Scores of students from a number of inner-city communities in the greater Montego Bay area were feted at another in the series of “Spreading the Love” by Sandals Resorts Montego Bay region in collaboration with the Social Development Commission (SDC) recently.
Apart from a mentorship session with Ian Spencer, Sandals’ Regional Public Relations Manager for Montego Bay, the students all received gifts and were also treated to refreshments at the event held at the Montego Bay Boy’s Club Complex.
For their part and to mark the event, member of the Boy’s Club female band put on a musical feast, entertaining the large audience with a smorgasbord of top-class musical renditions.
“Spreading the Love” is a series of events that both organizations are championing in a number of Montego Bay inner-city communities.
In his welcome address, Racino Brown, Social Development Commission Community Officer for the Montego Bay Division, was effusive in her praise of 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,” Brown said.
Evett Malcolm, SDC Field Supervisor for Montego Bay who was also present at the event along with a number of other SDC community relations officers including organizer Warren Morle, pledged the support of her team to the charitable efforts, noting “The SDC and Sandals will continue this effort as we seek to shape the mind of the young people in these beloved communities and assist in every way possible.”
Spencer said was delighted to be a part of the community thrust by Sandals and the SDC in the inner-city communities. “I grew up on this here Barnett Street just a few metres from here,” Spencer observed. “So as a product of the Inner City, I am happy that I am able to be a 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 people are facing especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.”
To loud applause from the gathering, Mr. Spencer said “You have our commitment that we will continue these efforts.” He also praised the SDC for their work in transforming the lives of young people in the Greater Montego Bay area and said they were providing a critical service.
The Sandals Regional PR Manager said a Sandals mentorship effort will shortly come in streets in the Greater Montego Bay area in an effort to provide career guidance to the young people.
The PR Manager 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 first-hand of your work,” Spencer noted.
The musical instructor at the Boy’s Club who simply goes by the one-word moniker “Cava” thanked both organizations on behalf of the recipients. He said the students were very happy about the treat and looked forward to a continued partnership among all three organizations to help in the upliftment of the youth.
