TWO exceptional individuals — Okema Walters-Brown and Christopher Grey — have been named the 2025 recipients of the Gordon “Butch” Stewart Tourism, Hospitality and Service Scholarship joining a growing cohort of professionals whose dreams are being brought within reach thanks to this visionary initiative.

Launched in 2021 in honour of the late founder and chairman of Sandals Resorts, Butch Stewart, the scholarship is a joint effort between the Stewart family, Sandals Foundation, Sandals Resorts, and Sandals Corporate University (SCU).

Stewart was also co-founder and chairman of this newspaper.

The scholarship provides financial support to Sandals and Beaches resorts as well as ATL Group team members who embody a passion for excellence in tourism, hospitality, and service, allowing them to pursue higher education in fields aligned with these sectors.

Walters-Brown, administrator at Sandals Corporate University, will pursue an executive master of science in hospitality management at Florida International University (FIU), with the goal of playing a pivotal leadership role in corporate educational advancement within Sandals.

“I am honoured and humbled in carrying on the legacy of our late chairman through this scholarship. My passion is to contribute to the development of others because the biggest investment that we can make is in ourselves,” Walters-Brown said.

“In staying true to this belief, this master’s programme will be the catalyst in developing my own knowledge and skills so that I am prepared for opportunities within the company. My hope is that my journey may encourage others to prioritise self-development,” she added.

Grey, who is parts supervisor at ATL Automotive, has his sights set on becoming an electrical engineer. In September, he will begin reading for a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical & Computer Engineering at University of Technology, Jamaica.

“Being chosen as a GBS [Gordon “Butch” Stewart] Scholarship recipient is a tremendous honour that fills me with immense pride. It reflects both my dedication at ATL and the company’s belief in my potential. This programme will sharpen my leadership skills, deepen my technical knowledge and position me to take on greater responsibilities while delivering exceptional value to the ATL Automotive Group,” Grey stated.

The impact of the Butch Stewart Scholarship is best illustrated by those who’ve walked the path before. One such story is that of Deidre-Ann Osbourne, the very first recipient of the scholarship.

A former engineering coordinator at Sandals’ corporate office, Osbourne earned a bachelor’s in human resource management with first-class honours from The University of the West Indies, finishing with a 3.95 GPA and multiple academic accolades in 2024.

Her journey, which began with financial uncertainty and ended in academic excellence, continues to inspire team members throughout the company.

Executive chairman of Sandals Resorts Adam Stewart extended his congratulations to the scholars.

“Okema and Christopher represent the very best of who we are — passionate, driven and committed to personal growth. My father believed in giving people the tools to change their lives through education, and this scholarship is one of the many ways we honour that legacy,” said Stewart, who is also executive chairman of the Jamaica Observer.

Heidi Clarke, executive director of Sandals Foundation added: “We are truly thrilled to witness the continued success of past Gordon Butch Stewart Scholarship recipients. We recognise the invaluable opportunity this scholarship provides to team members who are committed to investing in their personal and professional growth. It is a privilege for us to now add two new recipients and support these efforts to play a meaningful role in their journey.”

With a total of nine beneficiaries over the past four years, the Gordon Butch Stewart Scholarship continues to expand its reach and impact — opening doors, transforming lives and building a legacy in honour of a man who believed that education could unlock limitless potential.

Christopher Grey, one of two recipients of the 2025 Gordon “Butch” Stewart Tourism, Hospitality and Service Scholarship.

STEWART… my father believed in giving people the tools to change their lives through education, and this scholarship is one of the many ways we honour that legacy