They Died 2021

9 THEY DIED 2021 Janet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer WESTERN BUREAU: T RANSPORTATION MOGUL Ralph Smith, who founded the Montego Bay-headquartered Tropical Tours more than 45 years ago, died at his Park Avenue residence in the tourism capital Friday, January 29 after a long illness. One of the conceptualisers of the all-male business networking group, theMonday Club, the 85-year-old Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association Lifetime Achievement awardee had been ailing. Smith propelled Tropical Tours into one of the country’s largest destination management companies, employing hundreds of workers across the island. Tourism stakeholders lauded Smith’s invaluable contribution to Jamaica. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett described the icon as a brilliant businessman, applauding the work he did to transform the transportation industry as “truly unmatched”. “We will never forget his kindness and invaluable contribution. On behalf of the Government of Jamaica, I offer my sincere condolences to the entire Smith family. I pray that the love of those around you will provide some comfort and support during this period of grief,” he stated. One of Smith’s fiercest competitors, Noel Sloley, operator of Jamaica Tours, spoke of his admiration for the late businessman, who he said not only introduced first-class ground transportation service to Jamaica’s tourism industry, but also First World equipment. “At the time in Jamaica’s history when many people saw crisis, and many were selling and fleeing the country, Ralph saw opportunity and invested in Jamaica,” Sloley told The Gleaner . For him, Smith is one to be emulated, having worked hard, while capitalising on the growth of Jamaica’s tourism industry. “Hewas there to add that important dimension of good, quality equipment and well-trained staff to ensure the safety of visitors external to the hotels,” Sloley said. Adding its voice to the commiserations, the Montego Bay chapter of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) spoke of a giant of a man, who was truly one of the fathers of tourism in Jamaica. “Ralph Smith was a man with a vision. He was instrumental in forming the Jamaica Association of Tour Operators in a bid to protect local tour operators,” said chapter chair, Nadine Spence. In fact, Smith’s work did not go unnoticed by the JHTA, and the organisation recognised him with a Lifetime Achievement Award. A former board director of the Jamaica Tourist Board, Smith’s proudest moment was when he was bestowed with the Order of Distinction, Commander Class in 2005 for his sterling contribution to transportation in the tourism industry. Thanking Smith for his visionary investment, Wayne Cummings, CEO of Arya Resorts Management, tagged the pioneer’s contribution to the industry as legendary. Smith died leaving widow Joy and seven children, including son Fred Smith, managing director of Tropical Tours. janet.silvera@gleanerjm.com P U B L I S H E D J A N UA R Y 3 0 , 2 0 2 1 “Ralph Smith was a man with a vision. He was instrumental in forming the Jamaica Association of Tour Operators in a bid to protect local tour operators.” Tropical Tours founder Ralph Smith hailed as transportation pioneer