Butch Stewart Dead at 79 … An Iconic Figure, Dreamer & Salesman
January 5, 2021 | By Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |
The tourism and business sector are shocked by the passing of Butch Stewart 79 after a short undisclosed illness in a United States hospital.
“My father chose to keep his health concerns private and we respected that. He was a dreamer …”
Declared Adam Stewart inter alia as he reacted to the death of his father.
PM Holness said:
We have lost a marketer and showman.
Bush Stewart was also founder of the Observer Newspaper and branded the World’s most popular International tourism brand known as Sandals. This is a household name across the world as an All Inclusive brand … one of excellence.
Senator Honourable Matthew Samuda, Minister Without Portfolio in the Holness government said inter alia:
“We have lost an outstanding business leader. May his soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine on him”
Tourism Minister Honourable Edmond Bartlett hailed Butch Stewart as a Tourism great and salesman.
In a recorded statement the late Butch Stewart “encouraged many to join the tourism industry”.
We express our deepest condolence to Adam and Brian Stewart his sons who continue tourism excellence and his other business endeavours.
Hon. Mark Golding, Opp. Leader has also hailed Butch Stewart as an outstanding business leader.
Personal
Did have journalistic work published in the Jamaica Observer. Butch Stewart’s death for me was therefore a great loss and is very personal.
“We have lost an iconic business leader of an international flair. He started humbly but progressed steadily. We mourn Butch Stewart’s passing deeply … gone too soon”
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a senior international journalist.
Butch Stewart inspired hope, vision and focus for the future. He brought out the best in everyone he touched. Jamaica has lost a great wonder.. magician and most cherished son and I have lost the only person that I ever admired for his decency, affable manner and for the trust and confidence he inspired in us all.
I will always mirror his smile and remember him.. he holds a special place in my heart!