The collapse of the tourism industry in San Pedro Town following the arrival of COVID-19 left thousands in the hospitality industry jobless. Some businesses continued employing some of their staff, but in the longer run, were forced to lay off their labor force. However, many have not abandoned their staff completely, and have helped in a variety of ways. This is the case of Sandy Point Real Estate, who on Friday, August 28th assisted 20 of their laid-off employees with groceries, with a goal to assist as many as they can.
The company operates a number of hotels, but has had to close operations. Although they kept some staff, it has been difficult to keep everyone on payroll. The second lockdown in San Pedro affected their unemployed staff even more, as such, with the assistance of past clients, the company set up the food relief program and helped with as much as they could to bring a level of relief. The food hampers containing basic food and hygienic items were handed out at the offices on Barrier Reef Drive.
Daniel Hartin from the Sandy Point Group shared a statement with The San Pedro Sun on behalf of Sandy Point Real Estate. “As our business slogan states, we are the ‘Local Brand with International Expertise!’ We have always felt a real need to make sure to include the local people of the island in our business. Under such difficult times, we want to make sure, we give back to the very community that has worked so hard to make the island such a great place for many to call home. We hope that other businesses will join our efforts to provide for those in need.”
They hope to be able to expand the assistance to others outside the company, but in the meantime, their laid off staff will have first priority.
