HUNDREDS of Sandals and Beaches resorts team members across Jamaica have been lauded for going above and beyond the call of duty to safeguard their respective properties, support each other, and drive the company’s recovery efforts during and immediately after Hurricane Melissa.

During the Category 5 storm which hit Jamaica on October 28, 2025, and in the weeks that followed, these team members, now recognised as Hurricane Heroes, rallied under extraordinary circumstances.

From maintaining resort infrastructure and ensuring guest safety, to checking on colleagues, coordinating essential needs, and assisting with recovery efforts, their selfless actions became a powerful symbol of resilience, unity and care.

One such hero, Davion Campbell, a network engineer from the company’s corporate office, reflected on his experience working through Hurricane Melissa, sharing why it was important for him to step in when the company needed him most.

“The hurricane and the period after came with personal challenges, but my focus remained on restoring IT [information technology] operations as quickly as possible. My motivation was twofold: first, to enable the team to communicate with their loved ones during a critical time and second, to contribute to the company’s recovery efforts, knowing that the livelihoods of many team members depended on how quickly we could stabilise operations,” said Campbell.

Another hero, Ryan McIntosh from Sandals Ochi Beach Resort’s Stewarding Department, echoed sentiments of compassion and family as his motivation for lending a helping hand in Melissa’s aftermath.

“When the storm happened we were all devastated, but we came back early to keep everything running smoothly for the team and to take care of each other. That’s what we do here,” said McIntosh.

Recognising their exceptional service, the resorts and corporate offices, from the south coast to the shores of Negril through to Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, all hosted a series of personalised celebrations and appreciation ceremonies during December.

Each event honoured and highlighted the Hurricane Heroes for their bravery, teamwork, and dedication, creating moments of reflection, gratitude and well-deserved celebration.

“It felt great to be recognised. This was a wonderful experience and I was thrilled to know that what I did was not overlooked,” said Sandals Negril housekeeper Michelle Palmer.

“During the hurricane itself, each time I saw my general manager or my hotel manager, their first question to me was always ‘How is everyone at home?’ I appreciated that genuine concern throughout and though this hurricane was difficult, it didn’t feel that way because we all worked together,” added Palmer.

As a part of the company’s appreciation initiative, the Hurricane Heroes walked away with grocery shopping vouchers, personalised letters from Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, certificates of appreciation for their service and additional paid days off to rest, recover, and reconnect with their families.

Beyond the incentives, the celebrations provided team members with an opportunity to unwind, share joy and experience a moment of reprieve which reinforced the importance of care, wellness, and community during challenging times.

Reflecting on the dedication and personal sacrifices made by team members during and after the storm, Director of Human Resources Ryan Matthew said, “Our team members worked diligently to prepare for the approaching weather system and care for our guests. Some made the difficult decision to secure their homes and families and then proceeded to stay at our resorts to provide unparalleled service in a difficult time.”

According to Matthew, the celebration of the Hurricane Heroes reflects the company’s commitment to its most valuable assets – its people.

Despite the unprecedented impact of Hurricane Melissa, Sandals and Beaches resorts retained all team members on payroll throughout the closure period and provided continued support through the distribution of essential items, access to mental wellness services and ongoing welfare assistance.

“We really want them to know that we appreciate their efforts and sacrifices, which did not go unnoticed. The recognition events are an opportunity to publicly recognise them in the presence of their peers and to present them with a special thank you.” Matthew added

Several of the brand’s Jamaican resorts affected by the storm have since resumed operations, with select properties in St Ann and Negril reopening on December 6, and remaining locations, Sandals Montego Bay, Royal Caribbean, and South Coast scheduled to reopen in May 2026.

“There will be many a story told about Melissa but most important to us are the positives coming out of this experience; how we as an organisation and as a people were able to dig into our reservoirs of resilience and support the strong while lifting the vulnerable,” said Sandals and Beaches Regional Managing Director – Jamaica Jeremy Jones.

He pointed out that as recovery efforts continue, the company remains focused on supporting its team members and communities while carrying forward the same spirit of care and togetherness.

Paul Clarke from Sandals Montego Bay soaks up his moment in the spotlight during his Hurricane Hero photo opportunity.

Sandals Dunn’s River hero Ishana Fletcher is all smiles as she receives her well-deserved recognition from Security and Loss Prevention Manager Oswald Williams.

Sandals Negril General Manager Melissa Clarke (right), is a picture of pride as she presents Hurricane Hero Kayla Guthrie with her certificate.

Jonathan Newnham (left), director of golf operations at Sandals Upton Estate Golf and Country Club, presents Milton Bell with his certificate of appreciation for going above and beyond during Hurricane Melissa.