Devon Evans, Gleaner Writer

Stewart

Ocho Rios, St. Ann:

Hotel mogul and businessman, Gordon 'Butch' Stewart, has added his voice to the call for early elections in Jamaica. "I actually think the sooner the better, and if that election is in December, fantastic; if it is in January/February, fantastic, but the sooner the better," he said.

Mr. Stewart was speaking with reporters on Friday at Beaches, Boscobel Hotel in St. Mary where he was special guest at the K&S Chemicals Quarterly Staff Awards.

Mr. Stewart says he believes the country is ready for the election. "They want to settle this thing, give somebody their mandate, whoever wins wins. May the best person win."

Jamaicans have matured

Asked whether a December election would not negatively affect the start of the winter tourist season, Mr. Stewart responded "Any time of the year you think is good for the election is also good for the tourist industry. "

The chairman of Sandals Resort International said he believes the people of Jamaica have matured since the days of the 1970s when some people would have been inclined to do things to hurt the business.

In the meantime, he expressed his love for both leaders - Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller and Opposition Leader Bruce Golding - but did not publicly offer any support for any individual candidate.