NEGRIL, Westmoreland — The day started with a message from Sandals Resorts International’s Chief Executive Officer Adam Stewart, who, on video, expressed his love and gratitude to almost 420 teachers for their passion and perseverance in shaping the minds of future leaders.

The teachers then received their official invitation from the CEO to enjoy all the festivities and luxury-included offerings at Sandals, Beaches and Grand Pineapple Resorts in celebration of Teachers’ Day last Wednesday, May 4.

The festivities kicked off with extravagant luncheons at Sandals Negril, Sandals Ochi Beach Resort, Sandals Whitehouse, and Sandals Montego Bay. The luncheons were punctuated by a host of prizes, including eight complimentary weekend passes, spa treatments, candlelight dinners, souvenir items, gift certificates, and alcoholic beverages.

Sixty-five teachers across eight schools from Hanover and Westmoreland dined in fine style at Sandals Negril’s Italian Restaurant, Cucina Romana. They were also treated to spa teasers, tributes and exciting games and giveaways. In the latter part of the day they donned swimwear and proceeded to enjoy all the magic wrapped up in an afternoon spent at Sandals and Beaches Negril.

David Latchimy, Sandals Negril’s general manager, extended an extraordinary tribute to the teachers, lauding them for all that they do on a daily basis. He also presented each principal with a framed image of their group of teachers and himself, taken upon their arrival at the resort.

Sherida Malcolm, of the Mount Airy All Age School in Negril, Westmoreland, shared: “We felt very honoured and special receiving that message from Adam Stewart. The team here went all out to make the day a most memorable one. The fact that the principals from various schools were singled out to receive the lovely token from the general manager was commendable. Thank you for this.”

Over 200 teachers from 43 schools in the parishes of St Ann and St Mary enjoyed their time at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort. The resort rolled out the red carpet, treating the educators to a sumptuous meal comprising Jamaican dishes, as well as top-class entertainment provided by talents from Sandals Ochi and Beaches Ocho Rios.

“We had a magnificent time,” noted principal of the Boscobel Primary School, Perlita Trail, speaking on behalf of the teachers in attendance. “Sandals made us feel very special. We all felt like royalty today.”

General manager of Sandals Ochi Ramel Sobrino, in welcoming the teachers, applauded them for their contribution to Jamaica’s education. “We are proud to share in your special day,” Sobrino added.

Over on the southern shores of Jamaica, Sandals Whitehouse welcomed over 50 educators from seven schools in Westmoreland and St Elizabeth to a luncheon inside the resort’s elegantly appointed ballroom. During this luncheon teachers were enthralled with performances from the management team including a very spirited performance of Tina Turner’s

Simply The Best by the resort’s entertainment manager.

Sandals Resorts in the Montego Bay region hosted approximately 100 teachers for their day. Activities began with a special welcome cocktail party featuring a breathtaking entertainment showcase and saw teachers competing in a talent show. Corinaldi Primary School walked away with the winning prize and was selected as the Sandals Resorts’ Labour Day project 2016. The teachers were then treated to all things luxury, as the culinary team pulled out all the stops and offered an all-inclusive buffet luncheon.

Leanora Morris, founder of the Leanora Morris Early Childhood and Pre-school, was also presented with a certificate for her outstanding contribution to education.

According to Carlene Dawkins, principal of Sudbury Basic School, “Sandals Resorts is able to enrich and revitalise the teachers on this special day. I felt refreshed. I was being catered to in a place of paradise.”

King’s Primary’s Anthony Kennedy also shared that: “It was very encouraging to see a major enterprise like Sandals take the initiative to recognise the hard work and dedication of Jamaica’s teachers, and pay tribute to the special role that we play in carving out the nation’s future.”