Janet Silvera, Gleaner Writer
National Honours awardee Ralph Robert Smith (left) greets Prime Minister P.J. Patterson after receiving his award at King's House on Monday, for his contribution to the development of tour operations in the tourism industry.
WESTERN BUREAU:
"HONOUR IS but the reflection of a man's own action, shining bright in the face of all about him, and from thence, rebounding upon himself south," said Montego Bay businessman Ganze Thompson in his tribute to Ralph Robert Smith.
Mr. Thompson was among the large gathering of family, friends and well-wishers who ignored the inclement weather on Monday night to share the pride and joy with National Honours recipient Ralph Smith.
In the last 31 years, Mr. Smith, who retired in January, and his wife Joy, transformed the Montego Bay-based Tropical Tours into an exceptional transportation company, which was named number one tour operator by the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) three times in recent years.
The stalwart who had chartered an aircraft to Kingston earlier that morning to receive the Order of Distinction (OD) for his contribution to the development of tour operations in the tourism industry, was in his element at his sprawling Park Avenue mansion.
"He has given first class service and having started the honour roll, he is way up the line," said Custos Clarence Nelson, who attended the soiree.
Mr. Smith's best friend, retired High Court Judge David Pitter, heaped praises on the man he described as determined. "Ralph is one of the hardest working persons I know, he is an achiever, who will leave behind a rich legacy."
His sons Fred, Gilmore and Robert Smith and his eldest child, Lorna Pitter, concurred.
"There had to be someone in the family who would lead so we could emulate, we appreciate you and promise we will continue to make you proud," said Smith.
It was an evening of great fellowship, fine wine and scrumptious food as Robert Cartade, Basil Johnson, Clayton Morgan and George Thomas talked business.
Senator Janet Madden and husband Rhuel shared a table with Myrtle Dwyer, Roy Anderson, Ann and Gordon Townsend.
Ralph Smith's guest list was long; it included: Fran Edwards, Ursula Glatzever, Grace Grandison, Valerie Pitter, Geneita Fletcher, Collista Sutherland, Mary Chambers, Glen and Al Miller, Councillor Noel Donaldson, Drs. Curtis Yeates, Keith Wedderburn, Geoffrey and Joy Williams, Carl 'CC' and Metty Jones, Marco Brown, attorney George and wife Emmy Duncan.
Also in attendance were: Robert Hendriks, Horace Peterkin, Manu and Navin Chandiramani, Kishim Samtani, George and Lyn Holloway, Herma and George Johnson, Robert and Beverly Russell, Peter Pitter, Everton Anderson, Norman Marshall, Yvonne James, Winston Kennedy, Doreth Chambers, Hyacinth Forde, Earnest and Kathleen Sterling.
