The government of Jamaica has approved the renaming of Main Street in the popular town of Ocho Rios in honor of Gordon “Butch” Stewart, the founder of Sandals Resorts, who died in 2021.
The resolution, which was read by the chief executive officer of the St Ann Municipal Corporation, Jennifer Brown-Cunningham at the recent monthly meeting of the corporation, said:
“And whereas Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart has been a significant employer in Ocho Rios, and whereas Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart has been, through his Sandals Foundation, contributing greatly to the development and benevolence outfit program, be it resolved that the St Ann Municipal Corporation look to rename Main Street, Ocho Rios in his honor posthumously. We further resolve that this do not interfere in the mailing address but rather add his recognized name as an addition on signposts and street name, and we further resolve that this recognition be forwarded to the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development for approval,” she said.
The honor will serve as recognition for Stewart’s contribution to the parish of St. Ann and Jamaica as a whole.
Butch Stewart’s legacy
Butch Stewart was one of the most successful hoteliers and businessmen in Jamaica.
He founded Sandals Resorts, the leading hotel chain in the Caribbean, Beaches Resorts, and their parent company Sandals Resorts International, as well as The ATL Group and The Jamaica Observer.
In 2012, Stewart founded Sandals Corporate University, an adult education program for Caribbean nationals employed by Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, and Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts, provided in partnership with Canada-based Ryerson University, Western Hospitality Institute of Jamaica, and the Jamaica Foundation for Life Long Learning.
Stewart’s businesses employed more than 10,000 people in the Caribbean across various industries including hospitality, restaurant, automotive, retail, and media.
Stewart received several accolades and awards including Jamaica’s highest national distinctions: Order of Jamaica, and Commander of the Order of Distinction. He also earned Lifetime Achievement Awards from The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences, Travel Weekly and Globe Travel Awards.
Butch Stewart died on January 4, 2021, in the United States after ailing for some time. He was 79 years old.
His son Adam Stewart later succeeded his father as executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International. He assumed the role after working alongside his father for more than two decades, during which time he served as chief executive officer and deputy chairman.
