Barbara Ellington, Acting Lifestyle Editor
Guest of honour Kingsley Thomas (left) with Muna Issa and Anthony Chang in light-hearted discussions at the dinner hosted by William 'Bill' Clarke, managing director of Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica (BNS) for Mr. Thomas at the BNS Training Centre, Acadia, last Friday night.- PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
"KINGSLEY IS not boxed in; he's a doer; he's a conceptualiser; dependable; selfless; always committed to Jamaica." These were just some of the words used by some of the leading members of the Jamaican business and political spheres, to describe Hon. Kingsley Thomas O.J., last Friday night.
They had gathered at the invitation of William 'Bill' Clarke, president/CEO of Scotiabank, to a dinner in honour of Mr. Thomas who takes up new duties at The Voice newspaper in London, England next month.
And it was a memorable night; a night when men displayed sharp wit while Peter Ashbourne thrilled on piano, and a night when gratitude for work well done was shown in gifts.
Those who didn't know he had it, got a taste of Bill Clarke's repertoire of extremely funny jokes and witty one-liners. As chairman of the function, he moved smoothly through a range of metaphors and puns showing that he was an attentive student of English literature. He charted the guest of honour's achievements from Emancipation Park, the Jamaica Development Bank, the National Housing Trust, Highway 2000 and Harmony Cove.
Mr. Clarke's opening remarks echoed the night's theme that it would be difficult to find someone to replace Mr. Thomas.
University of the West Indies Distinguished Fellow, Edward Seaga, praised Mr. Thomas for his role in building apartments for the poor, his vision behind Highway 2000 and more.
"He's a man of rare distinction, outstanding in every way; he's a doer and there are few of those in Jamaica. I don't know what he's going to do but he will have to be back here very often," Mr. Seaga said.
And striking a personal chord, Transport Minister Robert Pickersgill said the calibre of the audience spoke volumes about the man. "Your exploits are well known and the praises are richly deserved," he said reminiscing on their long family friendship. Mr. Pickersgill also spoke of Mr. Thomas' infectious personality, how he put others interests above his own, spirituality and sensitive nature. "You will be missed nationally. I am sorry to see you go and will endeavour to see that you come back."
Businessman Maurice Facey spoke of his and all Jamaicans' great admiration for Mr. Thomas but keeping things jovial he reminded him, "Now that you're an immigrant, you will have to send remittances home through Western Union."
For his part, Marshall Hall speaking on behalf of the Producers Group, elicited loud laughter when he joked that his company is a United Kingdom business with The Gleaner and The Voice being subsidiaries.
Having been 'appointed' heir apparent when Mr. Thomas leaves, by the chairman, it was Vin Lawrence's turn to toast the guest. He wasted no time in echoing the "see that you come home very soon theme." But what made the bellies roll with mirth was his report of a "conversation" he held with Mr. Thomas in which he claims to have been told, "In two years I will be the most powerful black man in Europe because not only will I run The Voice but I will run a radio and television station that will be the equivalent of the black BET in Europe."
"Kingsley always has Jamaica's interest at heart and is always committed to the development of Jamaica," he said.
O.D. Ramtalie also predicted an early return home for Mr. Thomas while describing him as someone who faced challenges, was at times annoying but served his country well.
In his reply, the honoured guest said he was touched by the outpouring of kind sentiments but he had done all his work without seeking rewards. "Anyone else could have done it," he said noting how much more balanced Mr. Seaga had become away from politics.
Mr. Thomas said he was directly involved in 30 projects with several teams so he would be back from time to time. With reference to a recent address he gave to members of the G2k at the Jamaica Labour Party's Belmont Road offices, he said, "I would love to see more political maturity that would see anyone going anywhere and coming together for the good of Jamaica.
"I leave for my economic, physical and mental well-being. I have undergone lots of stress over the last 16 years so now I go to chart a new course," Mr. Thomas said as he ended with lines from his favourite hymn: "T'was grace that brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home."
Out for the occasion were: Paul Hoo and daughter Lise-anne Hoo; Anthony Channg; Michael and Joan Jones; Wesley and Carol Hughes; Eleanor Marie Brown; Miclelle and Chris Bovell; Marshall and Jean Hall; Derrick Latibeaudiere; Karl Hendrickson; Gladstone and Elaine Whitelocke; Fay and Tony Pickersgill; Shirley Tyndall, who was honoured for her years of service to Jamaica; Vincent Lawrence; Vinette and Barry Chisholm; Mary Helen and Raymond Rees; Gurney and Pam Beckford; Wayne Reid; Dorothea Simpson; Oswald and Marigold Harding; Charles and Lisa Johnstone; Jolie and Burchell Whiteman; Wayne Hewitt; Michael Thompson; Jean Dixon; Wayne Henry and many more.
