Sandals Resorts
in time management, organisation, dependability, communication and interpersonal interactions — all positive traits of an effective leader.”
After successfully graduating from the programme, Dunn was appointed junior assistant engineer at Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in 2019, a role he held for just over a year before being promoted to acting chief engineer at Sandals Grenada. Upon his return to Jamaica he was appointed chief engineer at Sandals Royal Caribbean.
As chief engineer, Dunn is responsible for managing, maintaining and protecting the resort’s equipment and machinery and the general maintenance of the physical plant. He added, “I also manage contract services and maintenance records, and oversee the financials and budget of the department. Finally, I ensure the satisfaction of my team members and guests.”
Of his experience with the company thus far, Dunn said, “The engineering experience at Sandals has provided the dream start to my career. It has given me exposure to a variety of disciplines including electrical, HVAC, mechanical and construction, among others. This has allowed me to become multifaceted in all aspects throughout my career development.”
Commenting on Dunn’s exceptional journey through the training programme, Sandals Resorts International’s Human Resources Group Manager Heather Mcdonald said, “Joel was always eager to understand and learn more. He was never daunted by the task ahead — he knew there would be challenges — however, from the get-go he was committed to the process. This was further emphasised with his declaration in orientation that he would be the first chief engineer hired from the Management Trainee Programme.”
Brian Rafferty, Sandals’ group director of engineering who hand-picked Dunn for role of chief engineer, said, “When I first asked to meet the group who had just completed the course it was clear that we had a room full of clever young men and women who were keen to continue their journey with Sandals, however Joel stood out.”
He continued, “Although quiet, he absorbs everything, processes the information, and then formulates a plan on how to implement. I knew after just a few interactions with him that he would be the first chief engineer from this programme. He willingly travelled to Grenada when our then chief engineer relocated and upon completion of his assignment, the general manager called to ask if he could keep him in Grenada, but I had other plans for him. When the vacancy became available at Sandals Royal Caribbean I had no hesitation placing Joel in this position, and he has lived up to my expectations. I expect to see him grow and develop his skills and possibly one day, lead the entire Engineering Division at Sandals.”
For Dunn, achieving his longheld goal of becoming a chief engineer is proof that with hard work and determination, nothing is impossible. “It was always my main objective since joining the [MTP] programme to become a chief engineer within five years, and with great belief, focus, hard work and discipline, I was able to make that a reality. The feeling is indescribable; nothing else can compare. It’s the best feeling in the world”, he said.
Always the dreamer, Dunn has now set his sights on a new goal — securing a regional role at the company’s corporate headquarters in the next five years. And, with his stellar track record of excellence and the continued support of his team and the company at large, there is no doubt that this goal is well within his reach.