Staff members at Sandals Resorts in Saint Lucia came decked out in their pink outfits and ribbons on Friday, October 14 as part of the group’s efforts to raise awareness of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is the leading cancer diagnosed among women and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths. On a global average, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes and it claims a life every 13 minutes, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).
The #SandalsPinktober initiative was led by Sandals St. Lucia General Managers, Michael James, Winston Anderson and Christopher Elliott.
General Manager for Sandals Grande, Winston Anderson, gave details of the Caribbean resort chain’s awareness activities.
“This is a matter of grave concern to us at Sandals and we are seeking to engage our team talents, the general Saint Lucian public and even our guests in spreading awareness and encouraging early testing.
“At Sandals Grande, we are beginning with our Pink Day and continuing next Thursday with a free screening and mini-seminar in partnership with the Ministry of Health. This will create a platform for our women to come out in groups and take advantage of what is available,” Anderson said.
The Human Resource team At Sandals Halcyon enhanced the Pink Day exercise by creating an engaging platform in their staff area that highlighted the focus on the day with the display of three-foot-long pink cake depicting a woman’s torso. This was coupled with information sessions throughout the day and an active registration programme for the upcoming annual CIBC FirstCaribbean Walk for the Cure set to step off on October 23.
Sandals is a platinum sponsor of this event.
“With a number of our team members having won the battle with cancer, we are pleased to stand with them in support and recognition of this global challenge. We salute them for their victory and encourage all women in Saint Lucia to get examined at the earliest possible time,” said General Manager for Sandals Halcyon, Christopher Elliott.
The team at Sandals Regency La Toc also supported the day’s activities by wearing pink and promoting the upcoming free screening and mini-seminar as well as the walk. Focus on this end was also heavy on guest relations with General Manager, Michael James, leading the charge.
He said: “We are motivated by the survival of many and the continued fight of many others. I don’t believe that many of us truly understand the significance of this disease and it is not until it hits us personally that we pay attention. So we are encouraging all our team talents and the rest of Saint Lucia to not wait until it is too late. Get examined today.”