Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines says it has partnered with several local producers, giving them access and exposure to market and sell their products to significant numbers of foreign visitors once the resort at Buccament Bay opens on March 27.
Working alongside Invest SVG, several local manufacturers and artisans got a taste of what is to come when they were able to stage a mini expo of their goods and services on resort during the recent CELAC Heads of Government Summit.
Vincentian entrepreneurs were able to display products to delegates who attended from all over the world, with Eloise Gonsalves, wife of Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves, personally taking the spouses of several visiting heads of government to view the locally-produced items.
Exhibitors included Jasmin Deane of Jazzy All Natural, Roxanne James and Rosette Stronghold of Rocks n Roses, Natalie Cato with Red Bikini, Jessica Jaja of Bequia Threadworks, Cherise King of Isla Antilles, Shanique Peters-Melville of Le Wear, Maraika Young with Tide Sand and Hand, Shevonne de Shong of The Kraft House, Algee King-Providence of Island Teas SVG and Kimya Glasgow of Kimya Glasgow Inc.
Nadine Agard-Juillerat, director of export marketing and promotions at Invest SVG, underscored what the partnership with Sandals means for local entrepreneurs.
“The exhibition, intended for the presidential spouses in attendance, not only underscored the local artisans’ and agro-processors’ prowess but also significantly boosted their morale and market presence. It’s a poignant moment for us at Invest SVG to see their products embraced by such a prestigious retail outlet like Beach House at Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines; it epitomizes the deep pride and connection felt towards our national craftsmanship.”
In fact, Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines will go even further and, in line with its commitment to work with local stakeholders, will host a weekly local market and showcase on the resort, where artisans from SVG can display their products and be able to sell them to guests. Moreover, several of the locally manufactured products will be prominently displayed and available for sale in the resort’s gift shop (Beach House).
“This essentially is a form of giving persons from St. Vincent and the Grenadines an export market, without the hassle of them having to ship and advertise their products overseas,” noted General Manager Brett Castleman.
“We expect to bring thousands of visitors to our resort every year, and not only will they be able to see and purchase items produced locally, they will also be encouraged to go out into the island and explore, exposing even more small businesses and restaurants so that they can benefit from the proceeds of tourism as well.”
It was welcome news from many of the local suppliers, who lauded the initiative by Sandals to give them access to this market, a press release said.
“We expect that our sales volume and variety to Sandals will increase over the years,” said Shelly-Ann Fraser, sales marketing and administration manager at Vincy Fresh Ltd.
“We also expect that the products will resonate with the guests who buy or use them, creating potential repeat customers who will continue to demand our authentic Caribbean products – thus growing our exports. We welcome strong sustainable partnerships that provide a consistent outlet for our products, which are world class and complement Sandals’ world class tourism product.”
Meanwhile, Roxanne James, co-founder of Rocks n Roses, said they were “delighted to have our products on sale at the Sandals gift shop.
“As a micro business, this move is incredibly important toward the growth of our business. It brings some visibility to our brand by giving us access to a fresh audience. It also provides a boost in our revenue, which allows us an opportunity to expand our creativity by adding new products to our lines,” she said.
James described the partnership as an opportunity to accelerate the pace of growth of the business in order to keep up with the new demands.
“This growth would put us in a position to provide employment to other Vincentians.”
Cherise King, founder of Isla Antilles said they were “absolutely thrilled and grateful” for the “incredible opportunity” for their products to be available for sale at the Sandals SVG gift shop.
“It’s an honor for our small business, and we’re excited to present our products to Sandals’ guests. We’re committed to delivering quality products that enhance the overall experience for visitors to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.”
King said the partnership with Sandals has the potential to significantly contribute to the growth and success of Isla Antilles in the long term.
“We anticipate increased brand recognition and exposure as our products are showcased to a diverse and international audience visiting the Sandals SVG gift shop. This exposure could lead to a growth in sales both locally and globally. Additionally, being associated with a reputable and well-established brand like Sandals can enhance our credibility and reputation in the market.”
Mischleen John, sales and marketing representative of the Saint Vincent Cocoa Company (producer of Vincentian Chocolate) said: “It is an esteemed pleasure to have our products available for sale at the Sandals SVG giftshop.”
He said the company is one of the few if not only “seed to bar” chocolate companies in that in addition to supporting local farmers, they plant their own trees, from which the beans that go into their cocoa go.
“Being a part of Sandals undoubtedly aligns with our visions for quality and sustainability.”
John said the partnership influences brand exposure, opens new opportunities for expansion and helps to achieve our goal to become the region’s premier choice for quality authentic chocolate products”.
Some of the other producers that will be stocked in the Sandals gift shop include St. Vincent Distillers Ltd., Tide Hand and Sand, and Grenadine Wild Sea Salt. More expected to come onboard in the near future, the company said.
Wonderful!
God bless our mighty and visionary Comrade for making all this happen.
And God damn the small minding, doubting Thomas NDP for continually bad mouthing this wonderful project at Buccament Bay.
C.Ben-David tell us what is your vision for St Vincent and the Grenadines? It appears as if you are the only one with a solution to all that is wrongs that plaguing our nation. You criticize without offering any practical solutions. Most people see you as the ,”forum rabble rouser”. Is this description is justifable? Ask Mr “US know” The old adage ” empty barrels make the most noise. Ask the people of layou , Just a cross section and get a broadly based opinion of who Mr. C.Ben-David is or is not. You put your name in the spot light, therefore, you are subject to constructive criticism.
And God bless the AIA for opening the doors to world class tourism developments in SVG. Without the existence of our wonderful international airport it is doubtful that Sandals would have been interested in SVG.
C. Ben-David, isn’t it time that you confess that your more than 70 articles denigrating the AIA was an exercise in myopia and futile backwardness? No need to hide your shame, it is recorded. Your “little backwards SVG” is on the move! You could have helped to propell sentiments of our nation forwards. Instead you spitefully chose to cast aspersion on everything Vincentian. Now you are shamefully cozying up to the ULP and sowing seeds of division against the NDP.
May God Bless SVG and our Vincentian people.
Vinci Vin
I continue to proudly stand behind all my AIA essays. The expected extra visitors to the new Beaches by Sandals resort could easily have been accommodated by the former perfectly serviceable E. T. Joshua airport with an additional daily flight or two from Barbados just as small airports and small seaside ports around the tropical world easily accommodate much larger numbers of tourist visitor than the Buccament resort will ever attract .
C.Ben-David David has a hopscotch philosophy. He heaps praises on the Comrade but lying in wait for the NDP to gain power to cozy up to them . what a man, he should not be taken seriously.
We are a group of 6 from the UK and have booked a holiday at Sandals for January 2025. I understand some of the concerns raised here, allowing a large company into the island may cause some disruption to smaller business. Sandals all inclusive model is not going to bring an influx of new customers to island restaurants however, we do like to visit local attractions and Sandals may offer guests a voucher to eat locally. I expect the visitor numbers to St Vincent will be greatly increased as a result of this venture and local employment and the general economy can only benefit. It is good to see local producers taking advantage with the weekly market and I trust other similar venture can be implemented. I do hope the local producers, farmers and fishermen will organise and ensure Sandals has the opportunity to source its food locally but as your minister states, it must be of a consistently good quality. Ignore the detractors like CBD, they get oxygen from your attention, better to pass by on there other side.
Looking forward to our visit and meeting people with a genuine love of life and their community.