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Forbes
a day ago
- Business
- Forbes
How This Changemaker Is Empowering Caribbean Communities From The Inside Out
Executive director of the Sandals Foundation, Heidi Clarke. Courtesy of the Sandals Foundation Heidi Clarke—a fifth-generation Jamaican with a background in child psychology—never set out to run a multi-island nonprofit. Back in 2009, she was volunteering in schools and helping run her husband's sailing company in Tobago when she got a call from Adam Stewart. At the time, Stewart was the CEO of Sandals Resorts, a Caribbean-based hospitality brand known for its all-inclusive properties. (He's now the executive chairman.) Stewart had an idea for what he called a 'small project'—to turn the company's long-running community work into something more formal. Would Clarke help build a new charitable arm? She said yes—without realizing just how far that project would go. Sixteen years later, Clarke is the executive director of the Sandals Foundation, a philanthropic powerhouse operating across more than a dozen Caribbean islands. Under her leadership, the Foundation has helped build green schools, fund scholarships, support women-led farming cooperatives, restore coral reefs and launch countless programs aimed at strengthening communities and protecting the region's natural resources. 'When you see change happening,' she told me in an interview, 'it keeps you driven.' Heidi Clarke, executive director of the Sandals Foundation, alongside three women volunteers. Courtesy of the Sandals Foundation Clarke brings a unique lens to the work. Raised in Kingston, she studied education and child psychology, then spent years volunteering in Caribbean schools before formally stepping into the nonprofit world—and her background still informs Clarke's mission and the mission for the Sandals Foundation. 'Education underlies everything we do,' she says. 'Whether it's environment or health—education is the foundation for all of it.' Clarke's leadership style is warm and collaborative. She jokes that she has 20,000 people working for her, since everyone at Sandals and Beaches plays a role in the Foundation's work. But her immediate team is just eight people strong. 'Everybody here has a voice and something to bring to the table,' she says. 'You have to be able to lead from the ground up and from the top down. And if we work as a team, we allow each voice to be heard.' One of Clarke's biggest priorities is ensuring that every project the Foundation undertakes is driven by local needs. 'We're not the experts at everything,' she says. 'So what we've recognized is that within our communities, there are grassroots organizations that are doing incredible work and they just need assistance to scale up what they're doing.' Over the years, she's cultivated a model built on partnership and trust—aligning closely with community leaders, government stakeholders and local changemakers to build programs that are sustainable and scalable. Making Authentic Connections One of the most powerful examples of that model in action is the Foundation's long-running partnership with the Grenada Network of Rural Women Producers (GRENROP). What began as a small effort to provide basic training and infrastructure has grown into a thriving collective of 65 women farmers. Today, they're selling fresh produce to local hotels, operating a coconut processing facility and hosting farm-to-table lunches that allow travelers to connect with the land—and the women—who make it all possible. Two women farmers from the Grenada Network of Rural Women Producers (GRENROP) stand proudly in a lush, tropical field, each holding freshly harvested squash. They wear matching purple GRENROP shirts, smiling beneath the Caribbean sun. Courtesy of the Sandals Foundation Theresa Marryshow, GRENROP's president, grew up on her family's farm and has spent her career advocating for women in agriculture. With support from the Sandals Foundation, the group now has access to cold storage to prevent spoilage, modern irrigation systems and ongoing business training. 'My program isn't just about growing food,' Marryshow told me in an interview. 'It's about cultivating resilience, financial independence and community. We're also able to amplify our impact by welcoming visitors to the island and into our story—ultimately helping more women create better futures for themselves and their families.' 'This is one of the projects I'm most proud of,' says Clarke. 'What's unique is that now they're showcasing the best of the Caribbean to our guests and many other guests on the island. So they have a sustainable income, and people are experiencing authentic Grenada. I've seen them grow from strength to strength. The spirit of empowerment runs through nearly every initiative that the Sandals Foundation touches—from early childhood education and job training to environmental conservation and mental health support. In the Bahamas, for instance, a partnership with the Bahamas Girl Guides Association (BGGA) helped complete the group's long-awaited national headquarters, providing a hub for workshops, skill-building and overnight programs designed to support girls and women across the islands. 