Recognizing his work as an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Sandals Resorts International (SRI) Executive Chairman Adam Stewart was conferred with an honourary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree at the 2022 graduation ceremony of The University of the West Indies (The UWI), Mona Campus, held on 05NOV in Jamaica.
“I am humbled and so proud to be recognized by The UWI for the work I am passionate about," said Stewart.
"My father, the late Gordon “Butch” Stewart, taught me that opportunity is a gift not to be wasted. His tenacity and drive to make life better not only for himself and his family, but for his employees, community and country gave me the firsthand understanding of what is possible when people are given a chance. I accept this degree with a full heart and the promise to continue to earn the confidence this illustrious body has placed in me.”
Sandals is the region’s largest private employer with more than 15,000 team members spread across 24 resorts and eight islands. Beyond Sandals Resorts, Stewart directs his family’s other business holdings. Additionally, Stewart recognized for his work on some of the region’s most pressing issues – from access to healthcare and protection of natural resources to investment in education.
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An entrepreneur in his own right, Stewart is founder and CEO of attraction and tour company Island Routes Adventure Tours, offering more than 500 tours in 12 Caribbean destinations.
“The University of the West Indies is honoured to have Adam Stewart join our distinguished cadre of recipients of Honorary Doctorates,” said Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies. He continued, “Adam is the embodiment of the modern renaissance man leading the charge in the Caribbean in the innovation and creativity critical to achieving high levels of growth. His is the type of acumen and agility that The UWI prides itself on honing to meet the needs of our burgeoning region. Congratulations Dr. The Hon. Adam Stewart. Well deserved!”
Jamaica Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett sent his regards from World Travel Market (WTM) in London, saying that he, “could not let such an important event pass without expressing how profoundly pleased” he was and offering his congratulations to “this young champion of Caribbean Tourism.” “Not only has he so ably carried the mantle passed on by his late father, Hon. Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, but he has been taking the leading chain in the Caribbean to even greater heights,” said Bartlett.
Additionally, Stewart recently orchestrated a partnership between Florida International University and The UWI, where he serves as Ambassador of the Western Jamaica Campus. Pledging USD $10 million in support from SRI, and signing an MOU, The UWI and FIU will work together to establish The Gordon “Butch” Stewart International School of Hospitality and Tourism in honor of Stewart’s father and SRI founder, Gordon “Butch” Stewart.
