Regional tourism industry ‘forever be indebted’ to ‘Butch Stewart

Stewart, 79, died last night in the United States after battling an undisclosed illness.
In a statement under the signature of acting CEO and Director General Vanessa Ledesma, the CHTA said: “Our industry will forever be indebted to “Butch” for his continued passion for excellence and legendary Caribbean hospitality. His vision has bestowed to the global industry a Caribbean organization that adheres to the highest standards of excellence, celebrates and promotes the region's uniqueness, and invests in the development of our people and communities.

“Mr. Stewart, one of the first recipients of the Caribbean Hotelier of the Year distinction, was a great supporter of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association and an inspiration to so many of us in the region.

“Let us preserve and build upon his legacy by continuing to support the development of our industry.”

A pioneer of regional tourism, Stewart was the chief architect behind transforming the Caribbean into a global paradise for tourists primarily through his Sandals and Beaches Resorts hotel chains. He’s also the founder of Appliance Traders Limited (ATL) and the Jamaica Observer.

Meantime, founder and president of Countrystyle Community Tourism Network Diana McIntyre-Pike, said: “I will personally miss Butch Stewart who was very supportive of our Countrystyle Community Tourism programme and to date was the only major hotelier who spent a day to experience our community lifestyle experience in Resource Village, Manchester and endorsed the Villages as Businesses Programme. He will be missed for sure but his legacy lives on with his son Adam. May his soul rest in peace.”

Regional leaders also weighed on Stewart’s incomparable legacy that will last for a lifetime.

Albert Bryan Jr., Governor, U.S. Virgin Islands wrote: “The people and government of the U.S. Virgin Islands join me in sending our heartfelt condolences to the family of the Honorable Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, whose passing reminds us of the momentous achievements he recorded as he helped build tourism into the Caribbean’s major economic driver. We also remember that while he propelled the growth of tourism he did so in a way that increased local control to ensure its profits benefitted Caribbean people and their communities. He is carried into the arms of his Lord with our respect, affection and gratitude.”

Chief Executive Officer of the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC), Valerie Veira describes Stewart’s legacy as an inspiration to entrepreneurs.

“The world has lost a visionary in business and I am proud to call him Jamaican. Mr. Stewart’s journey from a small entrepreneur trading in air conditioning units to an iconic business mogul who made an indelible mark not only in appliances and electronics but also in the travel and tourism industries, automotive industry as well as print and electronic media. Those of us who travelled on Air Jamaica will recall the immense pride we felt aboard that airline which bore the beloved hummingbird, a national symbol. Among his accomplishments, I believe that brand was closest to our hearts,” Veira said.

“Entrepreneurs are facing a challenging period amidst a global pandemic. Although not of the same magnitude, we have faced many challenges. Mr. Stewart is a fine example of how an entrepreneur continuously innovates, pivots and grows successfully. Importantly, he demonstrated confidence in risk-taking, hiring the right team and succession planning. I urge our MSMEs to reflect on his life and draw well-needed inspiration at such a time as this. In the words of Andy Warhol, “The idea is not to live forever, but to create something that will.”