OFFICIAL RULES
NO PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF MONEY IS NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN THIS SWEEPSTAKES. A PURCHASE OR PAYMENT OF MONEY WILL NOT IMPROVE THE CHANCES OF WINNING.
THE SWEEPSTAKES IS IN NO WAY SPONSORED, ENDORSED OR ADMINISTERED BY, OR ASSOCIATED WITH ANY SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION X, FACEBOOK, OR INSTAGRAM FROM META (“SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM(S)”).
The " Share the Sunshine - Giving Tuesday" Sweepstakes (the “Sweepstakes”) is intended for legal residents of the United States of America (“USA”), except Washington, and Canada and shall only be construed and evaluated according to applicable USA law, Canadian law, and applicable state/province law. Do not enter this Sweepstakes if you do not have primary residence in the USA or Canada or are otherwise ineligible to enter in accordance with these Official Rules at the time of entry. The Sweepstakes is sponsored by Sandals Foundation, 5505 Waterford District Dr, Suite 300, Miami, FL 33126 (the “Sponsor”), a nonprofit corporation and tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, all donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
ELIGIBILITY: The Sweepstakes is open to legal residents of the USA (excluding WA residents) or Canada who are at least eighteen (18) years of age or have reached the age of majority in their respective state/province of residence at the time of entry (the “Entrants”). The Sponsor, American Sweepstakes & Promotion Co., Inc. (the “Administrator”), their respective parent companies, employees, officers, directors, subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, sales representatives and advertising and promotional agencies, and the officers, directors, agents, and employees of each of the foregoing (collectively, the “Released Parties”), and members of their immediate families (defined as including spouse, biological, adoptive and step-parents, grandparents, siblings, children and grandchildren, and each of their respective spouses, regardless of where they reside) or households (whether related or not) of any of the above are NOT eligible to participate in this Sweepstakes. Non-eligibility or non-compliance with any of these Official Rules will result in disqualification. Void in WA and where prohibited or restricted by law. (For the avoidance of doubt, any references in these Rules to Entrants shall also include the Entrant who is deemed the Winner (as defined below)).
AGREEMENT TO OFFICIAL RULES: By participating, Entrants agree to abide by and be bound by these Official Rules and the decisions of the Sponsor, which are final and binding in all matters relating to the Sweepstakes. Winning the Grand Prize (as defined below) is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.
HOW TO ENTER: The Sweepstakes begins at 12:00:01 a.m. EST on November 16, 2026, and ends at 11:59:59 p.m. EST on December 4, 2026 (“Sweepstakes Period”). The Sponsor’s database computer is the official time-keeping device for the Sweepstakes. Three (3) methods of entry are as follows:
Online Donation – During the Sweepstakes Period, Entrants can enter the Sweepstakes at https://sandalsfoundation.org/ (the “Website”). At the Website, Entrants can obtain entries based on their level of donation:
Five (5) entries for each $25 donation]
Ten (10) entries for each $45 donation
Twenty (20) entries for each $100 donation
Fifty (50) entries for each $175 donation
An Entrant can earn Sweepstakes entries a maximum of one (1) time per day during the Sweepstakes Period. ALL DONATIONS ARE FINAL. THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS ISSUED DURING OR AFTER THE SWEEPSTAKES PERIOD.
2. Social Media Platforms – During the Sweepstakes Period, Entrants can obtain one (1) Sweepstakes entry by following the Sponsor on a Social Media Platform and then posting an in-feed photo showcasing themself outdoors and joyfully smiling. To be eligible, an Entrant must tag the Sponsor in the post and also include BOTH of the following promotional hashtags, #SandalsFoundation AND #ShareTheSunshineSweepstakes. By submitting an Entry via this method of entry, each Entrant consents to receive from the Sponsor a message on a Social Media Platform, if applicable, or an email notifying such Entrant that he/she is a potential Prize Winner. In addition, Entrants must enter the Sweepstakes using a personally registered PUBLIC Instagram/ Facebook account. Private accounts will not be eligible for Sweepstakes entry. Any Entrant found to be using the Social Media Platform account of a group, company, or other association, may be disqualified. LIMIT ONE (1) ENTRY PER ENTRANT THROUGH THIS METHOD OF ENTRY.
