Contributed
Fred Smith lovingly hugs his mother, Grethel Davidson.

Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

Montego Bay businessman Fred Smith's head remained bowed; his hands covered his face, as tears welled up in his eyes.

Deeply touched by the words of wisdom, love and affection spoken by his father, Ralph Smith, he became totally still.

"I love my son; we have shared so much because we are as close as brothers. He means so much to me, I respect and greatly adore him," said the elder Smith.

Ralph Smith was among more than 300 guests at the Rose Hall Resort and Country Club last Tuesday night to celebrate Smith's 50th birthday.

In the middle of the room, Fred Smith's life story was beautifully presented on a Selena Wong birthday cake - his years of bird shooting in the bushes of Paraguay, the two large transportation companies he currently owns, Tropical and Exclusive Holidays, and his most recent nomination for a major business award.

Artistic nature

"Fred Smith possesses an inspired an artistic nature, is blessed with the key of foresight," said Clayton Morgan.

"He is the consummate businessman, having what is called street smarts," declared Mary Chambers, while Robert Hen-driks spoke of the confessions he made to a priest in Rome, Italy, a Cuban sojourn and the South African experience.

"He continuously pushes the bar, pushing us to our potential," noted Fred Smith Jr. on behalf of his siblings, Geris, Gillian, Roxanne and Andre.

Master of ceremonies Fitzgerald Brown had the audience in stitches and Ryland Campbell said Smith is a kindred spirit.

In attendance were Smith's mother Grethel Davidson, sisters Vilma Campbell and husband Rev. Urvill, Kareen Lawrence and Lorna Pitter and husband Peter, brothers Robert and wife Aisa, Ann Simpson, stepmother Joy Smith, Triston Alvarado, Captain Horace Burrell, Lennie Little-White, Denny Chandiram, William Craig, Stephen Dear, Maxim and Joy Clarke, Sheila and Tony Hart, Dr. Delroy Fray, Godfrey and Odette Dyer, Arlene Gaynor, David Roper, Basil Johnson, Dr. Barbara Grandison, Metty Scarlett Jones, Johnny and Lee-Anne Gourzong, Kevin and Cecile Levee, David Hall, Vandyke McKenzie, Doris Morgan, Peter and Yvonne Pearson, Pauline Reid, Lachu Ramchandani, Jeannie Robinson-Foster, Lloyd B. Smith and Vana Taylor.