Much more than repair, the restoration of schools across Jamaica's western and northern parishes affected by Hurricane Melissa is being described as a rebirth. Valued at just over JM $ 214,000,000, the works have given students a fresh start to the 2026/2027 academic year — spanning full structural rebuilds, reroofing, solar power, and water security upgrades at schools across the affected parishes.
Within hours of Hurricane Melissa's passage on October 28, the Sandals Foundation mobilized an immediate response — conducting cleaning and clearing operations at 17 schools across the affected parishes. Drawing on the expertise of local and international partners including Team Rubicon, UNICEF, Mercy Chefs, and Sandals and Beaches Resorts team members, the coordinated effort focused on salvaging resources, pest and rodent control, installing temporary roofing, providing meals, and setting up tents as temporary learning spaces to bring a sense of normalcy to students in the storm's immediate aftermath.
That emergency response laid the groundwork for a far larger undertaking: rebuilding schools stronger than before.
Restoration at Culloden Infant School in Westmoreland leads the effort at a value of $100,572,000. The school underwent a comprehensive structural rebuild — including the reconstruction of internal walls, new windows and doors, more resilient reroofing, two modular classrooms, electrical rewiring, and the installation of six water tanks — alongside new solar-powered energy. Students will also enjoy a new, fully outfitted library made possible through partnership with United States non-profit Good 360. Finishing touches — fresh paint and artistic murals throughout the school — complete the transformation, giving students a bright, welcoming space to return to.
Principal at Culloden Infant, Michelle Whittingham, says the transformation is beyond expectation. "Looking back from Hurricane Melissa, I'm just so overjoyed. When I came here after the storm and saw the devastation, I wondered and prayed if we could ever come back. Today, the school is much better than it was. We have gotten more. More things have been put in place, and I can't wait to welcome our children back to continue their early-childhood education."
Kings Primary and Infant School, which also serves as an emergency shelter, saw a similarly major rebuild — with structural repairs to walls, new windows and doors, and more resilient reroofing, alongside six new water tanks and a fully restored, solar-powered computer lab and library. With partners including Air Canada Vacations, Food for the Poor Canada, and InterCaribbean Airways, some $91,500,000 was invested to help this vital community anchor rise again.
Marcia Tatham-Miller, Principal at Kings Primary, says, "The restoration work done at our school has helped to bring much renewed energy, confidence, and hope for our children and the wider community. You have helped us to rise from the devastation stronger, more determined to give every child at Kings the opportunity to learn, grow, and excel."
Beyond these two flagship rebuilds, major infrastructure works were carried out at five additional schools: Whitehouse Early Childhood Institute (ECI) in Westmoreland received reroofing, tiling, and electrical upgrades; Petersville ECI was reroofed; Flanker Primary in St. James saw the reconstruction and reroofing of its bathrooms serving grades 1–3; Whitehouse Early Childhood Centre received new roof sealant; and Cove Primary in Hanover gained new solar-energy technology, with rehabilitation work led jointly by the Sandals Foundation and American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ).
At the centre of the Foundation's reconstruction effort was a commitment to strengthening the resilience of the island's education infrastructure. Working closely with the Ministry of Education, policy guidance was provided by the National Education Trust.
Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts and President of the Sandals Foundation, Adam Stewart, says the success of the restorative effort rests on the love and support of the local and international community to see Jamaica rebound. "Our resilience as a nation stands tall alongside our strong culture and our influence as a people. We are incredibly grateful to our corporate and travel partners, who did not hesitate to respond during this challenge. Together we created an opportunity for rebirth."
For Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation, the island's principals are the true heroes of this story. "It has been a long road to recovery, and I have to take my hat off to the staff, parents, and especially principals who have not only had to continue educating our children within situations that have not been ideal — they made sure our children had food, they created an environment where children felt safe, and they have been there for every aspect of the rebuild, which has been incredible. We've done our best to rebuild stronger, help schools build to code, and strengthen the resilience of our learning institutions — but our principals are the true heroes."
As students return to newly restored classrooms this term, the Sandals Foundation reaffirms its long-term commitment to strengthening educational infrastructure across Jamaica. This is a rebirth for these schools, and the Foundation remains committed to education on a whole, ensuring every child has a safe, resilient place to learn and grow.
~Honored in the “Women Shaping the Future of Travel” category, Clarke is celebrated for her visionary leadership and contributions across Caribbean communities.~
In recognition of her far-reaching impact, Heidi Clarke has been selected to receive the prestigious “Trailblazer Award: Women Shaping the Future of Travel” as part of the 2026 Skift IDEA Awards. As Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, Clarke has harnessed the power of tourism to strengthen communities and expand opportunity across the Caribbean. Presented in partnership with Women Leading Travel, the Trailblazer Award honors a woman whose career demonstrates exceptional leadership, resilience and influence in shaping the future of travel.
