmes like these, the Foundation is helping small businesses evolve and grow, ensuring that communities can benefit from the economic opportunities provided through the tourism industry and beyond.
The Sandals Foundation, in partnership with the GEF Small Grants Program, has supported the impactful Johnson’s Point Community Coastal Stewardship Project in Antigua and Barbuda, led by the local non-profit Adoptacoastline. This initiative has empowered community members to engage in vital coastal stewardship efforts to preserve the beauty and resilience of their shores.
Over 9 months, January – September 2024, 18 Adoptacoastline Youth Stewards were joined by 103 volunteers at 7 community beach clean ups and tree planting events to transform the coastal ecosystem.
Together they removed over 1770 kilograms of trash, 2 derelict vehicles, 1 derelict boat and 2 trucks of large debris. They also planted over 100 indigenous trees, including 41 coconut palm trees along with sea grape, almond, ginep, tamarind, moringa and neem trees.
Johnsons Point resident & Adoptacoastline volunteer, Lila Namu shared: “I have known this beach for over 30 years, it was really terrible, you couldn’t bring your children to sit here, you were between all the garbage, it was horrible! Right now, it is so beautiful.”
Georgia Scarlett, environmental projects coordinator at the Sandals Foundation said: “Sandals Foundation is pleased to have had a successful partnership with Adoptacoastline. The team at all times met and exceeded key deliverables. The work Adoptacoastline does further continues our work of environmental sustainability through active community engagement and creating stewards for a better tomorrow."
Adoptacoastline youth stewards made and installed 3 beach tyre bins which they emptied on a bi-weekly basis. They also took part in 3 circle economy workshops to upcycle plastic into keyrings, fishing rope into bracelets and organic shore finds into ocean artworks. Each youth steward also participated in a snorkel workshop with Veta Wade of Fish ‘n’ Fins and learnt to swim in a 2 month swimming program with Island Rower and Free Diver, Christal Clashing of Splashing with Clashing.
Joshuanette Francis, Johnsons Point Resident and Founder, Good Humans 268 noted a behaviour change: “We have seen a change in behaviour with individuals actually using the bins that have been placed on the beach.”
Jainiece Thomas, Adoptacoastline Youth Steward at Johnson’s Point shared her experience: “I found the beach clean ups incredibly rewarding. Not only did they deepen my appreciation for the beach, but they also emphasized the importance of protecting marine life. These clean ups aimed to create a healthier living environment for the animals that call the sea home. After each clean up, we were fortunate enough to enjoy a refreshing swim in the water before heading back to our respective homes.”
Adoptacoastline’s Johnson’s Point Community Coastal Project shows what is possible when community comes together to take positive action. Kat Byles, Director, Adoptacoastline said: “Being part of my local community to restore this beautiful beach, remove truckloads of trash, replant coconut palms and other indigenous trees was deeply enriching. It has forged community bonds and relationships that will continue for a long time to come. Thank you to Sandals Foundation, GEF Small Grants Program and everyone who took part.”
Adoptacoastline was founded in 2009 by environmental artist Jennifer Meranto to inspire local community with an emphasis on youth to become the caretakers, water keepers, and stewards of the earth and waters, and to optimize their own health by embracing natural, organic lifestyles.
The High Commission of Canada in Jamaica today announced funding for nine local organizations across the island, awarding a total of JMD 25 million (CAD 220,000) through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) for 2024-2025. This support will empower community-driven projects that address urgent challenges, including climate change, women and youth empowerment, education, and resilience in vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Sandals Foundation has been awarded JMD 5.7 million (CAD 50,000) through CFLI humanitarian assistance to support recovery efforts in three parishes—St. Elizabeth, Clarendon, and Manchester—severely affected by Hurricane Beryl. This funding will help affected communities rebuild and restore livelihoods following the devastating storm.
“This year’s CFLI projects exemplify Canada’s deep commitment to Jamaica’s sustainable development,” said His Excellency Mark Berman, High Commissioner of Canada to Jamaica, at the official launch event held at Devon House. “By supporting local initiatives, we are empowering communities to address critical challenges and build a future rooted in resilience and opportunity for all. These projects, which range from youth development and crime prevention to climate adaptation, will have a lasting, positive impact on the lives of many Jamaicans.”
The recipient of the CFLI Humanitarian Assistance, Sandals Foundation, will assist in the recovery of livelihoods and the restoration of educational facilities for vulnerable communities hit hardest by Hurricane Beryl. Beneficiaries include the Abilities Foundation, Hampton School for Girls, and local fishermen in St. Elizabeth. The project will provide fishing equipment to 200 fisherfolk, farm supplies to 40 farmers, educational materials and furniture to Hampton High School and support 10 women with disabilities in rebuilding their agricultural businesses and improve the resilience of six rural communities. Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of Sandals Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the support: “It’s been two months since Hurricane Beryl, and many families and businesses are still struggling to recover. With this generous funding from the Government of Canada, we can continue to provide critical aid and help communities rebuild stronger than before.”
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Kasan Troupe underscored the unique nature of each project, acknowledging that while not all were directly focused on youth, they shared a unified commitment to community development. She emphasized that community development is pivotal in building a strong education sector and framework for sustainable growth. Dr. Troupe also expressed gratitude to the High Commission of Canada for their partnership, highlighting the critical role that collaborative efforts play in strengthening the education sector. For 2024-2025, six of the CFLI projects will be youth-centred focusing on education, violence prevention, and agricultural training, while three projects will actively engage educational institutions to foster youth development and skills training.
This year’s CFLI-funded projects include:
• Sisters of Mercy - Empowering Futures: Supporting at-risk youth in Kingston through psychosocial and academic assistance, improving educational outcomes and emotional well-being.
