Graduation Of First Cohort of Bay Gardens Training Institute

Bay Gardens Resorts, in collaboration with Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, has successfully launched the first installment of the Bay Gardens Training Institute, an innovative professional development initiative aimed at enhancing the skills and expertise of its employees.

This transformative program, designed to strengthen team members' capabilities while fostering creativity and innovation within the hospitality sector, was conducted from October 21 to December 19, 2024. The inaugural cohort, comprising 30 participants, graduated on March 5, 2025, receiving their professional certificates from this groundbreaking institute.

The Bay Gardens Training Institute is conveniently located on property at Bay Gardens Inn, allowing employees to complete their Sir Arthur Lewis level certificates at work without having to travel to the SALCC campus. This unique setup provided added flexibility for team members, enabling them to enhance their skills while maintaining their professional responsibilities.

Executive Director Mr. Sanovnik Destang expressed his pride in this achievement, stating:

“The fact that we now have an actual training institute is something that I am really proud of because it’s something that we’ve been talking about and trying to figure out how we could get it done. It’s been a long time coming. I’m proud of you for being this patient because I know it took a while for us to get this off the ground. We are the first hotel to have such a partnership with the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. We set the standard in that area, and I think it is good for the industry that we all make these investments.”

“This program has been a valuable journey, and the results speak for themselves. Now, you stand as future leaders, ready to take on greater roles. There are even more training opportunities on the horizon, and we’re in the final stages of launching another exciting program” he continued.

The program offered a structured curriculum encompassing four core courses, culminating in a professional certificate upon completion. Participants engaged in fundamental subjects such as Introduction to Tourism, Sanitation, Safety & Hygiene, and Quality Customer Care, equipping them with essential industry knowledge and best practices.

To further tailor their learning experience, employees had the opportunity to select one specialized course from Food Preparation 1, Food and Beverage Service 1, Housekeeping, or Bar Operations. These hands-on courses provided participants with practical expertise and an avenue to demonstrate creativity.  

For example, in Food Preparation, participants showcased their culinary artistry through engaging presentations, while those in the Housekeeping course exhibited exceptional ingenuity in designing and decorating bedroom spaces, reinforcing their dedication to elevating guest experiences.

The program also highlighted the remarkable achievements of participants who excelled throughout their training. Chef Randall Clement was honored as the overall top performer and valedictorian of the inaugural graduating cohort. In addition, the following individuals were recognized for their outstanding performance in various categories:

Top Performer in Quality Customer Care – Quincy Jones

Top Performers in Sanitation, Safety & Hygiene – Morella Alexander, Nessa Francis, and Candi Noel

Top Performer in Introduction to Tourism – Quincy Jones

Top Performer in Food Preparation 1 – Randall Clement

Top Performer in Food & Beverage Service 1 – Yannic St. Ange

Top Performer in Bar Operations – Arnold Flood

Top Performer in Housekeeping – Billy Lafeuille

This initiative underscores Bay Gardens Resorts’ steadfast commitment to investing in its employees and fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation. The company extends its sincere appreciation to Sir Arthur Lewis Community College for their invaluable partnership and expertise, ensuring that participants gain the skills and knowledge necessary to deliver exceptional service and contribute to the continued success of the resort.