b'FROM OUR CHAIRMANProviding the VisionI n 2005, after a complete redesign andThis dedication to education is also evident in the extensivemulti-million-dollarrenova- resorts commitment to staff wellbeing. Coconut tion, Gary Butch Hendrickson openedBays Employee Assistance Programs provide Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa asinterest-free loans, tuition reimbursement,an all-inclusive resort in Vieux Fort. Thisscholarships, training and development, andmarked the Jamaican businessmans entry celebrations for team members with recognition intotheSaintLucianhospitalitysector,and awards. The results transcend training and expandinghisfamilysbusinessventures.income. To Hendrickson there is nothing more As CEO of the Caribbeans National Bak- thrilling than the need to enlarge the resorts ingCompanyHendricksonhasaheartforparking lot because more and more resortphilanthropy, a head for business, and a strongemployees now own their own vehicles. Thedesire to improve livelihoods. He believes ineffects of caring for the team are life changing.investing in people while providing a product where service is always exemplary. This vision is realized in CoconutAt Coconut Bay, Hendrickson brought the touchstones that made Bay Beach Resort & Spa, now celebrating its 20th anniversary. Thethe National Baking Company a trusted and household name resort proudly stands as Saint Lucias most popular, four-star Premi- in Jamaica to Saint Lucia. He leads with principles of high stan-um All-Inclusive, the southern regions largest hospitality employerdards, always overdelivering, and a true bakers understanding and an impactful community member. of success: Youre only as good as your last effort. These are more than a philosophy. These are the day-to-day expectations for the Just as Hendricksons creation of the National Baking Com- Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa and Serenity at Coconut Bay pany Foundation changes lives of Jamaicans through edu- teams, ensuring that our guests always receive the best.cation, his mission to strengthen the educational foundation of Saint Lucias children, empower those needing assistance,These endeavors are recognized by the resorts high percentage and bolster the health sector are cornerstones of Coconutof return guests, who appreciate the benefits of Coconut Bays Bays philanthropic programs. One such endeavor is the sup- annual closings for renovations and refreshes. They also paved the port for the St. Jude Hospital Pediatric Ward. A commitmentway for Hendrickson to add another five-star luxury product on the for longterm support was formalized in 2015 through a jointisland with the opening of Serenity at Coconut Bay in 2017. Serenity Memorandum of Understanding. continues to be the number one traveler-rated resort in Saint Lucia on Tripadvisor, a testament to its exceptional guest experiences.Hendricksons vision for academic enrichment formally launched as CocoLand Cares on April 8th, 2014. It is my wishInvesting in the future brings all good things to both the country that through CocoLand Cares, Coconut Bay can impact pos- and its people. Hendricksons commitment ensures we welcome itively the process of early childhood education, Hendricksonthe first CocoLand Cares generation of preschoolers as our newstated. And that the children of Saint Lucia can benefit fromleaders and team members as we look ahead to the next 20 a firm grounding in terms of those critical skills they require toyears. His unwavering dedication to excellence and philanthropy make them more effective citizens. This major national initia- has earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious tive and a significant investment in early childhood educationOrder of Distinction Commander Class (2014) and the Order of benefit Saint Lucian preschools, with donations of high-qualityJamaica (2024). He has also been honored with Honorary Doctor-learning materials supporting literacy, math skills and languageate degrees from The University of the West Indies, The University of development. The resorts management and staff are alsoTechnology, The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean and proud to continue this tradition of giving back to surroundingthe MICO University College. Amongst his awards, he has received communities with personal deliveries of CocoLand Cares sup- the American Friends of Jamaica Humanitarian Award (2016), plies. This commitment is further exemplified by the multi-yearthe G. Raymond Chang Award for Philanthropy (2017) and the partnership with and comprehensive renovation of the ABCHumanitarian & Philanthropic Award from Mustard Seed Commu-Fun House Early Learning Centre. In 2024, Coconut Bay investednities (2019). Hendricksons leadership continues to shape Coconut $250,000 in the first phase of this project, revitalizing the schoolBays legacy, ensuring that his vision of service, innovation and to create a modern and stimulating learning environment. community impact endures.4 COCONUT BAY2025'