JAMAICA AND THE CTO MOURN GORDON ‘BUTCH’ STEWART

Jamaica is mourning a favourite son, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart as is the rest of the Caribbean and all those who knew and worked with him, visited and sold Sandals and Beaches resorts and had the pleasure of meeting him at industry functions here in Canada, in the Caribbean, or in the US. He welcomed industry and media types at lunches in New York, aboard the Lady Sandals and at his resorts. Butch Stewart will be missed.

Here are the statements put out by the Jamaica Tourist Board and The Caribbean Tourism Organisation:

JAMAICA TOURIST BOARD HAILS TRAVEL AND TOURISM ICON GORDON ‘BUTCH’ STEWART

Jamaica and the entire tourism world have lost an icon and travel and tourism visionary with the passing of Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart on Monday evening. The Jamaica Tourist Board offers sincere condolences to his widow Cheryl, his seven children, immediate and extended family, and the wider tourism community.

In reflecting on his passing, Chairman of the Jamaica Tourist Board John Lynch who worked with Stewart for decades spoke of his commitment to excellence.

“I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Stewart over many years, and his passion and vision for tourism in Jamaica and across the wider Caribbean region is unparalleled. He will be remembered for his ground breaking work in growing the all-inclusive concept here and in the Caribbean and we’re confident his rich legacy will be preserved.”

Stewart was a leader in the hospitality industry, influencing the all-inclusive resort in a way that reshaped the notion of luxury. He was an extraordinary businessman and professional who cared genuinely about tourism and the many who benefited from the industry. He was not only a champion of hospitality, but his philanthropy and generous spirit was evident in many other areas of his life, having contributed to education and to community with the establishment of the Sandals Foundation.

Here at the Jamaica Tourist Board, we benefitted from his business acumen as he served two stints as a member of the Board of Directors. From September 1984 to March 1986 and February 1989 to July 1997, his significant contribution helped to make Jamaica a world-class destination.

“The industry has lost a tourism giant, and though I never had the privilege of working with Mr. Stewart, I feel like I know him personally, because the evidence of his hard work, passion, love for Jamaica, dedication and commitment to excellence is unmistakably evident around us,” expressed Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism.

“Jamaica and the Caribbean have benefitted significantly from his insights and investment in travel and tourism and there are many who’ve attested to the impact of his tutelage. Jamaica’s tourism is richer for his exceptional leadership and unstoppable vision and we will continue to build on that rich legacy. We wish his family and the wider tourism and business community strength and comfort during this time. May his soul rest in peace and God grant strength to his bereaved family,” he added.

CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION

It is with great sadness that the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has learned of the death of Jamaican and Caribbean hospitality icon, Gordon “Butch” Stewart. The CTO member countries, allied members and staff join the government and people of Jamaica, the Stewart family, the Sandals family, and the regional and international tourism and hospitality sector in mourning his passing.

Mr. Stewart has been a faithful and passionate servant of Caribbean tourism for four decades and his dedication was fully demonstrated through his many outstanding achievements. His was a virtual lifetime of high performance, devotion to country and the Caribbean and commitment to excellence in the hospitality sector.

To quote his son, Adam, Mr. Stewart was a “gifted entrepreneur,” a “marketing genius,” and “a dreamer who could dream bigger and better than anyone.” There is no greater testament to this than his success as the founder and leader of the world-renowned Sandals and Beaches resort brands, along with the innovations he brought to these brands.

Mr. Stewart was a mentor to many, and his contributions have touched almost every sector of Jamaican and Caribbean society. His passing is a great loss to the entire region. He was a true travel and tourism and business icon and his legacy will shape future generations.