Defending 'Butch' Stewart
published: Thursday | October 9, 2003
THE EDITOR, Sir:
PLEASE ALLOW me space in your newspaper to respond to a letter published on page A5 of The Gleaner dated Wednesday, October 8, 2003. The writer, Annette Johnson, posited the view that the Hon. Gordon "Butch" Stewart is deliberately conning the Jamaican public and the government based on his ownership and operation of Air Jamaica, our national airline.
It is indeed unfortunate to read such negative statements seemingly steeped in errant thought. I would agree that there is an obvious downturn in aviation and tourism worldwide, and yes, Jamaican taxpayers to a reasonable extent do subsidise the airline. But to accuse Mr. Stewart of taking Jamaicans for fools or worse yet, likening him to a con artist is utterly disgraceful.
Mr. Stewart in my view is a very patriotic Jamaican, who despite many odds, still chooses to call this his home. He has contributed greatly to this country through his businesses by providing employment, helping to stabilise the exchange rate some years ago, helping to market Jamaica as a primary tourism destination, assisting charities, especially persons in need of critical medical attention to travel abroad for well-needed care, assisting sporting delegations and other charities with their respective travel and accommodation needs and he has maintained an energetic, positive irrepressible commitment to the growth and prosperity of Jamaica.
