Sandals Foundation has announced that vetiver crafts created through livelihood prisoner rehabilitation and re-socialising training programme are now being sold at the Beach House Resort Shop at Sandals Saint Vincent.
A selection of hand-made vetiver straw baskets and placemats produced by former inmates of His Majesty’s Prisons in Kingstown and the Belle Isle Correctional Facility are now available for purchase by hotel guests.
This expands livelihood support for these craftsmen and their families, and continuing to showcase the use of vetiver grass to the public, the resort said in a press release.
The Sandals Foundation began partnering with Hand2Earth and Grow in Time with the rehabilitation project in 2024.
The foundation funded 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 organised 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 its 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
The US$5,500 contribution 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 communities — Petit Bordel, Rose Bank, Rose Hall, and Coulls Hill — who were trained in Hand2Earth’s training programme in August 2024,” said 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,” Roudette said.