Jamaican politicians are among those that have paid tribute to Jamaican hotel giant, Gordon “Butch” Stewart who died on January 4.
Stewart was the founder and chairman of the ATL Group, Sandals and Beaches Resorts and the Jamaica Observer. He died at the age of 79.
In his tribute to the legendary businessman, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness said that Stewart “was ahead of his time.”
“It is with deep sadness that I learnt of the passing of one of Jamaica’s most brilliant, innovative and transformative business minds,” Holness shared to social media.
“Butch was a man way ahead of his time, he had an eye for details and his ability to market and deliver world-class service in any endeavor was tremendously distinctive. He was an extraordinary human being with an unwavering commitment to the social good. He has left his unmistakable mark across the region and the world and we shall miss him dearly. I send heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and the thousands of employees whose lives he no doubts personally impacted. This loss is not just Jamaica’s, it is the Caribbean’s.”’
Opposition Leader Mark Golding sent condolences to Stewart’s family, as well as his Sandals, Jamaica Observer and ATL teams.
“Jamaica has lost one of its most innovative and successful business leaders, and a truly immense figure on the national and international stage. Walk Good ‘Butch’,” he shared.
Former Prime Minister Bruce Golding stated that Stewart’s “legacy is monumental” and will undergird Jamaica’s efforts at nation-building for many years to come.
“The passing of Gordon “Butch” Stewart has come as a real shock and Jamaica has lost someone who was, without doubt, the most outstanding, creative and successful businessman and private sector leader of my generation.
“Butch Stewart was emblematic of Jamaica’s capacity for greatness. The Sandals empire that he built over the last 40 years etched its brand in the leisure market of the world and made him a global icon. Our resounding success in tourism owes much to his imagination, marketing genius and his relentless pursuit of perfection.
“Butch Stewart’s legacy is monumental and will undergird our efforts at nation-building for many years to come.”
Another former Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller joined the many tributes, hailing the hotelier as one of Jamaica’s finest sons.
“His family has lost a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. His workers have lost their leader and motivator, and so many of us have lost a friend,” Simpson-Miller shared to social media.
“My condolences to the Stewart family and the extended work family. Rest in peace, Gordon “Butch” Stewart. We will never forget how you changed Jamaica for the better and positively impacted so many lives.”
