Fresh off a global celebration of World Artisan Day on April 18, the Sandals Foundation proudly announces vetiver crafts created through livelihood prisoner rehabilitation and re-socializing training programme – endorsed by its partners Hand2Earth and Grow in Time – are now being sold through partnership with Sandals Resorts International at the Beach House Resort Shop at Sandals Saint Vincent.
Produced by ex-prisoners of H.M. Prisons Kingstown and Belle Isle Correctional Facility, a selection of hand-made vetiver straw baskets and placemats are now available for purchase by hotel guests, expanding livelihood support for these craftsmen and their families, and continuing to showcase the use of vetiver grass to the public.
The Sandals Foundation began partnership with the rehabilitation project in 2024 – funding the development of a Vetiver Heritage Craft and Design Centre to create an experiential space designed to educate the public about the use of vetiver grass in livelihood creation and land conservation. Since then, the philanthropic arm has also organized guest tours to the space.
Karen Zacca, Operations Director at the Sandals Foundation, describes the latest development as a great milestone.
“Our investment in artisans comes full circle when those products can be shared with visitors the world over. We are honoured to help support the livelihood efforts of an amazing group that is passionate about renewing their lives and the culture of this beautiful island.”
As part of the philanthropic arm’s continued investment in local artisanal craft, the Sandals Foundation is also facilitating the creation of a Vetiver Heritage Craft and Design Center building in Troumaca Village. Valued at US $5,500, the philanthropic organisation will see to the re-roofing and renovation of an abandoned building to serve as a creative space.
“The Vetiver Heritage Craft and Design Center will support and empower women from four (4) communities – Petit Bordel, Rose Bank, Rose Hall, and Coulls Hill – who were trained in Hand2Earth’s training programme in August 2024”, says Vonnie Roudette, Project Designer and Manager at Hand2Earth. “Alongside one male artisan from Troumaca, this space will provide artisans the ability to interface with customers and host skills training and product development workshops.”
The latest investment continues on sustainable land management efforts of farmers as well as the promotion of food security and climate resilience. “The Vetiver Heritage site has both a historic and agricultural heritage relevance, dating back over 100 years. The Heritage Craft and Design Center in Troumaca will also be used for demonstrations of vetiver farming systems, education and training, and tours” says Roudette.