Entries may not contain any image or depiction of the following: (i) materials which include or constitute trademarks, trade names or copyrighted works created or owned by any person or entity other than Entrant or for which the Entrant has obtained owner’s written permission to use (Sponsor’s discretion); (ii) materials bearing profanities, or bearing the name or likeness of any celebrity, living or dead; (iii) materials which contain visible identifiable or potentially identifiable information, including but not limited to, phone numbers, website links, street addresses, email addresses or license plate numbers; (iv) inappropriate behavior for a general audience; (v) any depiction of real or simulated sexual acts; (vi) violence in any form; (vi) materials which violate anyone’s reasonable privacy expectations, violate any known agreement, or which are defamatory in nature; (viii) materials which are derogatory to Sponsor, or any affiliated entity or person; (ix) materials which are discriminatory based on race, religion, national origin, physical disability, age, sex, or sexual orientation or preference; (x) materials in which any person identifiably appears unless Entrant has obtained an appropriate written release from such person granting all rights required herein; and, (xi) materials which do not comply with all other requirements in these Official Rules. Entries that do not conform to these guidelines will be disqualified. Sponsor reserves the right to reject or disqualify any entry which Sponsor, in its sole and absolute discretion, determines to be inconsistent with the letter or spirit of the Official Rules or potentially damaging to its, the Sweepstakes’, or another’s image or reputation.
3. Via Mail (No donation required) - During the Sweepstakes Period, Entrants can obtain Sweepstakes entries without donation by legible hand-printing, on a 3”x 5” card or paper, their full name, complete mailing address, phone number, date of birth, email address, mailing the card in a #10 business-sized envelope, with proper postage affixed, to: Sandals Foundation Sweepstakes, PO Box 253, Macedon, NY 14502-0253. All mail-in entries must be postmarked by December 4, 2026, received by December 9, 2026. Each mail-in entry received will be worth five (5) Sweepstakes entries. **NOTE: Mail-in entry card and envelope must be hand-printed by the Entrant only. In addition, Entrants are not permitted to use any 3rd party organization to assist with the entry process in any way (as determined by the Administrator). Each Envelope must be mailed individually. Bulk shipments of entries will not be accepted (one package containing multiple post cards). If you are unable to physically complete the 3" x 5" card, you can have someone complete the card on your behalf with your information as the Entrant. No correspondence will be acknowledged; request for confirmation of receipt of mail-in entries will not be acknowledged.
The Released Parties are not responsible for late, incomplete, delayed, undelivered, or misdirected entries. All entries become the exclusive property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned except as provided herein. All information submitted by Entrants will be treated according to Sponsor’s Privacy Policy, available at https://sandalsfoundation.org/privacy-policy. By participating in the Sweepstakes and providing any personal contact information, Entrants hereby agree to Sponsor’s collection and usage of their personal information and acknowledge that they have read and accepted Sponsor’s Privacy Policy. By entering the Sweepstakes, the Entrant automatically acknowledges and agrees that they will be contacted on a livestream should they be selected as the potential Prize Winner.
GENERAL CONDITIONS: If for any reason the operation or administration of this Sweepstakes is impaired or incapable of running as planned for any reason, including but not limited to (i) infection by computer virus, bugs, (ii) tampering, unauthorized intervention, (iii) fraud, (iv) technical failures, or (v) any other causes beyond the control of the Sponsor which corrupt or affect the administration, security, fairness, integrity or proper conduct of this Sweepstakes, the Sponsor reserves the right at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual who tampers with the entry process, and to cancel, terminate, modify or suspend the Sweepstakes in whole or in part, at any time, without notice and award the Grand Prize (defined below) using all non-suspect eligible entries received as of, or after (if applicable) this cancellation, termination, modification or suspension date, or in any manner that is fair and equitable and best conforms to the spirit of these Official Rules. Sponsor reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual deemed to be tampering or attempting to tamper with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or Sponsor’s Website; or acting in violation of these Official Rules or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner.
CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT TO DELIBERATELY DAMAGE ANY WEBSITE OR UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAWS AND SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE; THE SPONSOR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES OR OTHER REMEDIES FROM ANY SUCH PERSON(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ATTEMPT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW.
Failure by the Sponsor to enforce any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision. In the event of a dispute as to the identity of a Winner based on an email address, the winning entry will be declared by the authorized account holder of the email address associated with the registration in question. "Authorized account holder" is defined as the natural person who is assigned to an email address by an Internet access provider, online service provider or other organization (e.g., business, educational, institution, etc.) that is responsible for assigning email addresses for the domain associated with the submitted email address.
RELEASE AND LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: By participating in the Sweepstakes, Entrants agree to release and hold harmless the Released Parties and Social Media Platforms from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Sweepstakes or receipt or use of any Prize, including, but not limited to: (i) any technical errors that may prevent an Entrant from submitting an entry; (ii) unauthorized human intervention in the Sweepstakes; (iii) printing errors; (iv) errors in the administration of the Sweepstakes or the processing of entries; (v) any entry or attempted entry by having the donation made in your name or on your behalf directly from an employer-matching donation, donor advised fund or charitable giving account; or (vi) injury, death, or damage to persons or property which may be caused, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, from Entrant’s participation in the Sweepstakes or receipt of the Prize (defined below). Released Parties assume no responsibility for any error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, delay in operation or transmission, communications line failure, theft or destruction or unauthorized access to, or alteration of, entries. Released Parties are not responsible for any problems or technical malfunction of any telephone network or telephone lines, computer online systems, servers, or providers, computer equipment, software, failure of any email or entry to be received by Sponsor on account of technical problems, human error or traffic congestion on the Internet or at any Website, or any combination thereof, including any injury or damage to Entrant's or any other person's computer relating to or resulting from participation in this Sweepstakes or downloading any materials in this Sweepstakes. Entrants further agree that in any cause of action, the Released Parties’ liability will be limited to the cost of entering and participating in the Sweepstakes, and in no event shall the Released Parties be liable for attorney fees. Entrants waive the right to claim any damages whatsoever, including, but not limited to, punitive, consequential, direct, or indirect damages. For New Jersey Residents: nothing herein bars recovery of damages or attorneys’ fees where mandated by statute.
Except as expressly provided above, IN NO EVENT WILL RELEASED PARTIES BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES) ARISING OUT OF PARTICIPATION IN THIS SWEEPSTAKES OR THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE, OR MISUSE OF, OR ANY HARM RESULTING FROM THE ACCEPTANCE, POSSESSION, USE OR MISUSE OF A PRIZE.
By participating, Entrants release and agree to hold harmless the Released Parties from any and all liability for any injuries, death or losses or damages to persons or property AS WELL AS CLAIMS/ACTIONS BASED ON PUBLICITY RIGHTS, DEFAMATION, AND/OR INVASION OF PRIVACY that may arise from participating in this Sweepstakes or its related activities or the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of, or any harm resulting from the acceptance, possession, use or misuse of a Prize. Released Parties are not liable in the event that any portion of the Sweepstakes is cancelled due to weather, fire, strike, acts of war or terrorism, pandemic, or any other condition beyond their control.
EACH ENTRANT UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT ALL RIGHTS UNDER SECTION 1542 OF THE CIVIL CODE OF CALIFORNIA AND ANY SIMILAR LAW OF ANY STATE OR PROVINCE OR TERRITORY OF THE USA OR CANADA ARE HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVED BY HIM/HER. SECTION 1542 READS AS FOLLOWS:
“A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.”
