Tourism & Hospitality Executive, Hotel Administration
Robert “Sandy” Sands is considered one of the brightest and most outstanding hoteliers in Bahamian history. He started his career at the Nassau Beach Hotel in 1971 and with over 50 years of experience within the hospitality and tourism industry he has earned greatly sought-after awards such as the Cacique “Hotelier of the Year” Award in 1993 and The Bahamas Silver Jubilee Medal for tourism in 1997.
He has worked in various hotels regionally serving as general manager at Guyana Pegasus, Jamaica Pegasus, Carnival’s Crystal Palace Casino, and Crystal Palace Riviera Tower, and worked for three years as Vice President & General Manager of the Nassau Wyndham Resort & Crystal Palace Casino before returning to the Nassau Beach Hotel in 2004. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts Degree in Hospitality Management and Tourism Administration from Ryerson University, Toronto, Canada.
In May 2005 Baha Mar Ltd. announced the appointment of Robert Sands to Senior Vice President of Administration and External Relations.
Today Mr. Sands serves as the Honorary Consul General to Japan, President of The Bahamas Hotel Employers Association; the Past President and Director of The Bahamas Hotel Association; Trustee both of The Hotel Industry Management and Allied Pension Funds; Past Chairman and Director of The Nassau/Cable Beach/Paradise Island Promotion Board; Member of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army; Member of the Vestry, St. Christopher’s Anglican Church; Director, Elizabeth Estates Children’s Home. Mr. Sands holds various other directorships in The Bahamas.
Mr. Sands shares 5 kids with his wife, former Senator The Honourable Michelle Pindling-Sands.
Written by: Alexis Clarke
Caption: For decades, the Bahamas tourism industry has been referred to as the goose that lays the golden egg. And for decades, Robert ‘Sandy’ Sands has been an important part of protecting and nurturing that golden egg.