Sandals staffers promoted through the development

Two deserving Sandals Barbados Resort and Spa team members have been promoted within the Sandals chain as the company continues to inspire homegrown talent for key positions and upward mobility.

They are Kimasha Hinds who has been promoted to the post of Assistant Learning & Development Manager and Regina Hall who has been elevated to Recruitment & Compliance Specialist.

Hinds’ story has truly been one of personal growth and development, fostered from a love of teaching that has seen her transitioning across diverse disciplines, from culinary to personnel training.

She has been with the company for over six years and her passion for teaching has been further cemented, having graduated with First Class Honours from the Barbados Community College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.

Initially working in the Food & Beverage Department, it was there that Hinds strengthened her leadership and organisational skills, ultimately becoming a Chef de Partie.

However, following her love for teaching, she applied and succeeded in joining the Learning and Development Department as the resort’s Training Coordinator.

Speaking on her appointment Hinds said she was looking forward to expanding her reach and ensuring that team members take advantage of the many courses and training opportunities available through the Sandals Corporate University.

“I joined the company in 2014 as a cook and dedicated myself to each role I was placed in. Therefore I am ecstatic with my recent promotion.

The Food & Beverage Department was fast-paced and taught me a great deal about time management and being organised. As my role has grown with the Learning and Development team, I enjoy interacting with team members and helping them on their career path. I am also looking forward to continuing my own personal development.”

Meanwhile, Regina Hall, a product of the Sandals Hospitality Training Programme, successfully completed the initiative in 2016.

During her attachment she trained in the Human Resources Department and later secured a permanent position as a Human Resources Clerk.

Hall also dedicated her time to several of the company’s philanthropic initiatives, including the Sandals Foundation.

Through her work she has received several accolades including being named the 2019 recipient of the Sandals Foundation Sentinel Award, presented annually to a team member whose volunteerism represents and exceeds the three principals of the Foundation – Education, Community and the Environment.

She said: “I am excited with the appointment and eagerly welcome all that is to come in my new role.
My goal is to continue to add value to the Sandals Resorts team. I enjoy interacting with people and while I may not interact with our resort guests daily, for me, my fellow colleagues are my guests.

“Throughout my journey with the company I have been exposed to people of different cultures and backgrounds and this was more evident when I was afforded the opportunity to travel to, and work at Sandals Grande Antigua, directly assisting the HR Manager for a short stint.

To me, my path here at Sandals thus far is a clear example that there is tremendous room for exposure and growth within the organisation – both personally and professionally.”

The recent appointments come as the resort ramps up its drive to recruit from within, by promoting cross-training opportunities to identify suitable candidates to fill positions in several departments across the resort.

Human Resources Manager Kim Henry- Charles said the company remains committed to the personal and professional development of team members, adding that the positions range from line staff to mid-management.

“The internal recruitment drive will allow team members to diversify their skills and work in different departments.

This allows them to grow, not only within the resort but within the hospitality industry as a whole, as they will be enhancing their skill sets and knowledge base,” said Henry-Charles.

She added that team members will receive intensive training for their new posts, positioning them for further advancement within the company, “Sandals Resorts is committed to the training and development of its team members.

This creates a pool of talented individuals from which we can draw from for promotions and for upward mobility including management positions.

These can be here in Barbados or at any one of the many resorts within the company’s portfolio across the region.”

Henry-Charles notes that the drive comes as Sandals Resorts International has ramped up its Team Member Exchange Programme.

The exchange programme allows existing team members to be seconded to other resorts, providing an opportunity from them to travel, widen their skills and insights, enhance their career development and positively impact their job performance on return to their home resort. (PR)