Sandals founder Stewart awarded with CHRIS Lifetime Achievement Award

Sandals Resorts International Chairman and Founder Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart has been awarded with the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS), held last week in Miami.

Burba Hotel Network, the host of CHRIS, presents this prominent award to individuals who have made significant contributions to the hospitality industry over his or her lifetime through their actions, deeds and great accomplishments.

“It is such an incredible honor to be the first honoree to receive the inaugural CHRIS Lifetime Achievement Award,” Stewart said. “While I am so proud of all that has happened to bring me to this day, I am focused on what tomorrow may bring and continuing to raise the bar for Caribbean tourism.”

Sandals' continued growth has brought a total of ten resorts and three private villas in Jamaica, three in Saint Lucia, three in The Bahamas, two in Antigua, one in Grenada, two in Barbados and one in Turks & Caicos.

“We are very pleased to be able to present the inaugural CHRIS Lifetime Achievement Award to Hon. Gordon Arthur ‘Butch’ Stewart,” said Jim Burba, president of Burba Hotel Network. “The success of Sandals has helped to power the growth of the tourism industry and the economies not only in Jamaica but throughout the Caribbean. The word ‘icon’ certainly applies to Butch Stewart and we are delighted to be honoring him with this Award,” Burba added.