The AI (artificial intelligence) overview of Ambassador Adam Stewart’s defiant and fiery declaration to the world that “no storm can stop Jamaica” reads:

“The phrase ‘no storm can stop Jamaica’ has become a rallying cry emphasizing the nation’s resilience, unity, and determination to rebuild following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa in late October 2025.”

It is indeed a rallying cry for the ages and captures a moment in time when the much-battered and most-vulnerable Jamaican people need one that carries a message that it’s not over now, and will never be, as the nation’s best are putting aside self to work for the good of all.

Older Jamaicans know by experience that the unshaken spirit of the people has always unleashed a proud and courageous display of uncommon strength and the uncanny ability to support each other when the moment demands it. Younger Jamaicans will see that now and be inspired.

Wearing his hat both as ambassador/special investment envoy for tourism and executive chairman of Sandals Resorts International (SRI), Mr Stewart made his “no storm” declaration to a global audience of more than 350 key travel advisors, trade professionals, tourism officials, global trade media, and company executives he brought to Jamaica, as well as 11,000 others from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Latin America online, for a special town hall.

The event, held at Sandals Dunn’s River near Ocho Rios, St Ann, last Friday, unfolded a day ahead of the reopening of five of eight Sandals Jamaica resorts to showcase the resilience of the island and resorts and engage stakeholders through various experiences — as evidence that visitors need have no fear to start vacationing in the island again.

“There is no storm or weather event that will stop Jamaica. The spirit of our people, the warmth of our welcome, the beauty of this island, none of that was washed away,” Mr Stewart asserted feelingly. “To every travel advisor here: Go home and tell the world what you saw. Tell them Jamaica is ready, and we cannot wait to welcome them back.”

It would also have been very heartening to Jamaicans to hear Mr Stewart’s assurance that Sandals would not be going it alone, but would be putting the entire tourism industry ahead of the hotel chain, by not thinking about quarterly profits but the long-term good of the country.

He invoked the legendary spirit of his late great father and Sandals founder, Mr Gordon “Butch” Stewart to remind the country of his enduring love, saying: “My father always said: ‘The Caribbean, Jamaica, and Sandals Resorts were at their absolute best in times of adversity,’ and this is one such time.”

And, as if for further encouragement, Ambassador Stewart played host last Thursday to the 42nd US President Mr Bill Clinton, who earlier in the day flew over storm-ravaged western Jamaica to see for himself the damage suffered by the island. Jamaica hopes to partner with the 24-year-old Clinton Foundation in the island’s recovery effort.

The foundation says it is uniquely positioned to leverage partnerships, relationships, and expertise “to quickly and effectively mobilise resources at a moment’s notice, while setting up dedicated communities committed to long-term recovery and sustainability”.

We are sure that grateful Jamaicans will do all to see to it that visitors have the time of their lives.