To further support the education of Sandals Grenada team members, the resort’s leadership team collaborated with Grenchap (Sexual Reproductive Health Rights Advocates), the Gender Based Violence Unit (GBVU) of the Ministry of Social Development, and the Grenada Planned Parenthood Association (GPPA), to host a series of engagements dubbed “Love Talks”. This initiative addressed critical social issues, including sexual health, and intimate partner violence, offering both informative and inspiring insights, counselling and testing.
According to the GBVU, one in four women in Grenada has been affected by intimate partner violence. During her presentation, Jaydyne Alexander, GBVU responder, expounded on the cycle of abuse and shared a startling fact that on average, victims experience this cycle seven times before it ends.
Leading sessions on sexual health, Norman Gilbert, representative for Grenchap, gave an overview of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s), and recommendations to avoid contracting or transmitting them. Further he advised on treatment and answered all questions from his audience. Furthermore, recently as part of the resort’s extensive World Health Day activities, Grenchap was invited to return to the resort to offer testing services and one- on- one counselling.
Club Sandals Manager, Antonio Allard attended one of the forums and commented; “today’s speakers were very professional and able to reach the audience. Nurse Buckmire and Mr. Gilbert created a safe space for us to speak freely. I am married and it still reached me, even I learned new things. It was excellent.”
He continued, “sessions like these are important especially for young people who may just be starting out in relationships. There may be so much excitement but, caution and a sense of responsibility and ownership of your personal decisions is crucial to protect yourself and the ones you love.”
From the GBVU, Rachel James, reiterated that gender based violence, also affects men. “Men can also fall victim to abuse in relationships. Abuse is not only physical, here in Grenada the most common types of intimate partner abuse are sexual, verbal, physical, emotional and psychological abuse. Due to our normal expectations of men being dominant, men may be embarrassed to admit that they are experiencing abuse, but we need to break free of these stereotypes and help men and women experience more peaceful and fulfilling relationships.”
Housekeeping Manager, Peter Rodd, shared “unfortunately there is still a lot of stigma surrounding these matters. People need to speak up. I will continue to be an advocate and support future sensitization opportunities.”
Speaking on behalf of the event committee, Public Relations Manager, Deleon Forrester added, “Love Talks” will be ongoing as the resort continues to contribute positively to the well-being of our team. Thank you to all stakeholders who have provided your expertise and services to us on resort.”