Since launching the not-for-profit Sandals Foundation in 2009, Clarke has led initiatives that improve lives across the Caribbean, with a focus on education, community development, and environmental conservation in the nine islands where Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts operate. Under her care, the Foundation has touched more than 1.8 million lives, supporting more than 2,600 schools, close to 200 large-scale conservation initiatives, and mobilizing more than 32,500 volunteers across the region, among other extraordinary projects.
“It is truly an honour to be recognized, and I am immensely proud of what our team, together with our incredible partners, has made possible,” said Clarke. “I believe the success of any business should also be measured by the opportunities it creates for others to rise, empowering generations and strengthening communities. Tourism has an extraordinary footprint, and when we harness that reach with purpose, it can be a tremendous force for positive change across our Caribbean region.”
Clarke’s work has championed tourism as a force for positive, lasting change, bringing together communities, governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses and travelers to address local needs and strengthen the destinations that sustain the industry. Born and raised in Jamaica, she has spent nearly two decades developing programs that strengthen communities, expand economic opportunity and advance environmental stewardship throughout the Caribbean.
“Heidi is a true champion for the Caribbean and has dedicated her career to creating opportunities for its people and building a stronger future for the region,” said Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts and President of the Sandals Foundation. “She leads with tremendous heart and purpose, and with an unwavering belief in the potential of our Caribbean communities. Her work through the Sandals Foundation is at the heart of who we are at Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, and reflects our deep and enduring commitment to the region we call home. This recognition is incredibly well deserved, and we could not be prouder of Heidi and the contributions she continues to make.”
The Skift IDEA Awards, now in their eighth year, recognize excellence in design, creativity and innovation across the global travel industry. The 2026 awards were evaluated through an initial review by the Skift Editorial Team, followed by an independent judging panel of travel and business leaders representing top hospitality organizations.
“Many hands make hard work easier” – that’s the sentiment echoed by Philip Smith, Executive Chairman of the Agricultural Development Organization (ADO) as the reimagined Pinewood Community Garden takes shape.
Born out of a partnership between the ADO and the Sandals Foundation, an injection of some US $69,000 from the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts will see to the strengthening and scaling of the Pinewood Gardens Community Farm as a national demonstration site for regenerative agriculture and low-cost organic input production.
The move positions the space a practical, replicable model to tackle food security across The Bahamas.
Recently, the community farm welcomed a donation of food and ornamental plants from Rocky Farms Nursery enhancing the diversity of the space. The collection included yellow elder, hibiscus, banana, coconut as well as fertilizer.
“We thank Rocky Farm Nursery for this donation. It helps those at the farm understand how to grow different food plants and learn how to feed themselves with healthy food grown right here in The Bahamas.”
For his part, Rocky Farms Nursery manager Bruce Pinder saluted the work of ADO, saying, “They’re doing it to better the community, that’s the most important thing. It is fruit trees and other plants, and it is good for the community. I’m glad to help.”
Pinewood Community Garden is one of five community farms created by ADO since its launch just over five years ago. ADO has also assisted with the creation or enhancement of farms at 34 schools across The Bahamas and has packaged and distributed more than 3,400 backyard farming kits.
Through a partnership with Ridge to Reefs (RTR) and the investment of the Sandals Foundation, the team will implement a suite of interventions that reduce farming input costs, promote sustainable land use, and equip underserved groups with the tools and skills to grow food and earn income through small-scale agriculture.
“It is because of the donors who support our projects that we are able to open these farms in the heart of communities,” said ADO Executive Chairman Philip Smith. “The Sandals Foundation helped us to start the garden – we could not have done it without their support and their constant encouragement. Now the team at Rocky Farms Nursery is helping to broaden the range of plants for the community.”
Endorsed by the Ministry of Agriculture, at the core of the Pinewood Community Garden project is the establishment of a fish hydrolysate fertilizer production system, converting local fish waste into a nutrient-rich, environmentally friendly fertilizer that improves soil health and crop yields. A companion biopesticide component and seedling propagation hub will support affordable, organic solutions for home gardeners, schools, and smallholder farmers.
Demonstration areas will showcase low-cost farming tools and regenerative techniques suited to Caribbean conditions—including composting, insect exclusion, and solar-powered irrigation systems will be implemented. The farm will also host educational workshops, school visits, and volunteer programs that promote environmental literacy and community ownership.
