Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Monday night (January 4) paid tribute to hotelier and business mogul Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart, who died earlier in the day age 79.

“It is with deep sadness that I learnt of the passing of one of Jamaica’s most brilliant, innovative and transformative business minds, the Honourable Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart OJ, CD, Hon. LLD.,” Holness said in a statement posted on social media shortly after Stewart’s death was announced.

READ: Business mogul, hotelier Gordon ‘Butch’ Stewart has died

“Butch was a man way ahead of his time, he had an eye for details and his ability to market and deliver world class service in any endeavor was tremendously distinctive. He was an extraordinary human being with an unwavering commitment to the social good.”

The prime minister added: “He has left his unmistakable mark across the region & the world & we shall miss him dearly. I send heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, & the thousands of employees whose lives he no doubt personally impacted. This loss is not just Jamaica’s it is the Caribbean’s.”