GORDON “ BUTCH” STEWART, OJ, CD, - DOCTORATE, HONORIS CAUSA (POSTHUMOUSLY), BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
 

Hon. Gordon Arthur Cyril “Butch” Stewart, OJ, CD, Hon. LLD, was known throughout Jamaica, the Caribbean and internationally as the consummate marketer.

Hotelier, businessman, entrepreneur, he was founder/owner and chairman of Sandals Resorts, Beaches Resorts, and their parent company Sandals Resorts International. He was also founder/owner and chairman of Sandals as well as the ATL Group and its subsidiaries, Appliance Traders and the Jamaica Observer - influential entities on the Jamaican business landscape.

“Butch” as he was affectionately called by all, was a visionary and dynamic leader whose pioneering influence led to the advancement of the hospitality industry in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

He was a trailblazing entrepreneur and magnanimous philanthropist – a fountain head of knowledge who positively impacted all around him and dedicated his life to providing opportunities and inspiring the realization of big dreams.

He started as an air condition salesman and built Appliance Traders Limited from the ground up into the phenomenal powerhouse it is today, purveying the world’s best brands of appliances for home and business.

The Sandals and Beaches Resorts have earned a worldwide reputation for offering the ultimate in all-inclusive luxury vacations, copping myriad awards as the region’s leading hotel brands and with properties dotted across the region, are proof positive that “Butch” Stewart was the quintessential Caribbean man.

He did not keep his knowledge to himself and in 1984-1988, served as President of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association, sharing his considerable acumen and experience in propelling the industry to international standards.

In 1992, “Butch” Stewart gave Jamaica its 20th newspaper ignoring the naysayers who reminded him of the demise of others, most within five years of their establishment.  Today, the Jamaica Observer stands as a testament to the tenacity and drive of a man who was not afraid to dream big and was not averse to rolling up his sleeves to move concept to actualization in the shortest possible time.

The boy who grew up on a beach in Ocho Rios, turned entrepreneur, went beyond the call of duty for his beloved Jamaica, leaving a legacy of innovation - premier Jamaican brands, a Caribbean chain par excellence, and over 15,000 team members from all walks of life who embody his core values of service, hard work and loyalty.

He was a true ambassador for his beloved Jamaica, father, grandfather and great grandfather.

The University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) is proud to present the Doctor of Business Administration, Honoris Causa, posthumously to the Hon. Gordon Arthur Cyril “Butch” Stewart.

Date Published:
Friday July 30, 2021
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