Castries, Saint Lucia — July 15, 2025
A sense of pride and celebration swept through the gardens of Sandals Halcyon Beach Resort as the Sandals Early Childhood Learning & Development Centre (SECL&DC) hosted its inaugural graduation ceremony on Monday. The event marked a significant milestone for the institution and its ten young graduates, closing a transformative chapter in early childhood education and setting the stage for an ambitious future.
Held in the resort’s Mirage Conference Room, the ceremony gathered proud parents, dedicated educators, and members of the Sandals Resorts International executive team. The highlight of the event was the keynote address delivered by Mr. Winston Anderson, Managing Director of Sandals Resorts International for the Eastern Caribbean, who has been a driving force behind the Centre’s creation.
“Standing here today, I am truly overwhelmed by how far the Sandals Early Childhood Learning & Development Centre has come in just one year,” Mr. Anderson said. “This pilot programme was born out of our deep commitment to the wellbeing of our team members and their families. In just twelve months, we have seen these young learners blossom.”
The Centre, which opened its doors only a year ago, has already made its mark as a model institution in the region, offering a holistic approach to early childhood development. The curriculum extends beyond traditional academics to include seasonal holiday camps, sports initiatives, and cultural engagement through activities such as the Junior Jazz and Arts Festival and the Lantern Making Competition.
Mrs. Lucy Lubrin-Girard, one of the Centre’s founding educators, described the journey as one of passion and perseverance. “As with any new venture, the beginning came with its challenges. But our shared passion for nurturing young minds saw us through. Today, our graduates leave us with a love for learning, resilience and a strong foundation for the years ahead.”
Several parents shared their heartfelt testimonials during the ceremony, underscoring the Centre’s transformative impact on their children’s growth and confidence.
“It feels like only yesterday that we brought our little one into the Centre, unsure of what to expect. The transformation we’ve witnessed is remarkable,” said Melissa Charles.
“As parents, knowing that our children are safe, cared for and actively learning gives us immense peace of mind,” added Tara Lennard Emmanuel.
Annia Ellise-Haynes praised the staff, saying, “We want to thank the teachers for their patience, creativity and dedication. Our child comes home every day excited to share stories, songs and looks forward to school each morning. The Centre has become like a second home for our family.”
As the Centre looks toward the next academic year, plans are already underway to expand its programming and further strengthen its curriculum. The inaugural graduation not only celebrates a year of achievement but also signals the start of a new legacy in early childhood education at Sandals and across the Eastern Caribbean.
With the success of its pilot year, the Sandals Early Childhood Learning & Development Centre continues to set the standard for innovative, community-rooted learning, promising a bright future for its students and the region.
