LEADING tourism and travel operators, Sandals Resorts International and American Airlines have joined forces to assist Caribbean neighbour, Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating January 12 earthquake which ravaged that nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince.

Under the partnership, the Sandals Foundation will underwrite the cost of chartering 10 flights with relief supplies for Haiti, while American Airlines will fund and source the supplies. The mission is on schedule to commence immediately using chosen aircraft, American Eagle ATR 72s, propeller planes which each can transport up to 10,000 pounds of cargo.

The relief items to be sent will include water and the much-needed supplies for babies and young children. They will be consolidated out of Puerto Rico, which is also the port from which the flights will originate.

Following reports of the earthquake, the Sandals Foundation mounted a Caribbean-wide campaign to raise funds and collect clothing and linen for Haiti. Team members and guests have given their overwhelming support, as have worldwide marketing and reservation representatives Unique Vacations Inc, together with other tour operators across the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and Europe.

Adam Stewart, CEO of Sandals Resorts International, moved by the tremendous support so far, said: “I have to thank our entire team and loyal guests for supporting this initiative. Haiti needs our help right now and as time passes they will need it even more. We will continue with our efforts to help our neighbour and remain ready to respond and assist in whatever way we can.”

Sandals earlier this month made one of its private planes available to fly Prime Minister Bruce Golding and Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller to Haiti. The hotel chain has also encouraged its thousands of employees to contribute to Haiti’s recovery through voluntary salary deduction.