KINGSTON, Jamaica — Sandals Resorts Executive Chairman Adam Stewart has received the 2026 International Achievement Award from the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), recognising his contributions to Jamaica’s tourism industry, business sector and communities across the Caribbean.

Stewart accepted the award at the organisation’s annual Hummingbird Gala at The Plaza Hotel in New York on October 16. Emmy Award-winning actress and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph was also honoured, receiving the International Humanitarian Award.

The gala raises funds for AFJ programmes supporting education, healthcare and economic development in Jamaica. The event also featured remarks from Prime Minister Andrew Holness and a performance by reggae and dancehall artiste Sister Nancy.

In his acceptance remarks, Stewart reflected on the business his late father, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, founded in 1981 with a 99-room hotel in Montego Bay.

“Today, I have the privilege of carrying that vision and legacy forward. What began as a simple dream has grown into a globally recognised brand, proudly standing on the world stage,” he said.

Stewart said the company now employs more than 20,000 people, 97 per cent of whom were born in the Caribbean, with Jamaica at the heart of its operations.

“We’ll keep showing up every day and doing everything we can for this extraordinary island. We will never stop,” he said.

The award comes as Sandals undertakes a US$200 million transformation of three Jamaican resorts following Hurricane Melissa.

Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Caribbean Cay are being refurbished with upgraded accommodation, redesigned pools and expanded dining options.

Sandals South Coast is scheduled to reopen on November 18, with the other two resorts expected to reopen on December 18.

The company also pledged to keep all its Jamaican team members on payroll with benefits intact while the affected properties remained closed.

It committed more than US$5 million in direct recovery support for employees and mobilised relief efforts through the Sandals Foundation for communities affected by the storm.

Beyond tourism, Stewart has backed education and community development initiatives across the region.

He founded Sandals Corporate University in 2012 to provide Caribbean employees with access to professional certifications, degree programmes and continuing education.

As president of the Sandals Foundation, he also supports programmes focused on education, community development and environmental conservation in Jamaica and elsewhere in the Caribbean.