In one of his first initiatives as Sandals Resorts International’s Executive Chairman, Adam Stewart has announced the creation of The Gordon “Butch” Stewart Tourism and Hospitality Scholarship in honour of the late founder of the resort chain.

“When we launched the Sandals Foundation in 2009, we did so to put a formal face to the philanthropic efforts my father championed since he opened the doors of Sandals Montego Bay in 1981. It’s my honour now to ‘formalize’ this scholarship in his name, cementing his passion for mentorship and his profound desire to elevate the promise of the Caribbean,” said Stewart.

Designed to foster the power of education to develop the next generation of Caribbean tourism leaders, the scholarship is funded by philanthropic division of the company, the Sandals Foundation, and is available to full-time team members who will be evaluated based on their financial needs, personal attributes, and success in their current role.

Working alongside the Sandals Corporate University (SCU) and in partnership with local colleges and universities, recipient(s) of the scholarship will be eligible to receive funding for up to a four-year college program in hospitality and tourism. Applications will be accessible through the SCU starting June 1, 2021.

“My father fiercely believed in the power of possibility; he understood and celebrated the ability of people to rise above their potential and accomplish great things,” said Stewart. “This scholarship’s core mission is to ensure a strong future for the Caribbean hotel industry by fueling the talent pipeline with opportunity – a true reflection of my father’s passion for the region and its potential. That’s why I am delighted to honour his memory and the example he set by empowering our team members to dream big and dream bright.”

Conservation efforts

In addition to the scholarship program, those wishing to help honour the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart and his love of the region he called home, are invited to do so by donating to support the marine conservation efforts of the Sandals Foundation. Through the creation and management of coral nurseries and marine sanctuaries, and by partnering with local community groups for mangrove restoration and turtle conservation, the Foundation has helped to restore and sustain the delicate marine ecosystems in the Caribbean.

Additionally, the Foundation has continued its commitment to work alongside local schools and educators to integrate marine education in their curriculum, spearhead hands-on field trips to protected areas, and engage residents in coastal communities on proper solid waste management programs to ensure the presence of environmental stewards for years to come.

For more information and to donate to The Gordon “Butch” Stewart Tourism & Hospitality Scholarship or to Marine Conservation efforts, visit the Sandals Foundation website. https://sandalsfoundation.org/