'The Sandals Foundation's support has been nothing short of transformative,' Dr. Ruth Sumner, president of the BGGA, told me in an interview. 'We're helping empower women to grow, learn and thrive, and the Foundation's donations are essential to making that happen, from comfortable beds for the girls to sleep in, to appliances for skill-building workshops. We're sincerely grateful for the support, and together we're creating life-changing experiences for women across The Bahamas.' Protecting The Land The Foundation's environmental work is just as expansive. In recent years, it has helped establish coral nurseries, manage marine protected areas and implement sustainability programs in schools across the region. But perhaps the most innovative initiative is the Coral Restoration Certification Program, which allows guests at Sandals Resorts to become certified 'coral gardeners' through specially designed PADI courses. Guests at Sandals Royal Bahamian can become certified 'coral gardeners' through the Sandals Foundation's Coral Restoration Program, which combines hands-on conservation with unforgettable underwater experiences. Courtesy of the Sandals Foundation 'The dives that they go out on—learning about the corals, coral planting—not only are they learning something and being exposed to beautiful Caribbean oceans, but all of those dives are also giving back,' says Clarke. This kind of hands-on engagement is a hallmark of Clarke's approach. While the Foundation is fully funded by Sandals Resorts International—meaning 100% of donations go directly to programs—she sees travel itself as an opportunity to build bridges. Guests can browse local goods in on-property artisan markets, join fish fries and street parties throughout the islands, and visit nearby schools through the Reading Road Trip program. That initiative brings travelers into local classrooms to read with students, share stories, and get a firsthand glimpse of island life beyond the resort. 'We want people to come to the Caribbean and really experience it,' she says. 'Yes, the beaches are beautiful—but the culture, the people, the potential, that's what makes it special.' Making A Lasting Impact And the model is working. Today, the Foundation supports artisans across multiple islands, has helped plant more than 27,000 trees, has supported some 2,300 schools and has provided health services to hundreds of thousands of people across the Caribbean. What's next? Clarke is doubling down on linkages between tourism and local economies—particularly among farmers, fishers and makers. She's also finishing a master's degree in counseling psychology to deepen the Foundation's approach to mental health, an area she sees as increasingly urgent. 'We work with a lot of abused young people. We work with pregnant teens. We work in the jails,' she says. 'When we;re looking at programs, we want them to be very holistic. It's not just coming in to do one component. And mental health is a very big thing.' Clarke says the best piece of advice she ever received was a simple idea: 'We're not here for ourselves,' she says. 'We live on this planet to serve others.' It's a mantra she returns to often—along with another favorite, shared with her own children: 'Find the stars in your coffee.' In other words, focus on the little things. 'It's the small moments that make life worth living,' she says. 'Each day, I remind myself: Your job is to uplift someone—through your words, your actions, even just a smile.' Clarke may not have planned to lead a regional nonprofit, but her steady vision and deep sense of purpose have helped the Sandals Foundation evolve from a 'small project' into a long-term force for good—one that empowers communities, invests in people and reimagines what tourism can do. "Heidi has been a driving force behind the Sandals Foundation's growth and impact since its inception,' Adam Stewart, executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International, told me in an interview. 'She is a thoughtful and empowering leader, committed to lasting change across the Caribbean while uplifting those around her and earning the love and trust of the communities we serve. She meets challenges with steady guidance, grace and practical solutions, forging a path for the Foundation to become the powerful engine for transformation it is today. More than anything, Heidi is a cherished member of the Sandals family and her unique vision continues to shape not just what we achieve, but how we achieve it: with heart, purpose and unwavering commitment." For Clarke, it's all about people—meeting them where they are, listening closely, and helping create the conditions for lasting transformation. As for her legacy, Clarke keeps it simple. 'I think for the next generation, it's about helping them understand that you don't have to start big,' she says. 'It's just about having a passion and taking the next step—because that's kind of how I've done it, learning along the way. And it just takes doing something for one person to realize how impactful that is.' And for anyone wondering whether they can make a difference, she offers this reminder: 'At the end of the day, wherever we go and whatever we do, we have potential to make positive change and be those changemakers.' MORE FROM FORBES: Forbes How A Small Hotel In Jamaica Is Making A Big Difference By Laura Begley Bloom Forbes How Two Accidental Hoteliers Created One Of The World's Coolest Hotel Brands By Laura Begley Bloom Forbes How This Hospitality Visionary Is Rewriting The Rules Of Luxury Travel By Laura Begley Bloom