“Sandals is proud to partner with both ADO and the Pinewood Gardens community,” said Snovakia Watson, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Royal Bahamian. “This is the kind of project that builds a stronger, healthier population and a more self-sufficient country. We all experienced what depending on imported goods meant when we went through the 2020 pandemic. We have the means to grow far more of our own and this is a wonderful example of how Sandals can lend a hand to make positive things happen in real time.”
ADO hopes to open a community farm in all 41 constituencies in The Bahamas, with 70 percent of produce grown donated to the community, and the remaining 30 percent to be sold to restaurants.
“This makes our food network more sustainable – and helps people to eat locally grown food, which is healthier,”says Smith.
From the breathtaking Blue Mountain soaring more than 4,000 feet above sea level to the refreshing Dunn’s River – one of the world's most iconic waterfalls, the island’s beauty and community will be on show as the Sandals Foundation brings its premier paediatric fundraising event home in Island Challenge Jamaica 2026.
From October 2- 5, the philanthropic organisation in partnership with Sandals Resorts, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Island Routes Adventure Tours, and British Airways will bring together some 30 UK athletes, local and international partners in Ocho Rios for an unforgettable four-day endurance experience across land and sea.
Covering the parishes of Trelawny, St. Ann, St. Mary, and St. Andrew, participants will run scenic coastal routes, kayak through crystal waters, trek through Jamaica’s breathtaking landscapes and hike up the country’s famous mountain to raise £100,000 to strengthen neonatal and paediatric healthcare services at hospitals serving critically ill infants and children along Jamaica's northern corridor.
Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation, says the decision to bring the Island Challenge to Jamaica pays homage to the resilience of the nation as families and institutions continue to rebuild stronger after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
"As our road to recovery continues, we wanted to create another opportunity for corporate partners, Jamaicans and the world to share their love and support for our island’s communities. The strength of our health services is fundamental to giving families hope and through this Challenge, participants and partners will positively transform the neonatal and peadiatric care within our hospitals– giving our children a fighting chance,” says Clarke.
For Dr Kerry-Ann McKenzie, Consultant Paediatrician at Falmouth Public General Hospital, the new equipment will significantly improve the standard of care.
"We lost all of our equipment and beds and have been displaced, currently operating with just one single designated bed in our Accident & Emergency department. This donation of equipment from the Sandals Foundation will greatly improve the standard of care we are able to offer to the paediatric population in Falmouth and the surrounding environs.
"Since Hurricane Melissa, our team has shown extraordinary resilience, treating patients in conditions no hospital should have to operate under. We are rebuilding step by step, but the road to full recovery is long, and support like this brings us closer to restoring the level of care our community deserves. For a hospital that has been stretched to its limit since the storm, this isn't just equipment — it's a lifeline that restores our ability to protect the most vulnerable among us, our children," says Dr McKenzie.
The four-day Challenge includes:
Day One: A 8km community run followed by a 10km kayak along the White River Fish Sanctuary
Day Two: An ascent of the world-famous Dunn's River Falls, followed by a 10km rainforest trek and tree planting activity
Day Three: A 21km half marathon through the beautifully preserved Georgian town of Falmouth, passing the beneficiary Falmouth Public General Hospital
Day Four: A military endurance challenge in Newcastle, St. Andrew before conquering partial hike of the Blue Mountain some 4,500 feet above sea level
“The Island Challenge was born out of an idea of the Managing Director of Unique Vacations UK and Europe, Karl Thompson, who has been working to mobilize a number of UK donors and travel partners. To solidify the Jamaican connection, we will also have 15 spots for locals to participate – running side by side in the 21 Km half marathon through Falmouth on Sunday October 4,” says Event Coordinator and Director of Operations at Sandals Foundation, Karen Zacca.
The initiative builds on the success of Island Challenges held in Antigua & Barbuda in 2023, St. Vincent & the Grenadines in 2024, and Saint Lucia in 2025. Collectively, the event has raised more than £300,000, benefiting approximately 1,800 babies across the Caribbean.
Joining the list of local partners making the historic 2026 event possible are Wisynco, Trekkers Adventures, Tour Jamaica Limited, Urban Development Corporation, Jamaica Observer, Caribbean Producers Jamaica, Chukka Caribbean Adventures Jamaica, Forestry Department, Oxford Trading Jamaica Limited, The Best Dressed Chicken, Rainforest Foundation, Mystic Mountain, and Digicel Jamaica. International partners include Hearst, Mail Metro Media, Accord Marketing, Hays Travel, CC Hospitality Group, RedPill, InPrint, Piqniq, Mobile Media and TripAdvisor.
To donate to the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge Jamaica 2026, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/islandchallenge2026.
To register for Day 3 of the Island Challenge Jamaica – https://form.jotform.com/262154934564866
For more information about the Sandals Foundation and the important projects the charity supports each year, visit www.sandalsfoundation.org.