DRAWING AND NOTIFICATION: The potential Grand Prize Winner will be selected in a random drawing conducted by the 3rd party Administrator, whose decisions are final and binding. The Prize drawing will be conducted on or about December 10, 2026. Odds of winning the Grand Prize will depend on the total number of eligible entries received throughout the Sweepstakes Period. The potential Winner will be contacted by the Sponsor or Administrator via phone, email, and/or USPS mail.
GRAND PRIZE & PRIZE CONDITIONS: There will be one (1) Grand Prize awarded following the conclusion of the Promotion Period. The Grand Prize Winner (“Winner”), upon confirmation of eligibility, will receive a 5-day/4-night "All-Inclusive" vacation package for two (2) adults (for travel a year from the printed prize certificate) to a Sandals Resort of Winner's choice excluding Sandals Royal Bahamian (“Prize” or “Grand Prize”). The Prize includes one room (double occupancy) Deluxe Suite and "All-Inclusive" amenities offered at the selected or designated resort, including local airport transfers, unlimited food and beverages (including premium brand drinks), an array of land and water sport activities (scuba diving for certified divers), daily and nightly entertainment, Wi-Fi in all rooms and public areas, resort gratuities and resort taxes. "All-Inclusive" amenities are subject to change and are to be determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. The Grand Prize will be issued in the form of a prize certificate redeemable by filling in requested information and mailing back to the address indicated. The Grand Prize Winner must call the given telephone extension on the prize letter to arrange trip details. NOTE: AIRFARE IS NOT INCLUDED. If the Winner is unable to redeem the Prize within the time period required, the Prize will be forfeited. The choice of resort is subject to availability and blackout dates determined by the Sponsor. Request must be placed no less than sixty (60) days prior to the requested departure date. Reservations will not be confirmed until thirty (30) days prior to departure date. The Winner and travel companion must obey all local laws in regard to lodging restrictions. All expenses and incidental travel costs not expressly stated in the package description above, including but not limited to; ground transportation, airfare, personal charges at lodging, telecommunication charges, security fees, island departure taxes, Red Lane® Spa treatments and services, specialty dining, tours & excursions, inter-island transportation, SCUBA certification courses, purchases made at the Sandals Specialty or Gift Shops or other expenses or incidentals are not included and are the responsibility solely of the Winner. The Winner's travel companion must also execute liability/publicity releases prior to travel. The Winner and travel companion are solely responsible for obtaining documents necessary for their respective international travel (i.e., passport and visa if applicable). Restrictions, conditions and limitations may apply. The Approximate Retail Value ("ARV") of this prize trip is: $4,384USD. The Grand Prize is not redeemable for cash. No substitution, assignment or transfer of the prize is permitted, except by Sponsor, who reserves the right to substitute the Prize or Prize component with another of equal or greater value. The Winner is responsible for all taxes and fees associated with Prize receipt and/or use.
Rights are reserved by Sandals Resorts to advise the confirmed prize winner of the need to substitute the selected resort for another resort in the resort’s chain in a similar category, and to change dates without prior notice should circumstances so require. The Terms and Conditions agreed to shall apply with equal applicability to any resort which is the subject of substitution or deviation. Neither the Sponsor nor Sandals Resorts shall be liable for any claim made whatsoever, including but not limited to loss, compensation, or refund by reason of such substitution or deviation.
Health & Safety: Sandals Resorts reserves the right to implement or modify health protocols, policies and procedures at any time as needed, in keeping with public health guidance and applicable law.
Compliance With Government Entities: The Sponsor, and parent as well as Sandals Resorts and/or resort related entities shall have the right to comply with any and all orders, recommendations, or directions whatsoever given by any government entity or by persons purporting to act with such authority, and such compliance shall not be deemed a breach of the Agreement or any agreement entitling the Influencer to assert any claim for liability, compensation or refund.