The Sun
a day ago
- The Sun
Win an all-inclusive seven-night holiday to the Caribbean island of Tobago
YOU could win a seven-night holiday to the beautiful island of Tobago, with some return flights thrown in. One lucky winner will enjoy the week in the Caribbean as part of this year's Sun Travel Awards. The prize includes the seven nights at the Starfish Tobago Resort, courtesy of Tobago Tourism Agency. The resort is tucked between two of the island's historic villages, both a great place to explore. But the resort has more than enough to offer as well, with the main attraction being the lagoon-style pool along with the swim up bar. Save time for the sandy beach next to the hotel too - not only is it a quiet escape, but you might even spot some turtles laying eggs there too. Guests even get complimentary non-motorised watersports while at the resort too. All of the rooms have ocean views too, if you want to catch it from bed with the prize including a Turtle View Superior Room. Otherwise there are three restaurants on-site with both local Caribbean food as well as an international menu across buffet and a la carte. There are three bars too, if you fancy yourself a rum cocktail. Winners will be staying on an all-inclusive basis, so make the most of the drinks and dining on offer. Return economy flights from the UK to Tobago will also be thrown in, as well as transfers from the airport to the hotel. How to enter To be in with a chance winning this trip or one of seven other incredible holidays to places like Mexico, the Caribbean and Greece, vote for your for your favourite travel companies and destinations in the form below. For the full list of prizes, see here. Pick at least one shortlisted entry in each category in this year's Sun Travel Awards. There are 11 categories in total. You have until the end of August 31, 2025, to vote. The winning companies will be presented with their Sun Travel Award at a special ceremony in autumn. Can't see the form? Click here. Please read our terms and conditions for full rules - including important info regarding dates and availability. Terms & Conditions Promotion closes at 23.59pm on August 31, 2025. Open to residents of the United Kingdom who are aged 18 years or older, excluding employees and agents of the Promoter and its group companies, or third parties directly connected with the operation or fulfilment of the Promotion and their affiliates, and their immediate families and household members. One entry per person. Winners will be selected at random from all valid entries. No cash alternative and prize is non-transferable. Booking is subject to availability and valid for travel between October 1, 2025 and October 1, 2026 excluding Christmas, New Year and February and October Carnival. Winner must book by April 1, 2026. Winner and his/her guest must travel on the same itinerary. All parts of Prize must be used in conjunction with the same booking. Winner and his/her guest are solely responsible for ensuring they are available to travel and have valid travel documentation (including passport/visa/visa waiver as may be required), obtaining adequate travel insurance and appropriate vaccinations / inoculations for foreign travel at their own expense. Travel insurance, food and drink (outside what is previously declared in the board basis), spending money and all incidental expenses are the responsibility of the Winner. Prize is subject to Tobago Tourism Agency terms and conditions. Your information will be used to administer this Promotion and otherwise in accordance with our privacy policy at and those of the partners. Promoter is Times Media Ltd Full T&Cs apply - see here. 3
Yahoo
23-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
ExxonMobil negotiating with Trinidad and Tobago to explore seven deep-water blocks
