Disputed Last Wish of Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart Could Impact Control of Sandals Hotel Chain
In a shocking turn of events, the late hotelier Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart’s last wishes have sparked a heated dispute within his family, particularly regarding the future control of the Sandals hotel chain. The contentious wishes, as revealed in court documents, would significantly diminish the authority of his son and executive chairman, Adam Stewart, in the company.
According to Butch’s common-law widow, Cheryl Hammersmith-Stewart, the late mogul’s United States-based family would be granted the largest stake in the company as a unit, leaving Adam with a reduced share. This revelation has raised serious doubts from Adam about the authenticity of his father’s alleged wishes.
The Sandals Resorts International, a leading all-inclusive hotel group in the Caribbean, holds immense importance in the tourism-dependent economies of the region. With Butch’s reported instructions to transfer shares into newly established trusts for his family members, the future ownership and control of the company hang in the balance.
The dispute has escalated to legal action, with Cheryl filing a lawsuit for the removal of the trustee involved in the trusts, citing conflicts of interest and concerns about the implementation of Butch’s wishes. The court documents shed light on the intricate details of the family feud, including discussions about the potential sale of the US family’s stake in the Sandals Group.
Amidst allegations and counterclaims, Adam Stewart has vehemently denied the accusations against the trustee and asserted that Sandals is in excellent financial health. The ongoing legal battle is set to determine the fate of Butch Stewart’s legacy and the future direction of the Sandals hotel chain.
As the saga unfolds in the courts, the Stewart family feud continues to captivate attention, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics and business succession in high-profile enterprises. Stay tuned for further developments in this gripping legal saga.