Barbara Ellington, Senior Gleaner Writer
Knight of the French Order, Ian Levy, shares his historic moment with sisters Sandra Ramsay, Nyla D'Andrea and Pamella Murray. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL
MEMBERS OF his family, business associates and friends from far and near came to witness the historic presentation of the coveted Knight of the French Order on businessman Ian Levy, at the French Embassy on Hillcrest Avenue in St. Andrew, on Monday night. The award was presented by the Government of France in recognition of Mr. Levy's valuable contribution to the development of friendly relations between France and Jamaica.
The embassy's poolside was magically transformed by event stylist Ann Marie Weiss who chose Oriental lanterns and hydrangea centrepieces, and cobalt-blue table accents for the occasion.
Cecelia Levy looked like a princess in her layered shell pink gown and complementary accessories, while a debonair Ian Levy bustled about greeting his guests who had come out to shower kudos on his head.
In making the presentation, French Ambassador Francis Hertut informed the gathering that the honour had so far only been conferred on a total of 15 French and international individuals.
WATER METER CONTRACT
Among the collaborations handled by Mr. Levy, on behalf of both countries, is the largest water meter contract in the world at the time (1978), financed by Banque Paribas. That has been followed by several other contracts.
"Mr. Levy's company has been acting as an agent for 27 French companies and I
hope that as a new ambassador in your country, I will be able to significantly increase that figure," Mr. Hertut said.
In his acceptance speech, Mr. Levy paid special tribute to his family and expressed sincere appreciation to the president and Government of France for the prestigious decoration that deeply moved him. He chronicled the alliance that spanned 27 years and provided a unique opportunity to forge a working relationship between Jamaica and France.
"Over these 27 years, I have represented and done business with 27 of the largest industrial companies in France. From the first large contract, Ian K. (Agencies) has negotiated many others for heavy duty equipment including garbage and water trucks, sprinklers and fire trucks. We even negotiated the leasing of airplanes to the Government of Jamaica," he told the gathering.
Sharing the historic occasion were: Sandra and Robert Ramsay; Pamella and Robin Murray; Nyla D'Andrea with Antonino and Michella D'Andrea; Tara, Henio and Luke Podlewski; Matthew Kent Levy; Brigit Levy; Robert and Judy Levy; Desmond and Valerie Levy; Phillip and Rosie Levy; Wendy Bitter; Dr. Hugh March and wife Cynthia; Donna Chuck; Steven Thomson; Norma and Horace Russell; Norma and Marie McDonald; Norma Shirley; Lorna Golding; Paul Hoo and daughter Lisa; Brian George, Ruddy Spencer; Dr. Peter Phillips and Mrs. Phillips; Dr. Omar Davies and Mrs. Rose Davies; Delroy Chuck; John Junor and wife Urla; Janet Stewart; Laurent Lenquette and Richard Schindler in from France; Tanya and Robert Silvera; John and Tracy Graham; Glaister Duncan and wife Claire and many more.