ExxonMobil has initiated discussions with the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to potentially explore for oil and gas in up to seven deep-water blocks off the east coast, reported Reuters, citing sources. This move marks the company's potential return to the Caribbean nation after leaving more than two decades ago. The company ceased operations in Trinidad and Tobago in 2003 following an unsuccessful exploration attempt. The areas of interest for Exxon lie to the north of its highly productive Stabroek block in Guyana, one of the fastest-growing oil production regions globally. Together with partners Hess and CNOOC, Exxon has discovered more than 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas resources in Stabroek. The partners are planning to produce nearly 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) of light sweet crude later this year. Trinidad and Tobago's Energy Minister, Roodlal Moonilal, mentioned that the country is engaging with several leading oil and gas corporations. 'We are in discussions with major players to ramp up exploration and production within and outside of bid rounds,' Moonilal stated, opting not to reveal any specific names. Exxon has declined to comment on the ongoing discussions, stating that it does not respond to rumours or speculation, the report said. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Trinidad is aiming to attract fresh investments, particularly in offshore ventures, to bolster gas production essential for the nation's liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petrochemical sectors. Trinidadian legislation permits the government to negotiate on exploration and production areas individually if they are not part of a competitive bidding process. While the country is currently conducting a deep-water auction, set to conclude on 17 September, the blocks Exxon is interested in are not included in this auction. If the negotiations between Exxon and Trinidad culminate in an agreement, Exxon could potentially secure nearly all the available ultra-deep-water blocks that remain unlicensed. The recent significant discoveries in the Guyana-Suriname basin have sparked renewed interest in Trinidad's deep-water potential, as highlighted by the energy minister at a conference in early July. Moonilal hinted at the ongoing talks, suggesting that Trinidad is open to considering proposals outside of the auction process. Furthermore, ExxonMobil is said to be in discussions to re-enter the oil sector in Iraq. This comes approximately one year after the corporation exited one of the major oil-producing sites in the country. ExxonMobil halted its activities at the West Qurna 1 field in the south of Iraq in 2024, passing on its operational duties to PetroChina, which currently holds the leading share. "ExxonMobil negotiating with Trinidad and Tobago to explore seven deep-water blocks" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Globe and Mail
23-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
How Exxon (XOM) May Snag Seven Trinidad Blocks Without Bidding
Exxon Mobil (XOM) is in talks with Trinidad and Tobago to explore up to seven deepwater blocks off the country's east coast, marking a potential return two decades after it exited following failed drills. The acreage sits north of Guyana's Stabroek block—where Exxon, Hess (HES) and CNOOC have booked more than 11 billion barrels—and could extend the basin's prolific geology across the maritime border. Trinidad's new government wants fresh offshore investment to backstop its LNG and petrochemical complex after a Venezuela-linked gas project stalled. While a deepwater auction now closes Sept. 17 without Exxon's preferred tracts, law allows one-off negotiations for unauctioned areas—an opening Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal hinted at this month. Market Overview: Supermajors keep chasing Guyana-Suriname basin scale as legacy fields mature Trinidad seeks gas feedstock to sustain LNG capacity amid regional geopolitical snags Direct negotiations outside formal bid rounds highlight flexibility in smaller producers' licensing Key Points: Exxon is negotiating for seven ultra-deepwater blocks adjacent to Guyana's Stabroek Current Trinidad auction excludes those blocks, but statutes permit bespoke deals Hess remains Exxon's key U.S.-listed partner in Stabroek; CNOOC is state-owned China-listed Looking Ahead: A deal could give Exxon control of most remaining unlicensed ultra-deepwater acreage Success would redirect capital back to Trinidad after a 2003 exit and bolster LNG feedstock Regional discoveries will likely spur more cross-border JV talks and infrastructure sharing Bull Case: Exxon Mobil's potential return to Trinidad and Tobago's deepwater sector—adjacent to the prolific Guyana Stabroek block—gives it a shot at unlocking major new reserves in one of the world's hottest exploration frontiers, leveraging proven geological continuity across maritime borders. If negotiations succeed, Exxon could secure control of most remaining unlicensed ultra-deepwater acreage, preempting rivals and establishing a dominant regional footprint as Hess transitions into Chevron and competitive dynamics shift. Success would channel capital and expertise back to Trinidad after a 20-year absence, directly supporting the country's LNG and petrochemical infrastructure and providing a strategic hedge against Venezuela-related supply risks. The government's willingness to negotiate outside standard bid rounds indicates regulatory flexibility, enabling majors like Exxon to pursue high-impact tracts even when auctions misalign with exploration priorities. Any material discoveries would likely catalyze follow-on cross-border partnerships, JV infrastructure, and new LNG feedstock, potentially