Travel Safety Warning: Due to the fact that travel and tourism are constantly in a state of flux, the Winner shall consult the U.S. State Department’s website at <travel.gov> and enter the name of the country(ies) that they plan to visit for the latest information concerning traveler safety, security, and health advisories. All guests are responsible for checking the travel and entry protocols for the destination that they are travelling to before they depart and ensuring that they fully understand and comply with any such protocols. For example, for some destinations, may require all guests to be fully vaccinated and/or to obtain a negative PCR Covid-19 test a certain number of days before and on return travel. Please visit the travel.gov website before travel and check the official Government website for the country you are visiting. The Sponsor and/or Sandals Resorts shall not be responsible for any additional costs incurred for any required test or any other pre-travel or post travel requirements.
By accepting the Prize, the Winner agrees to release and hold harmless the Released Parties from and against any claim or cause of action arising out of participation in the Sweepstakes or receipt or use of the Prize. The potential Winner must sign and return to the Administrator, within seven (7) days of the date of notice or attempted notice is sent, an Affidavit of Eligibility, Liability & Publicity Release (if USA resident) or a Declaration of Compliance (if Canadian resident) in order to claim his/her Prize. In addition, the Winner’s traveling companion will be required to complete and return a Travel Companion Waiver within the same time deadline (listed above). Note: The Affidavit sent to a USA potential Winner will require that the Winner provide their Social Security Number to the Administrator, which will be used solely for tax reporting purposes. The Winner will be responsible for all local, state, and federal taxes associated with the receipt of the Prize. The Winner must note that the value of the Prize is taxable as income and an IRS Form 1099 will be filed in the name of the Winner for the value of the Prize (applicable to USA Winner only). The Winner is solely responsible for all matters relating to the Prize after it is awarded. If a Prize or Prize notification is returned as unclaimed or undeliverable to the potential Winner, if a potential Winner cannot be reached or does not reply as instructed within three (3) business days from the first notification attempt, or if a potential Winner fails to return requisite document(s) within the specified time period, or if a potential Winner is not in compliance with these Official Rules, then such person shall be disqualified and, at Sponsor’s sole discretion, an alternate Winner may be selected.
Should a selected Winner be a Canadian citizen, the selected Entrant must answer correctly without assistance of any kind, whether mechanical, electronic or otherwise, a mathematical skill-testing question posed by mail or telephone. If the selected Entrant fails to correctly answer the question, he/she will be disqualified, and another Entrant will be randomly selected. The potential Winner who correctly answers the skill-testing question will be notified by telephone and/or mail and/or email at the Sponsors’ discretion using the contact information provided at the time of entry. If the potential Winner is determined to be less than the age of majority in his/her province of residence, then the potential Winner will be disqualified and an alternate Winner will be selected in their place.
By accepting the Prize, where permitted by law, the Winner grants to the Released Parties and those acting pursuant to the authority of Sponsor and the Released Parties (which grant will be confirmed in writing upon Sponsor’s request), the right to print, publish, broadcast and use worldwide IN ALL MEDIA without limitation at any time their full name, portrait, picture, voice, likeness and/or biographical information for advertising, trade and promotional purposes without further payment or additional consideration, and without review, approval or notification. The Winner also acknowledges that Released Parties have neither made nor are in any manner responsible or liable for any warranty, representation, or guarantee, express or implied, in fact or in law, relative to the Prize. Donations made in this Sweepstakes may not be tax-deductible in your jurisdiction and the Winner's Prize may be taxable in your jurisdiction. Consult a tax professional. Entrants agree that Sponsor is not providing any accounting, tax or legal advice.
