Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to what he described as “the backbone” of the luxury resort brand – its people

In a virtual room filled with over 3,000 loyal guests and travel advisors, eager for updates on the resort chain and Jamaica’s recovery following Hurricane Melissa’s impact on the island’s western end, Stewart said no one will be laid off, underscoring Sandals’ dedication to its people through every stage of recovery. 

In addition to ongoing efforts to distribute relief supplies directly to team members, Sandals has so far allocated over US$3 million in relief efforts.

“A hundred per cent of our team remain on payroll – whether they’re at an open or closed resort,” Stewart declared during the global virtual town hall held for guests and travel advisors on November 12 and 13, respectively. “All benefits will also remain in place – pension, medical, dental, everything.”

It was a powerful assurance to a team of approximately 6,500 in Jamaica, at a time when five resorts in Negril and Ocho Rios remain temporarily closed until December 6, while Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast are set to reopen in May 2026 following extensive restoration and upgrades.

The all-inclusive resort brand is currently undertaking a comprehensive hurricane response initiative for team members that includes relief supplies, financial assistance already paid to its staff, a care and connections hub to help team members cope with loss, stress and emotional impact and temporary housing support for displaced team members.

That steadfast commitment to team members was strengthened during Stewart’s recent visit to Sandals South Coast, where he witnessed their unwavering dedication, even as many of them were personally affected by the storm. 

Their selflessness moved him deeply.

“There were about 200 team members on property, many of whom had been personally affected,” he recalled. “They were standing shoulder to shoulder, asking about my family, about the leadership of the company, and how they could help rebuild. For those who know me, I’m not often lost for words, but that moment left me humbled. It was a powerful reminder of the remarkable spirit of the Jamaican people – their resilience, their compassion and their pride in their work.”

Guests who weathered the storm at Sandals properties echoed that same sentiment, sharing heartfelt testimonials of team members who went above and beyond to ensure their comfort and safety amid chaos.

“I spoke to hundreds of guests, one by one, and every single one of them said, without exception, ‘Your people are out of this world. In the middle of the storm, they were smiling, making sure we were fed, taking care of us,’” Stewart recounted. “They couldn’t say enough about our team members. And that’s who we are: a company built on people.”

This, he explained, is the result of years of investment in employee development through the Sandals Corporate University (SCU), which provides team members with opportunities ranging from basic literacy training to fully funded postgraduate degrees. “That’s the Sandals difference,” Stewart said. “It’s the training, the growth, the discovery of people’s superpowers and giving them space to rise.”

 “What we got back, as a business, was the incredible professionalism of our team, even in what was likely the most horrific experience of their lives,” he told participants during the online forum. His message was one of reassurance, gratitude and resolve – highlighting both the company’s resilience and the unshakable spirit of its people.

As executive chairman, Stewart also used the town hall to reassure guests and travel advisors about the country’s rapid recovery. He noted that the island’s two major airports are already open and operational, adding that several attractions such as Chukka Caribbean Adventures, Dunn’s River Falls and Mystic Mountain were now open and that all routes used for airport transfers and excursions have been cleared and deemed safe for travel.

“Jamaica literally stands on the word ‘resilience’. It’s the spirit. Despite the adversity that many have gone through, the smiles are there,” he said on day two of the online town hall for travel advisors. “You can rest assured that we are going to do all the right things so that the company you’ve grown to love over these years continues to go further. Even if you’re not sending customers to us, it’s ok. Send them to other resorts in Jamaica so we can get the Jamaican people back to work and the Jamaican economy going. We appreciate all that’s been done to support us so far. We’re going to build back together.”