enhancing regional energy security and boosting Trinidad's global gas relevance. For investors, incremental Guyana-basin barrels bolster Exxon's resource base, offering upside that could counterbalance long-term energy transition headwinds and reinforce the company's growth narrative despite broader sector discipline. Bear Case: Despite attractive geology, Exxon's re-entry into Trinidad deepwater comes with substantial exploration risk, given its prior exit in 2003 following unsuccessful drilling—future wells remain unproven and capital commitments could be high with no guarantee of commercial discoveries. Heavy reliance on bespoke negotiations, rather than formal auctions, may expose Exxon to political and regulatory uncertainties—future governments could renegotiate terms or face pressure from local stakeholders if expectations are not met. Trinidad's urgent need for new offshore investment stems partly from stalled Venezuela-linked gas projects, underscoring regional instability and the potential for delays or further geopolitical snags affecting future developments. Even with a deal, monetizing discovered resources likely requires substantial infrastructure investment; success will depend on multi-party cooperation, regulatory clarity, and ongoing stability in LNG and global gas markets. The project's capital intensity and multi-year timeframes risk tying up resources in a region facing ongoing energy transition pressures, intensifying investor scrutiny over large-scale hydrocarbon projects without clear and timely payback horizons. Should the new blocks prove less prolific than the Stabroek analogs, Exxon may be forced to write down investments or scale back ambitions, harming both local development prospects and its offshore Atlantic Basin strategy. If Exxon secures terms, Trinidad gains both marquee capital and a strategic hedge against Venezuelan uncertainty; for Exxon, the move shores up optionality near a core growth hub without diluting focus. The negotiation route also signals how resource-hungry majors leverage legal flexibility when bid rounds misalign with geologic ambition. For investors, the calculus hinges on whether incremental Guyana-basin barrels can offset global spending discipline and energy-transition pressures. With Hess set to be folded into Chevron (CVX) pending approvals, Exxon's Trinidad push could preempt competitive encroachment and lock in basin synergies before the next auction window opens.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Exclusive-Exxon in talks with Trinidad for seven deepwater blocks, sources say
By Curtis Williams HOUSTON (Reuters) -Exxon Mobil has begun negotiations with the Trinidad and Tobago government to explore for oil and gas in up to seven deepwater blocks off the East Coast of the Caribbean country, which the top U.S. oil producer left more than two decades ago, two sources close to the talks told Reuters. The areas Exxon is interested in are located north of the company's prolific Stabroek block in Guyana, the fastest-growing oil production province in the world, the people said. Exxon and partners Hess and CNOOC have discovered more than 11 billion barrels of recoverable oil and gas in Stabroek and plan to produce more than 900,000 barrels per day of light sweet crude later this year. Trinidad's Energy Minister Roodal Moonilal did not respond to Reuters' request for comment. Exxon said it does not comment on rumors or speculation. Exxon left Trinidad and Tobago in 2003 after a failed exploration program. Under the new government of Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Trinidad aims to rejuvenate investment, especially offshore, where more gas output is needed to support the nation's liquefied natural gas (LNG) and petrochemical industries. Since she took office in April, a flagship offshore gas project with neighboring Venezuela that lost its U.S. authorization to move forward has been shelved, while the government has focused efforts on deepening ties with the region's other energy producers. According to Trinidad's laws, the government can individually negotiate areas for exploration and production if they are not included in a competitive bidding round. Trinidad and Tobago is in the middle of a deepwater auction that has been extended to close on September 17, and which does not include the blocks Exxon is negotiating for. If Exxon and Trinidad reach an agreement, the U.S. producer could acquire almost all the ultra deepwater blocks that remain unlicensed. The large discoveries of oil and gas made in recent years in the Guyana-Suriname basin are one of the reasons why Trinidad is now seeing a renewed interest in its ongoing deepwater auction, the country's energy minister said at a conference early in July. Moonilal also said Trinidad was open to bids outside of auctions and hinted at the negotiations. "We are currently considering one such proposal, and if the negotiations are successful, a major announcement will soon be made," he added. (Reporting by Curtis Williams in Houston; additional reporting by Sheila DangEditing by Marguerita Choy)
