SANDALS DONATES 2 SKIPS, PLASTIC BOTTLE RECYCLING AREA
ST ANN’S BAY, St Ann; June 20, 2026
Fisherfolk, residents, and other users of Fisherman’s Beach in St Ann’s Bay, St Ann, should now be able to keep the area cleaner with two large skips and a plastic bottle recycling area, donated by Sandals Resorts.
A large mural painted at the entrance of the community was also handed over as an aesthetically pleasing backdrop to the area that was often described as rough and less than the standards desired. The artwork highlights the heritage and culture of the fishing village while reflecting the environmental protection focus of the Sandals Group
(General Manager of Sandals Royal Plantation, Omar Robinson (right) disposes of the first plastic bottle in the recycling bin at Fisherman’s Beach, St. Ann, which, along with two garbage skips and a mural, was donated by Sandals Resorts recently. Sharing in the moment, from left are Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation; Councillor Dalas Dickenson, and Member of Parliament Matthew Samuda.)
The initiative, under the theme “Protecting the Beach, Protecting Livelihoods,” was carried out in partnership with the NEPM Waste Management Limited and Member of Parliament FOR North East St Ann, Matthew Samuda, who is also the Minister with responsibility for Water, Environment, and Climate Change.
The new skips are expected to significantly ease longstanding concerns over garbage build-up in the fishing community, while the recycling area is intended to encourage proper plastic disposal and greater environmental awareness among residents and visitors.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, General Manager of Sandals Royal Plantation Omar Robinson underscored the importance of environmental education, marine stewardship, and community partnership.
(Young residents of Fisherman’s Beach in St. Ann’s Bay, pose with officials in front of two new skips donated by Sandals Resort to assist in the community’s garbage collection. Back row, from left are:Regional Manager of the NEPM Waste Management Limited, Daniel Heaven; Sandals Regional Public Relations Manager Lyndsay Isaacs; Sandals Royal Plantation General Manager Omar Robinson; Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation; Councillor Dalas Dickenson; Member of Parliament Matthew Samuda, and Ian Spencer, Sandals Regional Public Relations Manager).
“Sandals is committed to continuing its support of the local environment and development of the citizens of St. Ann,” Robinson said. He stressed that tourism development must directly benefit surrounding communities and noted that sustainable tourism depends heavily on healthy coastal ecosystems and empowered residents.
Also speaking at the ceremony, Member of Parliament Matthew Samuda commended the Sandals Group for what he described as a meaningful investment in both environmental protection and community development.
Mr Samuda said improper waste disposal poses a serious threat to marine ecosystems and tourism product areas, adding that initiatives such as the Fisherman’s Beach project demonstrate how collaboration can deliver practical solutions for residents.
Regional Manager of the NEPM Waste Management Limited, Daniel Heaven, pledged the agency’s commitment to maintaining consistent garbage collection and ensuring that the skips are regularly emptied to prevent further accumulation of waste in the area.
Also addressing residents was Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation.
