Industry Remembers Jill Stewart
Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, Hon Edmund Bartlett, on behalf of his Ministry, its public bodies and the wider tourism sector, has expressed deep condolences to Adam Stewart and his family on the passing of his wife of 14 years, Jill Stewart.
Mrs. Stewart succumbed to cancer Friday night (July 14), after a brave battle with the deadly disease. While her own career path was established as a fitness instructor, Mrs. Stewart was closely aligned to tourism through her husband Adam, executive chairman of the Sandals Resorts International conglomerate. Mr. Stewart is also Chairman of the Tourism Linkages Network, a division of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, which is a public body of the Ministry of Tourism.
In mourning with Adam on the passing of “his beloved Jill,” Minister Bartlett recalled that: “The love they shared and the care that he offered is so powerful and strong that it makes the real point about how true love and marriage ought to be.
From firsthand knowledge of the bond between the Stewarts, Mr. Bartlett lauded Adam, “even in this moment of pain, for that quintessential role he played as husband and father.”
The couple share three children and in celebrating Jill’s life, Minister Bartlett eulogized her as “a great mother and a great partner to one of our finest young entrepreneurs,” adding that: “The entire tourism family and my own family offer deep condolences as we hold up Adam in prayerful support during this difficult hour. May Jill’s soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon her.”
Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness had earlier offered condolences to the Stewart family, writing:
“Adam, words cannot adequately convey the depth of our sadness and the pain we feel for your loss. The passing of your beloved wife, Jill, is a devastating blow that has left us all with a profound sense of grief.”
Jamaica’s Prime Minister continued: “Her story will forever be etched in our hearts as a testament to her courage, grace, and resilience. We grieve with you, and we are here to provide comfort, strength, and solace in the face of your immense loss. I extend my deepest condolences & prayers. We mourn the loss of a remarkable woman whose selfless love touched the lives of so many.”
And he concluded: “May Jill’s memory forever inspire us to embrace life fully, to love unconditionally, & to cherish every precious moment with our loved ones.”
Bahamas Extends Its Condolences
The Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, along with members of the Ministry’s Senior Executive Management Team and Bahamas family of Tourism Partners, are deeply saddened to learn of the passing on Friday past of Jill Stewart, wife of Adam Stewart, Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International.
Deputy Prime Minister Cooper said, “We convey our deepest condolences to Mr. Adam Stewart, the couple’s three children, immediate family and extended Jamaican and Bahamian families as they mourn the loss of a wife, mother, relative and friend who exemplified so many noble qualities.”
Jill Stewart was born in The Bahamas and in 2005 moved to Jamaica where she made her home alongside her beloved husband Adam Stewart. The couple met in their teens in boarding school in Boca Raton. Mrs. Stewart’s twin passion for running and youth development led her to throw her ardent support behind the development of Montego Bay’s first 10K/5K run and walk for education, the MoBay City Run. Mrs. Stewart was a devoted wife and mother.
Jill Stewart was diagnosed with cancer just over a year ago. She made the brave decision to chronicle her journey with cancer on social media for the benefit of others who struggle with terminal illness. Day after day, through her uplifting posts on Instagram, the public witnessed the face of a woman who valiantly confronted the fight against cancer. Mrs. Stewart passed away peacefully on the evening of Friday, 14 July, surrounded by family and friends.
Latia Duncombe, Director General of the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation also expressed her sentiments on the passing of Jill Stewart: “Our hearts go out to Mr. Adam Stewart and his family. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. In going public with her year-long struggle with cancer, Mrs. Stewart gave a gift to the world. She demonstrated to us all how to confront adversity with courage, tenacity and grace.”
