PM Lauds Founders as ATL Group Celebrates 40 Years

The Prime Minister said Mr. Stewart had demonstrated a level of sound corporate leadership that had been of invaluable service to the nation. “The story of Appliance Traders is proof that it is possible to create and sustain a corporate family, because that’s what the ATL team, under Butch Stewart’s leadership, represents.”    He also said that Butch Stewart was a trailblazer in innovative marketing, which set new standards for Jamaican commerce and industry.

The reception, also attended by Minister of Tourism, Ed Bartlett and other officials, and blessed by Father Brian Kerr, saw six outstanding ATL Group staff members with thirty-plus years of service lauded by Butch Stewart.  The six honoured at the event were: Carl Ennis, Philippa Thomas, Larry McDonald, Errol Lee, Check Nichols and Josephine Marshall.

The event also marked the 40th anniversary of the entrepreneurial life of business titan, Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart.  Referring to the Group slogan, Committed to Excellence, Stewart noted that it was the work ethic of the staff of ATL, which allowed the Group to give forty incredible years of excellence to Jamaica.  “We are delighted to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the six long-serving members of staff, who together have contributed over two hundred years of service to the ATL Group”” he said.

ATL Group Deputy Chairman, Chris Zacca, welcomed guests and paid tribute to his Chairman whose leadership and dynamism had not only brought success to the ATL Group, but international recognition through the strongest brand in the Group, the Sandals Chain of Resorts. “Who would have imagined that Hon Gordon “Butch” Stewart would have created a brand even bigger than those he had promoted in the early years of ATL?” he asked. “Such is the measure of the man.”

The impressive anniversary celebration included “King of Comedy”, Oliver Samuels as Master of Ceremonies, a dazzling Fireworks Spectacular, which illuminated Hope Gardens and preceded exciting entertainment by the band, ‘Roddjah’, and music by DJ Arif Cooper of FAME95. An extensive selection of local and international food stations, presented by Sandals Group chefs, added to the festivities.