Six high-performing team members from Sandals Grande Antigua have successfully completed the prestigious Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme, marking another significant milestone in Sandals Resorts’ commitment to developing and empowering Caribbean talent.
The programme, delivered through Sandals Corporate University (SCU) in partnership with Accelerating Leaders and Florida International University (FIU), provided the participants with an intensive 16-week leadership development experience designed to strengthen the skills and competencies required to excel in today’s dynamic hospitality industry.
The graduating cohort comprises three managers and three supervisors from key operational areas across the resort operations: Ryan Casimir, information technology manager; Chrystel Baker, Red Lane Spa manager; Dale Thomas, restaurant manager; RoseMarie Taylor, housekeeping supervisor; Odile Dangleben, stores supervisor; and Celia Harrigan, bar supervisor.
The six team members recently travelled to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to complete the programme’s final phase—the capstone project—bringing together months of academic learning, practical leadership development and collaborative problem-solving.
Throughout the 16-week programme, the team was engaged in a comprehensive curriculum covering Business Analytics, Financial Management, Coaching and Mentoring, Influential Communications, and Leadership Strategies and Tactics.
The programme was designed to move beyond traditional classroom learning, equipping participants with practical tools and strategic perspectives that can be applied directly to their roles and the wider hospitality environment.
Chrystel Baker, Red Lane Spa manager, shared that the experience provided an opportunity to examine leadership from a broader perspective and recognise the importance of continuous personal development.
—This programme challenged me to look beyond the day-to-day responsibilities of managing a department and to really think about the kind of leader I want to become.
I gained a deeper appreciation for strategic thinking, effective communication and the importance of developing the people around me. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and I am excited to take what I have learned back to my team and continue growing as a leader.‖
The final capstone project challenged participants to identify a significant operational challenge, research potential solutions and develop a practical, scalable implementation strategy.
The exercise provided an opportunity for the emerging leaders to demonstrate their ability to apply the knowledge and skills acquired throughout the programme to real-world business challenges.
For Dale Thomas, restaurant manager, the practical nature of the programme was one of its most valuable aspects. —What stood out to me most was how much of the programme connected directly to what we experience in our departments every day.
The lessons were not just theoretical; they encouraged us to analyse challenges, understand the reasons behind our decisions and think about how we can improve the operation while still putting our team members and our guests at the centre. The capstone brought everything together and really tested our ability to turn knowledge into solutions.‖
Celia Harrigan, bar supervisor, added that the programme was both a professional and personal milestone, providing her with greater confidence in her ability to lead and contribute at a higher level. —This journey has pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best possible way.
There were moments when the workload was challenging, but those experiences taught me resilience, discipline and the value of working together.
I am leaving this programme with greater confidence in my abilities and a renewed commitment to being the kind of leader who inspires my team, listens to their ideas and creates opportunities for them to grow.‖
The successful completion of the programme reinforces Sandals’ longstanding commitment to investing in its people and building a strong pipeline of Caribbean leadership talent.
Through the SCU, team members across the brand are provided with opportunities to pursue professional and academic development while gaining exposure to global best practices in hospitality management.
The partnership with Florida International University further strengthens this commitment by connecting Sandals team members with an internationally respected academic institution and a curriculum focused on the evolving demands of modern hospitality leadership.
As they return to their respective roles with their newly acquired skills and perspectives, the graduates are expected to continue contributing to the growth and development of their teams and the wider Sandals organisation.
For Sandals Grande Antigua, the achievement of Ryan, Chrystel, Dale, RoseMarie, Odile and Celia is a proud reflection of the talent within the resort and the possibilities that can emerge when team members are given the opportunity to learn, grow and lead.
Their journey from the classroom to the graduation in Saint Vincent represents more than the completion of a qualification.
It is a demonstration of the investment being made in Caribbean hospitality professionals and the continued development of leaders who will help shape the future of the industry.
Congratulations to the six graduates on this significant achievement and on completing another important step in their leadership journey.
Source: Antigua News Room Six Sandals supervisors and managers graduate from Sandals Corporate University’s Diploma in Hospitality Leadership Programme.