CWI President Ricky Skerritt has described the late Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart as a true West Indian legend following news of the latter’s passing on Monday.

The 79-year-old hotel and business mogul passed away in the United States after battling an undisclosed illness. Stewart was the founder of the Sandal Resorts chain, that for the past two years was the primary sponsor of the West Indies cricket teams.

Skerritt said CWI was saddened by the news.

“CWI mourns the passing of The Honourable Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart OJ and sends our sincere condolences to his family. He was a life-long West Indies cricket fan, a fierce champion of the Caribbean and a major commercial partner,” Skerritt said.

“He was also a true West Indian legend in his own right. He established unique and very successful Caribbean brands and created many opportunities for young men and women across this region to grow.”

CWI described Stewart as an “outstanding Jamaican businessman and entrepreneur, the founder and Chairman of Sandals International Resorts Ltd - the long-standing and valued partners of West Indies cricket.

“Stewart was a stalwart of the Caribbean society, an iconic figure across the region, and a true supporter of the game of cricket at all levels.”