- PHOTO BY CLAUDINE HOUSEN
Managing Director and Founding Editor of the Western Mirror, Lloyd B. Smith, laughs as chief machine operator, George Graham, hugs Governor-General Howard Cooke at the company's official building opening/25th anniversary ceremony recently.
Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
WITH TEAR-filled eyes and his voice trembling with emotion, Lloyd B. Smith (The Governor), completed a special presentation titled 'Then, Now and Beyond', at the official opening of the Western Mirror building in Montego Bay, St. James, on Wednesday.
Celebrating 25 years (the only newspaper besides The Gleaner to do this), western Jamaica's popular community newspaper, the Western Mirror, unveiled its new state-of-the-art headquarters. The unveiling was performed by Governor-General Sir Howard Cooke and witnessed by a large number of Montegonians.
"A lot of excitement has surrounded the erection of this building, built out of the sweat, blood and tears of the shareholders, directors and workers of this noble institution," said Managing Director Lloyd B. Smith.
"I hope the struggles, challenges and successes will inspire the children of Marcus Mosiah Garvey," he urged as he became overcome by emotions.
GROWN FROM NOTHING
Born out of the ashes of the Beacon newspaper, which folded after 15 years, the members of staff of that institution decided to take over the company. The founding members included current chairman Dennis Barton, director and advertising manager, Miriam Williams, and director and production manager, Michael Bryan.
"We were laughed at by the first bank manager we approached for a loan," recalled Mr. Smith. However, this may have been a blessing in disguise, because they survived for years without borrowing a cent to construct the building which took seven years to complete.
Mr. Smith lauded the persons in the city of Montego Bay who played pivotal roles in the success of the newspaper. Banker, Vandyke McKenzie; his mentor, hardware mogul, Basil Johnson, who he said deserves a monument made of concrete and steel; Mrs. Evelyn Robinson, one of the first persons to work with the organisation; and photo-journalist Phillip Green, who has been with the company for 25 years.
Guest speaker Governor- General Sir Howard Cooke said this was an historical occasion that made him extremely proud. "They have been a mighty force in western Jamaica and their influence goes way beyond the west. They have been a vanguard of change, especially in Montego Bay," he said.
ENTERTAINMENT
Chairman and chief executive officer of Creative Production and Training Centre, Dr. Hopeton Dunn, executed the task of master of ceremonies. Entertainment was provided by A.J. Brown. Other entertainers were: cultural ambassador, Mackie Conscious, drummers, Prince Teba and the Sons of Negus and Paul Hurlock.
Among those in attendance were: the Custos of St. James, Hon. Clarence Nelson and Mrs. Nelson, Custos of Trelawny, Hon. Roylan Barrett, His Worship, Mayor Noel Donaldson, Mark Kerr-Jarrett, president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce, Desmond Richards, president of the Press Association of Jamaica, Mrs. Karin Cooper, corporate affairs manager, Gleaner Company Limited; and Dr. Horace Chang, Member of Parliament, North West St. James.
Also attending were: Mrs. Jeanne Robinson-Foster, attorney-at-law; The Gleaner's Western Bureau manager, Shernett Robinson, Mrs. Doreen Bryan, Jacqueline Burrell, Tamara Christie, Milton Maye, Clayton Morgan, Ganze Thompson, Richard Whitfield, Janet Richards, Fagan Calvert, Fred Smith, Mary Chambers, Georgia Morrison, Vee Redpath, Nashun Ricketts and Desmond Allen.
