Jill Stewart, the wife of Sandals Resorts International and ATL Group Executive Chairman Adam Stewart, passed on Friday night after a long and brave battle with cancer. She was 43.

News of her passing, shared by her husband on his social media account, triggered a flood of condolence messages from Jamaicans, among them Prime Minister Andrew Holness, who said it was “a devastating blow that has left us all with a profound sense of grief”.

“Words cannot adequately convey the depth of our sadness and the pain we feel for your loss,” the prime minister told Stewart

“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,” he said, adding that Jill Stewart was “a remarkable woman whose selfless love touched the lives of so many”.

“May Jill’s memory forever inspire us to embrace life fully, to love unconditionally, and to cherish every precious moment with our loved ones,” Holness added.

Stewart, in a heartfelt tribute to the love of his life, best friend of 28 years, and mother of their three wonderful children, said he was sharing the news of her passing “with unbearable grief and a broken heart”.

“From the moment we received her terrible diagnosis a little more than a year ago, Jill was certain she wanted to share her journey, our family’s journey, wherever it led. Opening herself to this community was brave and generous. Just like Jill,” he said. The reference was to her decision to inform the public, via social media, about her battle with illness which received thousands of expressions of hope and best wishes.

“She remained deeply touched by your words of comfort and she hoped her story would serve to impact and protect others in the pursuit of prevention,” Stewart added.

“Time with the ones you love is what life is all about. Jill believed this to her core and told us so time and time again. She fought harder than anything I have ever seen, and never ever gave up. Hers will forever be a story of courage, strength, and grace. We are shattered to begin this new journey without her, but the love she left us will be our guide,” added Stewart, who is also executive chairman of the Jamaica Observer.

“To our beautiful Jilly, you taught us the true meaning of selfless love and we will love you forever,” he said and thanked the public for taking part in his family’s story.

“Your support and encouragement have been one of the most sacred things we have ever experienced. We are deeply aware and forever grateful for your time. It is everything,” Stewart said.