(Stock Photo)
Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, O.J, CD, pioneering Jamaican business mogul, died in the United States of America yesterday. He was 79.
Mr. Stewart, who was the founder and owner of the well-known hotel company Sandals Resorts International, also owned the Jamaica Observer Limited, as well as other businesses.
Minister of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs, Wilfred Abrahams, has stated on the passing of Mr. Stewart that “the Caribbean has lost an outstanding entrepreneur who has made an indelible contribution to the development of media services, tourism investment and other areas of business in the region and worldwide”.
The Jamaica Observer was launched in 1993 as a weekly newspaper and then established itself as a daily in December 1994. Mr. Stewart’s other early business endeavours included the start of an air-conditioner servicing and distribution company called Appliance Traders Limited.
He later expanded his range of investments, creating and cementing his brand of all-inclusive resorts exemplified by the Sandals and Beaches hotels.
Minister Abrahams extends condolences to the family of Mr. Stewart.
Ministry of Home Affairs, Information and Public Affairs