DISPUTES: All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules or the rights and obligations of Entrants, Administrator, and Sponsor in connection with the Sweepstakes shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions that would cause the application of any other state’s or jurisdiction’s laws. By participating in the Sweepstakes, Entrant agrees that: (i) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with the Sweepstakes, shall be resolved individually without resort to any form of class action; (ii) any judicial proceeding shall take place in a court within the State of Florida; (iii) any and all claims, judgments , and awards shall be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering this Sweepstakes, but in no event will attorney fees be awarded or recoverable; (iv) under no circumstances will Entrant be permitted to obtain awards for, and Entrant hereby waives all rights to seek, punitive, incidental, exemplary, consequential, special damages, lost profits, other damages, and/or any rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased; and (v) Entrant’s remedies are limited to a claim for money damages (if any) and he/she waives any right to seek injunctive or equitable relief.
SEVERABILITY: The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of these Official Rules will not affect the validity or enforceability of any other provision. If any provision of the Official Rules is determined to be invalid or otherwise unenforceable, the other provisions will remain in effect and will be construed as if the invalid or unenforceable provision were not contained herein.
MISCELLANEOUS: These Official Rules contain the full and complete understanding with respect to the Sweepstakes and supersede all prior and contemporaneous agreements, representations, and understandings, whether oral or written. The headings herein are for convenience only, do not constitute a part of these Official Rules, and shall not be deemed to limit or affect any of the provisions hereof. No amendment to, or waiver of, any provision of these Official Rules shall be effective unless in writing and signed by both Sponsor and Administrator. The waiver by Sponsor or Administrator of any provision of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of any other provision herein. The rights and obligations hereunder may not be assigned by Entrants, whether by operation of law or otherwise, without the prior written consent of Sponsor, and any attempted assignment in violation of the foregoing shall be null and void. These Official Rules shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the permitted successors and assigns of Sponsor, Administrator, and Entrant.
WINNERS LIST REQUEST: To request confirmation of the first name, last initial, city, and state (or province) of residence of the Winner, please send a self-addressed, stamped business size envelope, by January 31, 2027, to: ASC/Sandals Foundation Sweepstakes Winners List Request, 300 State St. Ste. 402, Rochester, NY 14614.
At the Rio Nuevo Great House/Village, twenty Jamaican artisans from communities along the island’s north coast are discovering new skills, confidence and possibilities through Taino-inspired pottery and craft training under the Linking Legacy and Livelihoods initiative with an aim to preserve the country’s heritage and create livelihood opportunities.
The twelve weeks long project valued at just over JMD $2-million began in August with funding from the Sandals Foundation and is implemented by the Built Heritage Jamaica in collaboration with the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo).
Throughout the workshops, participants from across St. Ann and St. Mary have learnt how to bring principles of modern and traditional Taino design, including the use of Taino glyphs to create their pottery pieces. The Taino were arawakan-speaking Indigenous people, who originally inhabited the Caribbean islands prior to the colonial era. They form part of the historical heritage of Jamaica through various remnants in arts and culture. Training also includes clay preparation, kiln firing, wood and earth pits.
Alongside pottery, the artisans are learning basketry (using the loom method) and other small craft techniques, as well as business development support and exposure to additional markets. As part of the project, some finished pieces are hoped to be sold in craft markets as well as hotel gift shops islandwide.
Director of Operations at Sandals Foundation, Karen Zacca said “We are very excited about this project as it seeks to nurture the growth and development of our island’s artistic cultural ambassadors. Together, we can share these unique interpretations with visitors for years to come.”
Karimah Palmer is a twenty-eight year old jewelry maker, who always explored arts, winemaking and natural products production. She intends to incorporate pottery and sculpting into her jewelry pieces such as pendants, earring and jewelry boxes.
“The artisan sessions were fun and impactful. I learned so much within a short period of time including the importance of patience, making mistakes so I could learn from them, balance and pressure control. It also made me appreciate my heritage more through the historical ways pottery was done and is still used today,” Ms. Palmer shared.
On his part, seventy-year-old Derek Harris, who works in Highgate, St. Mary started his artisan journey in wood carving before building his career as a photographer for over fifteen years.
