Photos by Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer
LEFT: Gwen and William Clarke, who also celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary this year, are tickled by the witty observations in the tributes.
RIGHT: It's fun and laughter as (from left) William 'Bill' Clarke celebrates with Muna Issa and Juan Bacardi at his 40th anniversary at Scotiabank party on Saturday, May 3.

Last Saturday, while many Jamaicans were watching athletes show their talent or celebrating Jamaica Broilers' 50th anniversary, a select group of family, board members, friends, colleagues of Scotiabank's president William 'Bill' Clarke, gathered at his Jack's Hill residence to recognise his 40th anniversary with the bank.

The affair had all the elements of a great party: Top Shelf Caterers, Bert Rose décor, adequate liquor from the bar, and great conversation.

It was a night for speeches, 40 years does produce a lot to talk about, but leading the charge were the man of the moment's daughters Natalie and Rhonda, who also spoke on behalf of their brother who was unavoidably absent, gushed about a father who, in spite of being physically absent because of work commitment, "gives 110 per cent to everything".

Privileged

Natalie made everyone chuckle as she described Scotiabank as a "never-ending newborn baby", but added that his family always felt his love. "We feel privileged to have been born into the Scotiabank lifestyle of love, generosity and dedication, our father is the best dad any young person could ask for," she says.

Tributes were delivered via modern technology from Daisy Coke; Peter Godsoe, CEO, Scotiabank Canada; Anatol von Hahn, executive vice-president, Latin America, and others.

Clarke used his response to thank a number of persons, chief among them his wife Gwen and family. He had special commendation for Jean Williams, who hired him and kept him on the straight and narrow in the early years. He shared an interesting anecdote about the time he came close to leaving his job and being told he could do no such thing by Williams. He also had fond recollections of Raymond Treasure, who taught him to be a teller, and oldest pensioner, Myrtle Henry. "These two women (Henry and Williams) are instrumental in who I am today."

Guest list

Among the guests were Nigel Pagan; Rivi and Margaret Gardner; Tommy and Cynthia Lyew, Jennifer and Lloyd Samuda; Vin and Beverley Lawrence; Andrea Tinker; Dr Celia Christie-Samuels; Commissioner of Police Hardley Lewin and wife, Tessa; Milverton and Migonette Reynolds; Gurney and Pam Beckford; Dr Barry Davidson and wife, Beverley; Dr Freddie Clarke; Muna Issa and Juan Bacardi; Audrey Tugwell Henry; Monique Todd; Joan Forrest Henry; Yvonne Pandohie; Dr Nigel Clarke and wife Dr Rupika Delgoda; Denise Eldemire Shearer; Lisa and Charles Johnston; Jacqueline and Jason Sharp, and several others.

barbara.ellington@gleanerjm.com