Grenadian women making waves across the region with Sandals Resorts

In 2013, Grenada was abuzz at the coming of a new international brand; a Sandals resort was being established at Point Salines, at the southernmost end of the island, close to the airport at the Pink Gin Beach.

It represented a new dawn in Grenada’s hospitality industry, new opportunities, new clientele to Grenada and renewed hope for young job seekers.

Keen amongst this group were recent graduates of the T A Marryshow Community College, including Onika Phillip of Chantimelle, St Patrick, who had just completed the Tourism and Hospitality Management programme, and Ashley Gittens, of Belmont, St George, who studied Computer Systems Engineering. What began as entry-level opportunities would evolve into remarkable regional careers within the Sandals portfolio.

Reflecting on her journey, Onika Phillip shared, “I didn’t plan on becoming the senior restaurants manager at Sandals Royal Curaçao — the position and even the resort didn’t exist at the time. My journey started as a restaurant server at Sandals Grenada, learning the ins and outs of service.” She continued, “That first real job experience is invaluable for any young person. It teaches discipline, communication, teamwork, and accountability. I learned the rhythms of a restaurant, how to multitask, and the importance of small gestures. At times it was demanding, but every experience helped shape my development.”

Phillip’s defining moment came in 2019 when she joined a regional task force team deployed to Sandals Royal Bahamian for 6 months. Sandals, through its Task Force Programme, is integrating and immersing team members from all its resorts into the rich culture of neighbouring Caribbean islands in which it operates. The programme provides team members with the opportunity to train, travel and act as regional ambassadors for the Luxury-Included^® brand, reinforcing company standards and best practices.

Embracing the challenge, she excelled and was promoted to restaurant hostess — her first leadership role. “Never say no to opportunities,” Phillip advises. “They often come once in a lifetime. I didn’t say no — I figured it out. I tried. I applied. That experience stretched me and prepared me for leadership.” Her upward trajectory continued with promotions in 2023 to restaurant manager and again in 2025 to senior restaurants manager at Sandals Royal Curaçao, where she now oversees 9 restaurants.

“Onika is naturally charismatic in the way that she inspires and connects with others. She doesn’t just meet expectations; she elevates them, leading with both determination and presence that leaves a lasting impression,” shared Rodrigo Maza Gama, Director of Food and Beverage (Sandals Royal Curaçao).

Ashley Gittens also began her career on the front line, as a club sandals agent, responsible for guest check-ins, concierge services, and personalised guest experiences. “I knew very little about resort operations,” Gittens admitted, “but during the interview they saw my potential and invested heavily in my training.”

Gittens also participated in 2 regional task force assignments — first at Sandals Royal Bahamian and later at Beaches Turks and Caicos. These experiences proved pivotal.

Peter Fraser, General Manager of Sandals Grenada, praised her contributions: “Ashley is a stalwart team member. She mastered the operations of her department, and we relied on her heavily during challenging periods. Even before holding a management title, she had earned the respect of her peers. It was no surprise to see her return to the organisation after completing her studies.”

In 2019, Gittens made the bold decision to pause her corporate ascent to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Management, specialising in destination branding and sustainability, at HZ University of Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. “The task force experience cemented my decision to further my education,” she explained. “It was a meeting of the minds — the best professionals from across the region coming together to deliver excellence. That environment inspired me to grow academically and professionally.”

Following her studies, Gittens explored global career opportunities. Fluent in both German and Dutch, she considered roles abroad but ultimately returned home to the Caribbean. “In my heart, I knew I needed to return to the Caribbean,” she said. “I reached out to my former director, and the timing aligned perfectly.”

She successfully rejoined the Sandals family, securing her Caricom Skills Certificate and accepting the role of Club Sandals Manager at the newly opened Sandals Dunn’s River in Jamaica.

Hotel Manager for Sandals Dunn’s River, Melissa Dauvergne, praised Gittens, “gracious, intelligent, and resilient are just a few of the qualities that immediately come to mind when I think of Ashley. She embodies the true definition of a powerful woman; one shaped by life’s experiences and refined through unwavering dedication to excellence and success.”

Ashley Gittens and Onika Phillip credit Sandals Grenada as the launch pad for their regional careers and encourage young professionals to be proactive about their growth.

“Ask for opportunities. Ask for training. Ask for promotions. Ask about the future of the company,” Phillip advises. “Seek advice. Understand the pros and cons of your industry. Be intentional about your development.”

Gittens echoes that message: “Keep working toward your goals. It may not happen immediately, but remain diligent and open to opportunity.”

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