- PM Gonsalves thanks Sandals for ‘huge’ help during economic decline
Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has praised Sandals Resorts for giving St. Vincent and the Grenadines hope during the COVID-19 pandemic and after La Soufrière’s 2021 eruption.
COVID increased unemployment and slowed regional economic activity. We had volcanic outbursts too. Sandals offered to train Vincentians at their Caribbean resorts. We evacuated 20,000 people for four to six months, some in shelters. Gonsalves informed guests at Sandals St. Vincent’s recent official opening that a Sandals acquaintance suggested they remove some of the burden by providing 500 possibilities. These tiny things tell me about collaboration.
“This might have been small for Sandals, but it was a huge thing for us in the condition in which we found ourselves, and I want to thank Sandals and Adam,” he said, referring to Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, son of late founder Gordon “Butch” Stewart.
Being called a brand is an understatement for Sandals. It’s essential to Caribbean civilization. Butch Stewart designed this society to support humanity by making it tourism-friendly. I think this mythology will stand out in the 20th and 21st centuries, Gonsalves stated.
Prime Minister Gonsalves said he had a good connection with Butch Stewart and outlined his country’s desire to honour Stewart’s tourism and economic achievements to the Caribbean.
“The Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines told Sandals we would build the hotel entrance road. We will call it Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart Boulevard after building it, Gonsalves said amid applause.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines is Sandals’ 18th Caribbean resort. It has 301 rooms and suites on 50 lovely acres.
Stewart said the new resort “is a multi-generational act in the making that began with my extraordinary father, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, and Prime Minister Gonsalves many years ago.”
He said both men had considered flying the St. Vincent and the Grenadines flag in that country and on all Sandals’ Caribbean islands.
They had no idea that 43 years later, Sandals would expand from a 99-room hotel in Montego Bay to a top 500 company and global super brand. He said it is the only Caribbean-born commercial super brand with over 84% brand penetration and recognition in the US, Europe, and Canada.
Stewart discussed the impact of the new resort on Sandals, the island, and the Caribbean.
Marketing St. Vincent and the Grenadines is our top priority. The beautiful archipelago’s landscape will benefit. We intend to inform the world about links, tour operators, taxi operators, restaurateurs, musicians, farmers, fisherman, entrepreneurs, hardware store operators, the ecosystem, and connectivity directly and indirectly.
Airlift has expanded tremendously since Sandals’ island expansion, with more available ahead. Stewart says many airlines have altered their timetables to meet demand.
American Airlines used to fly twice weekly to Argyle Airport. He said the airline has boosted flights to four times per week since April and will have daily flights by 2024.
As Air Canada and Virgin have increased their airlift, JetBlue and United Airlines have begun flying to the island. We will grow and make flying easier for nationals and visitors, Stewart said.
The resort will host 300 top travel consultants from across the world next month, the largest group to visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
