MONTEGO BAY, St James — Veteran journalist Lloyd B Smith was showered with praise Sunday evening for his remarkable mentorship of scores of journalists who began their careers and honed their craft under his masterful guidance.

The accolades came during a celebration of Smith’s 50 years in media and 45 years since founding the
Western Mirror newspaper.

The glitzy milestone event, expertly pulled together by journalist and event planner Janet Silvera at S Hotel Montego Bay’s nightclub, drew heartfelt tributes from media practitioners, civic leaders, and colleagues. The room was packed with the movers and shakers of Montego Bay, many of whom had felt the prick of Smith’s pen over the years. But there was no acrimony in the room as they hailed ‘The Governor’, as Smith is affectionately known.

In his time at the podium, mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon underscored Smith’s far-reaching impact on the city’s development and on youth empowerment.

“Montego Bay is a better place because of Lloyd B Smith,” he said.

“At heart he is for the development of the city. At heart, he is for the development of youth. And in our usual vernacular, ‘Nuff yute Lloyd B buss. A nuff yute started at The Mirror ended up at The Gleaner, JIS, Observer, all over. Him buss nuff yute,’ and we must give him a round of applause,” Vernon added.

Custos of St James Reverend Conrad Pitkin described The Western Mirror as more than just a newspaper, noting it has “chronicled our stories, celebrated our achievements, and kept communities informed”.

He praised Smith for his “commitment to truth, integrity, and nation-building”, calling him, “an icon whose name will forever be etched in Jamaica’s history”.

“What a legacy you’re leaving for your daughter and the rest of the family!” the custos remarked.

Representing the Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ), Jevaughn Keyes highlighted Smith’s legacy of leadership and influence, noting that, “so many members of the PAJ can credit their careers to you”.

He commended Smith for creating a space for young people to feel welcome and valued in the media fraternity, and made the point that his contribution extends, “beyond Jamaica into the wider Caribbean”.

“Your golden year is significant, and we continue to be quite humbled by your contribution to the fraternity. We thank you for your continued service to not just the PAJ but to the media fraternity here in Jamaica, and I dare say in the region. Because if you are to do a study, perhaps, on how many people have passed through the hands of Sir Smith, it perhaps is countless those who are not just serving here in Jamaica, but across the region. So keep going. Keep doing what you’re doing,” Keyes said.

Also among those who gave glowing tributes to the media maestro was Adrian Frater, news editor at The Gleaner’s western bureau, who credited Smith for launching his career and those of many others.

“You not only gave me a free education, but you made sure everyone who came through The Mirror’s door got one too,” Frater said.

“When we left, we were finished products. None of our success would have happened without your input,” he added.

Charmaine Clarke, executive editor, regional correspondents network at the Jamaica Observer, lauded Smith as the longest-serving living columnist for the paper, noting that his column, Life in the West as seen by Lloyd B Smith, which later became Point Counter Point, “has always been insightful, well-written, and consistent”.

She expressed gratitude on behalf of the Observer team, describing Smith as an excellent columnist who has given a voice to Montego Bay.

During the well-attended celebration Smith, who is also an Actor Boy awardee, gave a glimpse of his dancing skills as he rocked to Marsha K’s soulful rendition of Chronixx’s I Can.

The Gleaner news editor Adrian Frater paying tribute to Lloyd B Smith. (Photo: Philp Lemonte)

Journalist and event planner Janet Silvera, alongside Press Association of Jamaica’s Jevaughn Keyes, during Sunday evening’s celebration of Lloyd B Smith’s 50 years in media. (Photo: Philp Lemonte)

Lloyd B Smith and Marsha K dance to her soulful rendition of Chronixx’s I Can, Smith’s favourite song. (Photo: Philp Lemonte)

Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon delivering his tribute to Lloyd B Smith during Sunday’s celebration at S Hotel, Montego Bay. (Photo: Philp Lemonte)

Former senator and Montego Bay businessman Noel Sloley (left) in conversation with Lloyd B Smith before the start of Sunday’s celebration to mark Smith’s 50 years in media. (Photo: Charmaine Clarke)

Custos of St James Reverend Conrad Pitkin (right) exchanges pleasantries with social activist O Dave Allen during a celebration of Lloyd B Smith’s 50 years in media at S Hotel in Montego Bay on Sunday evening. (Photo: Philp Lemonte)

Lloyd B Smith (left) poses with guests during Sunday evening’s celebration of his 50 years in media. At right is People’s National Party Senator Allan Bernard while former PNP councillor Suzette Brown is at centre. (Photo: Philp Lemonte)

Businessman Winston Dear is among those who turned out to celebrate Lloyd B Smith’s 50 years in journalism Sunday evening. (Photo: Charmaine Clarke)