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As citizens of St Vincent and the Grenadines continue to reel from the recent eruptions of La Soufriere volcano, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) has revealed it is fast tracking plans related to its new hotel property there, in order to assist the Caribbean nation’s recovery.

With that in in mind, 500 Vincentians are expected to benefit from direct employment opportunities within the Sandals Group when the company begins its recruitment drive in the island in the next few weeks.

Last year, SRI announced plans to bring its Beaches brand to St Vincent and the Grenadines, a move which promises expansive economic growth for the Eastern Caribbean island.

According to SRI Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, the recruitment drive to provide direct employment opportunities for nationals, even ahead of the resort’s opening, represents only the first move towards fulfilling this promise.

“We are committed to supporting the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, especially during these challenging times and we remain even more committed to delivering on this exciting Beaches project.”

Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International

“In light of the displacement many are experiencing due to the volcanic eruption, we are fast-tracking our plans for employment and training opportunities,” Stewart said.

“We are committed to supporting the people of St Vincent and the Grenadines, especially during these challenging times and we remain even more committed to delivering on this exciting Beaches project.”

He said increased employment, which will continue throughout construction and beyond, is only one aspect of the massive economic footprint the Beaches brand aims to bring to the islands.

“The economic benefits will be significant – from increased airlift benefitting all surrounding islands to direct and indirect linkages to critical sectors such as transportation, tours and excursions, agriculture and manufacturing,” Stewart sought to explain.

In a statement, SRI said the upcoming recruitment drive was a manifestation of its continued commitment to provide Caribbean nationals with training and employment opportunities across the region under its Team Member Exchange Programme.

Qualified Vincentians will be encouraged to apply for a raft of positions across the region, which will be advertised in the coming week, ranging from bartenders and cooks to concierge and front desk agents and restaurant managers. Applications will be accepted by email and thereafter, shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview with successful candidates placed at various resorts across the region.

“We are very excited to get this programme under way”, Stewart said.

“The successful applicants will be the very ones who will come back to lead and train other Vincentians when we officially open Beaches St Vincent and, as a company built on training and development, we look forward to what will definitely be a full-circle moment for these team members.”

In addition to this recruitment drive, the company has also supported post-eruption relief efforts through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation, which has been working closely with local authorities to provide support.

Beaches St Vincent is just one of several new projects announced by Sandals Resorts in recent month, including new resorts in Jamaica and Curacao, followed by St Lucia, and which are expected to create some 5,000 new jobs over the next five years.