Sandals Foundation Boat Cruise Gives St Mary and St Ann Teachers a Memorable Teachers’ Day

PORT MARIA, St Mary — What started as a low-key Teachers’ Day became a standout celebration for staff at Port Maria Infant School after Sandals Foundation invited them on a surprise outing.

The educators were part of a group of more than 150 teachers from 49 schools in St Ann and St Mary who received a complimentary boat cruise for the occasion, with food, music and time to connect with colleagues.

“We had nothing planned,” said guidance counsellor Doraine Murphy. “So, when Sandals called we were overjoyed to be a part of the celebration. We are grateful to Sandals Ocho Rios for making our day really special.”

Because space was limited, not every teacher could make the trip. Those who attended said the break was badly needed. “It was beautiful. For once we weren’t thinking about lesson plans. We danced, we laughed, we felt appreciated. That matters,” educator Hyeillia Clarke-Coke said.

Lyndsay Isaacs, regional public relations manager at Sandals Ocho Rios, said the initiative was meant to salute teachers for their daily contribution in classrooms. “Teachers are amazing. We see the work that they are doing in the classroom every day,” she told the Jamaica Observer. “If there is a little thing that we can do for them to show appreciation then we are happy to do it.”

Alongside Port Maria Infant, representatives came from New Orange Hill Primary, Bamboo Basic, Union Basic, Golden Grove Basic, Lewisburgh Primary, Bethany Primary, Albion Mountain Primary, Mount Zion Primary, Ocho Rios High, Pineapple Basic, Stewart Town Basic, Wellington Four Square Basic, Village Primary, Parry Town Primary and Infant, Zoe Care Bear, Boscobel Primary and Gibraltar Primary.