Following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, Sandals Resorts has pledged unwavering support for its employees, ensuring that no staff members will be laid off even as some properties remain closed for months.
Executive Chairman Adam Stewart made the commitment during two global virtual town halls attended by more than 3,000 travel advisors and guests. “A hundred per cent of our team remain on payroll – whether they’re at an open or closed resort,” Stewart said. “All benefits will remain in place, pension, medical, dental, everything.”
The luxury resort chain has earmarked more than US$3 million (approximately J$480 million) toward staff recovery. In addition, each team member received a monetary grant, providing a timely financial cushion at a moment when many were unsure how they would cover essentials such as food, school items, or urgent family needs.
Stewart described being deeply moved by the resilience of staff at Sandals South Coast in the days following the storm. “They were personally affected, yet they were asking how they could help rebuild,” he said. “It humbled me. That is the Jamaican spirit – resilient, compassionate, proud.”
Five Sandals and Beaches properties in Negril, Westmoreland, and Ocho Rios, St. Ann, are scheduled to reopen on December 6. Meanwhile, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean, and Sandals South Coast will remain closed until May 30, 2026, while renovations continue.
Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism aims for the island’s tourism sector to be fully operational by December 15, 2025, signaling a slow but steady recovery from the Category 5 storm, which preliminary estimates suggest caused US$6–7 billion in damage and could reduce GDP by 8–13 per cent, according to Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness.
