The Sandals Foundation has completed a EC$6,675 upgrade of the Jacmel Sports facility through a team member support initiative that allows employees to identify special projects in their communities and receive funding for said projects. Fernella LesFloris, from Sandals Regency LaToc Bars Department, submitted the proposal. She lives in the Jacmel community.
Director of Programs for the Sandals Foundation Heidi Clarke said projects submitted to the Foundation by team members are key initiatives that underline a passion for giving back and identifying areas of need within local communities. “When our team members bring project ideas like these to us it says they are vigilant and are able to connect with the needs of their own communities. We are grateful to our team members who serve as the eyes and ears of local communities, volunteer their time and share the beauty and culture of our islands with visitors so that they too can get involved with the work for the Foundation” Clarke said.
The upgrade includes marking the entire court for all purpose sporting activities as well as many structural renovations. New basketball and netball hoops and nets were also installed. In her project proposal, LesFloris said the sporting facility would allow for better use of energy and time for male community residents particularly.
“The project is great because we have a lot of young men in the community that are interested in sports and have the time to invest. Having the facility and equipment to aid in their interest would go a long way in keeping them out of trouble and encouraging them to develop their skills,” LesFloris said. This is the first of three projects piloted by Sandals Saint Lucia team members to be executed in the coming weeks. All team members at each Sandals property in Saint Lucia had the opportunity to submit project proposals in their respective communities. The two other communities to benefit will include Laborie and Gros Islet.
