The legendary Jamaican entrepreneur Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart (above), one of the hospitality industry’s most vibrant personalities and founder of Sandals Resorts International, died recently at the age of 79.
Yesterday, on behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley expressed sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Gordon “Butch” Stewart, on his passing.
The legendary Jamaican entrepreneur, one of the hospitality industry’s most vibrant personalities and founder of Sandals Resorts International, the world’s leading all-inclusive resort company, died recently at the age of 79.
Reflecting on his life, Mottley said, “Butch was the quintessential Jamaican, from his accent to his antics, and in everything he did, he represented his country well – always wearing the Jamaica motto with pride: ‘Out of many, one people’. It was impossible to share a space with him and not be drawn to his infectious laughter and warm personality, no doubt products of his Jamaica heritage.
“But for him, love of country never translated into insularity, for he was always the consummate Caribbean man. The success of his Sandals brand, a name that he has indelibly imprinted on the Caribbean landscape, will no doubt serve as a monument to his Caribbeanness for generations to come,” she added in a press statement.
“His association with Barbados and Barbadians has been long, even if at times contentious, but this country has benefited from his investment. There can be no denying that Barbados’ tourism product is the better today, because of the presence of Sandals Barbados and Sandals Royal Barbados,” she continued.
“The region has definitely lost a great son who put Sandals, as a Caribbean brand, on the global landscape. To his wife, his children, the Sandals family here in Barbados and across the region, and the people of Jamaica, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May his soul rest in peace,” the Prime Minister remarked, in offering her condolences.
It has meanwhile been noted that the company Butch Stewart built and loved remains wholly owned by the Stewart family, who, in honour of Mr. Stewart’s long-term succession plans, has named Adam Stewart, Chairman of Sandals Resorts International, extending his formidable leadership of the brands he has shepherded, since he was appointed CEO in 2007.
Speaking on behalf of his family, Adam Stewart said, “Our father was a singular personality; an unstoppable force who delighted in defying the odds by exceeding expectations and whose passion for his family was matched only by the people and possibility of the Caribbean, for whom he was a fierce champion. Nothing, except maybe a great fishing day, could come before family to my dad. And while the world understood him to be a phenomenal businessman – which he was, his first and most important devotion was always to us. We will miss him terribly forever.”
Gordon “Butch” Stewart is survived by his wife, Cheryl, children Brian, Bobby, Adam, Jaime, Sabrina, Gordon, and Kelly; grandchildren Aston, Sloane, Camden, Penelope-Sky, Isla, Finley, Max, Ben, Zak, Sophie, Annie and Emma;
and great-grandchildren Jackson, Riley, Emmy and Willow. A private funeral service is to be held. Those wishing to share memories, condolences or personal stories meanwhile, may do so at AllThatsGood@sandals.com. (RSM)