KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Government Chairman of Sandals Resorts Worldwide, Adam Stewart, believes there may be super scope for area of interest manufacturing. This would offer a spread of merchandise to produce the area’s hospitality trade.
“The chance for area of interest manufacturing within the Caribbean is huge. We’d like to see our toilet facilities are available in domestically made refillable bottles, scented with Caribbean botanicals, and that our takeaway containers, straws and utensils are biodegradable and manufactured simply down the street,” Stewart advised Caribbean Enterprise & Journey.
He mentioned the espresso grounds that may in any other case be thought-about waste could be remodeled into clean-burning biofuel.
“That is the round financial system in movement – waste is now not waste, however a useful resource ready to be harnessed. If we rethink our strategy as a area, safe investments within the opportunities for sustainability, we will flip these concepts into actuality.”
Want for Teamwork
In a broad interview with a Caribbean enterprise journal, Stewart highlighted the necessity for teamwork within the area. This teamwork may help unlock the potential of area of interest manufacturing.
“First, governments can incentivise sustainable product innovation by offering grant funding and simplified licensing for eco-manufacturers. Second, the tourism trade should take the lead in aggregating demand and creating constant offtake agreements that make native manufacturing financially viable. Lastly, technical help and coaching programmes may help upskill artisans and small producers to fulfill hospitality requirements.”
The Jamaican enterprise government believes there may be unbelievable potential for brand spanking new partnerships that may permit the personal sector, governments, and entrepreneurs to collaborate. These partnerships goal to construct a inexperienced provide chain that delivers world-class experiences whereas producing actual financial worth at dwelling.
Stewart noticed throughout the area, the necessity to strengthen the hyperlink between tourism and agri-business is rising exponentially.
“At Sandals, we don’t simply serve meals, we serve heritage, pleasure, and a greater tomorrow. Our central procurement group works carefully with farmers, cooperatives, and authorities ministries of agriculture, and has set the instance of the advantages of sustainability by investing in logistic options that make regional commerce extra seamless and environment friendly.”
To additional exemplify the cross-linkages and sustainability practices, Stewart alluded to Sandals’ partnership with the Caribbean Network of Fisherfolk Organisations (CNFO). This partnership spans 17 international locations.
Stewart contends {that a} resilient Caribbean financial system is constructed on partnerships between governments, traders, entrepreneurs, and the personal sector. He highlighted the significance of daring, forward-looking funding and collaboration. That is essential to develop a regional inexperienced provide chain that elevates native artisans, creates jobs, and delivers unforgettable visitor experiences rooted in authenticity.
Power of “Model Caribbean”
Stewart pointed to the power of “Model Caribbean” as a collective identification. This identification celebrates the wealthy range of the Caribbean whereas presenting a unified message to the world.
“I’m extra inspired than ever that we’re taking significant steps towards elevating model Caribbean, not simply as particular person islands, however as a unified, world-class area. A stronger regional partnership, cohesive advertising efforts, robust funding within the area and a shared recognition that sustainability and cultural preservation are central to tourism enlargement.”
“Tourism is greater than an trade. It’s the heartbeat of the area. Once we collaborate as one, we don’t simply compete, we lead,” declared Stewart.
On the February 2025 CARICOM Heads of Authorities assembly in Barbados, Stewart supplied to share the experience of the Sandals Company College (SCU) to coach tourism trade staff all through the area.
He famous that Sandals is greater than a model. “It’s a legacy solid within the coronary heart of the Caribbean and carried ahead by individuals who care deeply, individuals who reside and work within the very communities our success is dependent upon. For us, success is measured not simply by occupancy charges, however by the well-being of the communities we serve and the place our group members increase households, discover objective and construct futures.”
