Minister Bartlett Responds to News of Jill Stewart's Death

Last updated: 9:40 PM ET, Sun July 16, 2023

Jill Stewart, the wife of Executive Chairman of Sandals Resorts International Adam Stewart, passed away Friday night  after a brave battle with cancer.

Mr. Stewart made the announcement on social media on Saturday, saying “It is almost unimaginable that it has come to this. Still, with unbearable grief and a broken heart, I let you know that my wife Jill, the love of my life, my best friend of 28 years, and mother of our three wonderful children passed away peacefully and surrounded by love."

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. Jamaica is the home of Sandals Resorts International. 

In a statement, Barlettt said,

"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, Minster 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.”

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Jen Mallia

Jen Mallia

Senior Editor

Jen Mallia is an Edmonton-based writer, editor, and Oxford comma apologist. She is a former senior editor of the CAA/AMA Insider magazines and has written for a host of publications, including The Globe and Mail. National Post, The Guardian, Today's Parent, and InStyle. 

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