MONTEGO BAY, St James — Scores of students from a number of inner-city communities in the greater Montego Bay area were last week feted in the latest series of Sandals Resorts ‘Spreading the Love’ community intervention.

The event, which was staged in collaboration with the Social Development Commission (SDC), was the second “intervention” being staged at Montego Bay Boys’ Club complex.

For their part and to mark the event, members of the boys’ club band put on a musical performance for the Sandals team and shared lessons on how to play the steel pan.

‘Spreading the Love’ is a series of events that both Sandals and the SDC are fostering in a number of Montego Bay inner-city communities.

In his welcome address, Warren Morle, SDC community officer for the Montego Bay Division, praised Sandals Resorts and the many team members from Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Royal Caribbean who turned out to assist in motivating and feting the youngsters.

“We are so happy Sandals has seen it fit to continue ‘spreading the love’ with us as the young people from this area are in need of mentorship and assistance. We at the SDC are happy with the partnership and look forward to launching more programmes in this area,” said Morle.

Ian Spencer, Sandals’ Regional public relations manager for Montego Bay, expressed delight at being part of the community thrust by Sandals and the SDC in the inner-city communities.

“I grew up on Barnett Street, just a short distance from here,” stated Spencer. “I used to come to boys’ club and listen music as well as play table tennis, so as a product of the innercity, I am happy that I am able to be part of a company that is committed to giving back to this country. I walked in these students’ shoes when I was younger, so I know the hardships that are being faced, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.”

To loud applause from the gathering, Spencer said, “You have our commitment that we will continue these efforts.”

He also praised the SDC for its work in transforming the lives of young people in the greater Montego Bay area, and said the agency has been providing a critical service.

The Sandals regional PR manager said a Sandals mentorship effort is to come on stream in the greater Montego Bay area shortly, in an effort to provide career guidance to the young people.

He also praised the work of the boys’ club in unearthing and shaping the talents of youngsters in the community for several decades.

“I grew up listening to the boys’ club marching bands and the various musicians, so I know you work first-hand,” said Spencer.

The musical instructor at the boys’ club, who simply goes by the one-word moniker “Cava”, thanked both Sandals and the SDC on behalf of the recipients. He said the students were very happy for the treat, and looked forward to a continued partnership among all three organisations to help in the upliftment of the youth.