He was intrigued by the many ways of using clay. “I find clay fun to work with and I certainly will be doing more ceramic pieces. I now believe I can become a famous artist if I practice more and I’m looking forward to more tutoring.”
Maxine Harris, Vice and Acting Chairman of the St. Mary/St.Ann Chapter of Built Heritage Jamaica said the organisation is intentional with linking Jamaican heritage and the livelihood of community stakeholders.
“During the workshops, participants were caught up in discussions on Taino and Maroons and were excited, although they incorporated self-inspired design ideas, some were also inspired by traditional items their grandmother used like a ‘waspan’ with the wooden scrubber,” Ms. Harris said.
She is optimistic that the participants will be able to access additional income from improving or acquiring these skills. “In November, we will place emphasis on exposure to markets not just for pottery but also embroidery,” she stated.
Over the long term, there are plans to add training in stone and calabash art, using materials that are readily available in the area. This is intended to attract more young people to craft as a part-time or full-time livelihood option.
Built Heritage Jamaica's goal is to expand and strengthen authentic, community-driven product offerings that reflect the beauty and nature of the island. The Sandals Foundation is pleased to support Built Heritage Jamaica’s mandate to preserve the island’s physical heritage and help people understand the culture it represents.
The paediatric and neonatal unit at the Falmouth Public General Hospital is set for a new beginning with the successful completion of the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge.
The trailblazing four-day endurance experience brought together some 30 UK and 16 local participants to run, hike and paddle through some of Jamaica's most iconic locations. On Monday, October 5, the team celebrated their success at Clifton Mount within the Blue Mountain range, having raised the targeted £100,000.
The four-day experience saw participants completing a 10km run from St. Mary to St. Ann, a 5km kayak through the White River Fish Sanctuary, climbing the Dunn's River Falls, and enduring a 3hour trek and tree planting activity in the Bogue 2 Forest Reserve. On Day 3 they completed a 21km half marathon from Falmouth to Chukka Good Hope, and on Day 4 - hiked through the lush Blue Mountain Range, experiencing the glowing Caribbean sun and rugged terrain in a different way.
Executive Director at the Sandals Foundation, Heidi Clarke, said the event provided a unique opportunity to showcase Jamaica's beauty and culture. She commended the challengers for completing what was not an easy feat.
"This has been a unique opportunity to showcase Jamaica and connect visitors – to its beauty, culture, food and communities. I am incredibly proud of what we were able to achieve. Our challengers were committed to pushing their bodies to the limit all for an incredible cause.
“For us,” Clarke continued, “It’s all about providing lifesaving equipment to our hospital and equipping our heroes – the doctors and nurses who work hard every day to save lives and to give our children a healthy start."
Equal to the resilience of the participants, Karl Thompson, Managing Director at Unique Vacations (UK) Ltd. says the success of the Island Challenge is because of the local and international partners.
"A huge thanks to everyone who made this possible. We came as a team, and we'll leave as a team, representing every individual, corporate, and travel partner who believes in the mission and the cause."
The Falmouth Public General Hospital, having lost its roof during Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, will receive critical neonatal and paediatric equipment including incubators and beds to serve our island's youngest and most vulnerable.
Next year, the philanthropic organisation will take the fundraising event to a new island, continuing its mission to strengthen paediatric and neonatal healthcare services across the Caribbean.
Island Challenge Jamaica 2026 is made possible through the kind support of a host of local and international partners including Sandals Resorts International, Island Routes, Jamaica Tourist Board, British Airways, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, Mystic Mountain, Digicel, The Best Dressed Chicken, Wisynco, CPJ, Rainforest Foundation, Digicel, Jamaica Observer, Tour Jamaica Destinations Management Co. Ltd., Oxford Trading Ja Ltd., Trekkers Adventures Jamaica, the Jamaica Defence Force, Urban Development Corporation, the Forestry Department of Jamaica, the Western Regional Health Authority, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, CIBC, and A.L. Golaub & Sons all on board to create this unforgettable experience.
