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 traveled 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 recognizes 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.”
