When Sandals Resorts held its first job fair in anticipation of opening in Grenada in 2013, Jeniffer Laltoo-Greenidge was invited by a friend to facilitate the assessment process and operations. Her diligence and passion for helping others quickly caught the attention of those around her, and she was encouraged to apply. “Just interview for the sake of doing an interview”, the on-site manager urged. Out of a desire for direction and redemption, Jeniffer embarked on what would become a transformative journey becoming the director of guest services at Sandals Grenada Resort. Her story is a reminder that sometimes the most unexpected paths can lead to the most significant rewards.
The Early Days
Hired as a wedding planner in 2013, her incessant drive for excellence quickly propelled her to the position of weddings manager in 2016. This fueled Jeniffer’s determination, as her commitment and dedication were recognized, leading to her subsequent promotion to director of guest services in 2022. Her journey also saw her copping coveted team member accolades at the resort’s annual Prestige Awards. In 2014, the received the General Manager’s Award and for the 2017 staging, she won Most valuable Player, (Manager of the Year).
Jeniffer’s passion for more started at a very young age. “A teacher’s pet, they would call me, but I didn’t care, I was just so interested in the conversations the teachers would have.” She loved drawing, so after graduating high school she had her heart set on becoming an architect. So, she decided to study building construction technology at the TA Marryshow Community College. Unfortunately, despite maintaining a stellar grade point average she was unable to complete her studies due to personal challenges. “The university tried getting me to come back, but what I had just gone through had left a hole in my heart, and I just could not return.” Her next option would have been employment, working as a site clerk on a construction site in 2009.
Once the construction sector began to slow down in 2010 she tried her hand at event management and promotions. This required an events management certificate, which served as the catalyst that led her to where she is today. “I always knew I wanted to go back to university eventually, but at that time, I just needed to keep going. Promotions off-season then rolled around, and I wasn’t doing much, so when I was asked to help at the job fair, I thought, why not? Being asked to interview and securing the job at Sandals were unexpected turns of events. I was an architectural student, I never thought I’d be working in a hotel”.
Now a trailblazer within the tourism sector and having accomplished so much at Sandals Grenada, Jeniffer’s need for more started tugging at her sleeves. “My team was doing well, so I started to think – where to next, Jen? What more can I do? Everything now felt like repetition. I started to feel like a shark in a fish tank.” She recalls having to have a candid conversation with her manager, expressing her desire for growth.
The Quest for More
With a leap of faith and no admissions secured, this conversation led her to apply for the Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart Tourism, Hospitality & Service Scholarship in 2022. “I kid you not, a voice said, just apply.” She applied to Florida International University immediately after.
Not much time passed before she was invited to an interview. She described it as being quite unlike any she had done before. She was not asked why she wanted the scholarship or what this experience would mean to her. The panel was most interested in her character. Jeniffer recalls being moved to tears when asked about failure. “I chose to fail, ” she answered. “I chose to fail in doing more for myself.” Jeniffer discussed her bold aspirations and explained why they had to be set aside. She shared that her responsibilities as the firstborn daughter and breadwinner of her family had to come first. “My niece was diagnosed with cancer at two years old, and I had to assist with providing for my family. Any money saved up to go back to university was used to help out. I didn’t mind one bit, as I knew that what is for you will always be for you.” She refers to that interview as one of the best she has ever done in her life.
Then there was silence. There is a deafening silence that comes while you wait for something you really want. A silence that was broken by the announcement that she was a 2022 awardee of the Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart Tourism, Hospitality & Service Scholarship. Jeniffer recalls that moment as being so surreal. “Time stood still, and I cried my heart out. It didn’t matter that I was breaking down in front of my colleagues – it felt like it was just me and God standing there, and my heart was filled with nothing but immense gratitude.”
Jeniffer’s second attempt at tertiary education was not without its own set of challenges. She recalls having to talk herself through many sleepless nights and conflicting responsibilities. She was driven by her determination not to fail. “Sandals only hires the best. Them seeing me as the best meant that failing was not an option.” She completed a four-year programme in two and a half years, graduating on August 9th, 2025.
“It’s truly rewarding to have this accomplishment attached to my name. I have a different kind of spark now. It means the world to me to be charged with the responsibility of carrying the legacy of the great Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.”
“I remember looking in awe as Butch Stewart walked through the resort. He was such a humble man. He always wore sneakers and jeans and was never one for flamboyance. I saw him as a man who believed in himself, who took a big risk, and ultimately prevailed. I see myself in that same light. Being curious, brave, bold, and fighting through the odds. I’m sure that, like me, he must have had his own challenges but was still able to earn trust and be of great influence to others. He was an extraordinary man who took a chance on himself for the greater good of others. He has inspired me to remain true to myself and continue striving for the best, not just for me, but for those around me.”
The Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart Tourism, Hospitality & Service Scholarship was created in 2021 to honor the legacy of Sandals Resorts Founder and Chairman, the Honorable Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, OJ, CD. Hon. LLD. The scholarship is a joint effort between the Stewart family, Sandals Foundation, Sandals Resorts, and the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) to continue investing in the development of team members. Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart, shares this powerful mantra, often noting, “the best way to predict life is to create it. This company will continue to invest in the training and development of our team members so they can find their passion and super power. “
A Message for Future Scholars
Jeniffer implores future applicants to view the scholarship as something that benefits not just them, but also those around them and everything they come into contact with. “Share the truth. Show people that if you can get through the ugly things, then so can they. Life isn’t always easy, but sometimes you get to pick your hard. Give back, make an impact – share your knowledge. Stop and take a look at how far you’ve come. Let that growth continue to inspire you and others.”
When asked what’s next for Jeniffer Laltoo-Greenridge, she laughed. “I no longer ask myself, what’s next? I have learnt not to stop chasing the next opportunity. This journey has taught me that when you show up humbly and diligently, your work and character speak for themselves, and with that, the opportunities will start to chase you. I am now focused on excelling and being open to all the great things that are coming my way.”