The Sandals Foundation Island Challenge – a four-day fundraising endurance experience – is off to an electrifying start after an early morning run and kayak journey across St. Mary and St. Ann. Blazing across the Caribbean in a different island each year, the Sandals Foundation Island Challenge has made its debut in Jamaica, bringing some 30 UK athletes and 13 local participants together to run, kayak, and hike across the rugged terrain and lustrous waters of the island’s north coast.
From October 2 - 5, they will put their minds and bodies to the test to raise £100,000 to strengthen paediatric and neonatal healthcare at the Falmouth Public General hospital.
Day 1 of the Challenge saw 30 athletes from across the UK running 10 kilometres from the Rio Nuevo Fishing Beach to Sandals Ocho Rios Beach Club, then getting on the sea for a one-hour kayak journey across the White River Fish Sanctuary before returning to Sandals Ocho Rios Beach Club.
Heidi Clarke, Executive Director at Sandals Foundation, says the cause behind the challenge helps to keep athletes motivated through strenuous physical activities.
“ It’s been an incredible first day with athletes pushing themselves to the limit. All have raised the funds to benefit our children on the island and we are extremely honoured to be able to support the Paediatric and Neonatal Department of the Falmouth Public General Hospital. The next three days will require them putting it all on the line but they are motivated knowing that every step and stride is bringing hope to families.”
Born out of a conversation with his colleagues after completing a half-marathon in the UK some years ago, Karl Thompson, Managing Director at Unique Vacations (UK) Ltd., says “The idea for Island Challenge came about during a conversation I had with some colleagues after we ran a marathon in the UK. I thought ‘we should do this in the Caribbean, where our philanthropic arm operates, and help improve the lives of children.’ Now this is our fourth event, and, based on our first day, we’re off to a great start. The energy was sky high; The people, the support, it was brilliant.”
Three-time participant, Bradley Mills says, “The island is beautiful. Coming into the Ochi Beach Club at the end of the run, in the final kilometer, everyone was cheering us on and it created such a good vibe. The whole team was there, so it was really an amazing experience.”
And for first time participant, Carla Hoyos, says, “It was lovely. Although I wasn’t prepared for the hills because we don’t have many where I live, the run was great…And the team was great too.”
On Saturday, October 3, the team will climb the world-famous Dunn's River Falls, followed by a 10km rainforest trek and tree planting activity in the Bogue 11 Forest. On Sunday, they will take on a 21km half marathon with 13 local participants through the beautifully preserved Georgian town of Falmouth, passing the beneficiary Falmouth Public General Hospital, through port, under bridge to main road, enter Hague and continue to Good Hope waterfall; and on Monday, the group will tackle a military endurance challenge in Newcastle, St. Andrew before conquering partial hike of the Blue Mountain some 4,500 feet above sea level.
The Jamaica staging follows three successful stagings held in Antigua and Barbuda in 2023, Saint Vincent and The Grenadines in 2024, and Saint Lucia in 2025. Collectively, the event has raised more than £300,000, benefiting 1,800 babies across the Caribbean.
The next three days promise to be a must-follow. Island Challenge Jamaica 2026 is made possible through the kind support of a host of local and international partners including Sandals Resorts International, Island Routes, Jamaica Tourist Board, British Airways, Chukka Caribbean Adventures, Mystic Mountain, Digicel, The Best Dressed Chicken, Wisynco, CPJ, Rainforest Foundation, Digicel, Jamaica Observer, Tour Jamaica Destinations Management Co. Ltd., Oxford Trading Ja Ltd., Trekkers Adventures Jamaica, the Forestry Department of Jamaica, the Western Regional Health Authority, the National Solid Waste Management Authority, CIBC, and A.L. Golaub & Sons all on board to create this unforgettable experience.