• Empowered Resources and Solutions Ltd - Mothers for Change: Empowering teen mothers in St. Catherine and St. Thomas through entrepreneurship training and mentorship to foster economic independence.
• Jamaica 4H Foundation - Climate-Smart Agriculture Training for Youth Farmers: Equipping young farmers with climate-smart agricultural skills in St. Catherine, promoting sustainable farming practices and food security.
• Jamaica Professional Youth Workers Association—HerAgro: Empowering young female farmers in rural Jamaica with entrepreneurial and agricultural training to increase productivity and income.
• Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation - Engaging Women in Climate Action and Gender Awareness in Portland Bight: Empowering women in Portland Bight with climate adaptation strategies tailored to their needs.
• Village Academy International - Empowering Girls Through Agriculture and Education in Rural Jamaica: Equipping young women in rural areas with practical agricultural skills and foundational education to enhance employability.
• Her Flow Foundation - Live Safe College Tour: Engaging 10 tertiary institutions across Jamaica to equip students with essential life skills often overlooked in academia, preparing them for real-world challenges.
• Jamaica Youth Advocacy Network - #YouthAgainstViolence: Addressing youth violence in Kingston and Western Jamaica by providing conflict resolution training and raising awareness about gender-based violence.
• Fi Wi Children Foundation—Mek Wi Reason Conflict Resolution Workshop for Youth: Training students at Mona High School in conflict resolution and emotional well-being, fostering peaceful interactions in schools.
Globally, the CFLI funds approximately 650 projects annually and has been funding projects in Jamaica for more than half of its 50-year existence. Over the past five years alone, more than 35 projects across the island have benefitted from CFLI funding. The CFLI continues to play a pivotal role in supporting small-scale, high-impact projects that align with Canada’s international priorities, fostering community resilience and sustainable development. By investing in these projects, the Government of Canada is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for long-term development and progress.
About the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI)
The CFLI supports grassroots, community-driven projects in developing countries that align with Canada’s international engagement priorities. The fund aims to improve the lives of marginalised populations by addressing local challenges and advancing sustainable, inclusive development.
The Sandals Foundation Island Challenge has surpassed all expectations, raising an astounding £100,000, to fund vital paediatric healthcare services at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital and paediatric health programmes on the southern islands in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The four-day challenge, held in partnership with the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment, the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, and Team Athletics SVG brought together over 30 athletes from the UK and Saint Vincent to take on an unforgettable test of endurance. Participants traversed scenic routes, running and kayaking over 70 kilometers through the stunning island landscapes—all united for a single cause.
“We witnessed an inspiring show of strength and solidarity as athletes from both the UK and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines came together for this meaningful cause,” said Karen Zacca, Operations Director of the Sandals Foundation. “The challenge went beyond physical endurance; it was a shared mission to bring hope to children in need of advanced medical care. What we saw was a true coming together of people who care about the same thing—paediatric health on the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and support for the Neonatal Clinic at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital. The first purchase will be a digital incubator, ensuring that newborns receive the critical care they need from the very start.”
The Island Challenge 2024 kicked off on Friday, October 11 with a scenic 17-kilometer + run starting from the Turtle Sanctuary area and winding through the lush terrain of Bequia. Athletes navigated a challenging path that took them through Port Elizabeth, up hills, and through the vibrant landscapes of La Pompe and St. Hillaire, culminating at the Sir James Mitchel Airport.
Participants tackle a gruelling 15-kilometer run on Day two from the northern entrance of Sandals Resort, winding through the coastal roads of Buccament, Layou, and Barrouallie. The athletes pressed on through picturesque villages before finishing on the beach in Wallilabou where they then paddled 11 kilometers back to Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
On Day three, participants faced another intense 22-kilometer run starting from the Diamond Industrial Estate, traveling along the Windward Highway, and finishing at Sandals Resort in Buccament. This leg tested their mental and physical limits as they passed through bustling towns and the historic city of Kingstown.
The final leg on Monday, October 14 involved a demanding hike of over 7-kilometers through the Wallilabou River to the buried Trinity Falls, taking athletes through the untouched beauty of Saint Vincent's natural landscape. This symbolic final journey signified not only the culmination of the physical challenge but also the success of their mission to raise funds for children’s healthcare.
Zoe Rae, a UK athlete and social media influencer, expressed her excitement about the challenge, “this is our fourth day of lots and lots of miles, but this was a real high to end on knowing that we raised the money for a worthy cause.”
Her partner, Danny Rae, echoed her sentiments, “we had the opportunity to visit the hospital and see the paediatric ward before the challenge, and that’s what gave us the motivation to keep pushing. It’s been hard work, but that’s what charity is about. These four days have been an incredible experience.”
For local athlete Malakye Nero from the Xceed Sports Club, the familiarity with the terrain provided a unique perspective, “running these routes felt natural, but the real challenge was knowing what we were running for. The cause kept me focused, and it was a privilege to contribute to something so important for our community.”
Bringing the Island Challenge to life was a true community effort, thanks to the invaluable support of our local partners. Nubak SVG Ltd stepped in as a silver sponsor, ensuring smooth transportation throughout the event, while the East Caribbean Group of Companies fueled the athletes with much-needed refreshments. Republic Bank also supported as a silver sponsor, and Wind and Sea Grenadines provided an unforgettable catamaran evening cruise, which gave local and UK athletes and partners the chance to meet and interact for the first time.
The success of the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge was made possible through the collective efforts of sponsors and partners. Their support ensured that not only did the event run smoothly but that the funds raised will directly impact the lives of infants in need of specialized care.
