St. George’s, December 31, 2011 – One of Grenada’s most distinguished broadcast journalists has been recognized by Queen Elizabeth II for outstanding service in his profession.
Lew Smith is one of four Grenadians named on the Queen’s News Year’s Honours’ List. He has been named a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) for more than 35 years of service to broadcast journalism in Grenada and the Caribbean.
Born Llewellyn George Smith, the longtime resident of the Green Street and Carenage community was once the leading voice of news and music at the former Radio Grenada in Morne Rouge, St. George’s.
He has also been a popular Master of Ceremony; travelled extensively as a reporter with former Prime Minister Maurice Bishop; and was a mentor and trainer of many Grenadian broadcasters and journalists such as Ray Roberts, Lincoln Toro Depradine and Harold Pysadee.
Smith, who still can be heard and seen on the Grenada Broadcasting Network, is also a former new director and news anchor at the now defunct Radio Antilles that was based in Montserrat.
Other Honourees on Queen’s News Year’s Honours’ List include Lennon Mapson, who is popularly known as the “Cane Juice Man.’’ He has been awarded the MBE for service to agriculture.
Another Grenadian recognized by Her Majesty for service in the field of agriculture is Bertrand John, while Raymond Noel has been named an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his contribution to the public service.
Meanwhile, the Carenage Organisation for Recreation and Entertainment (CORE) on Saturday issued a statement, congratulating Smith on his MBE award.
The statement noted that it is the second award received in 2011 by Smith. He was recognized by the Grenada Steelbands’ Association for his contribution in highlighting and promoting steelpan music.
“Lew is highly deserving of these awards. He has served well in various capacities in almost four decades of work at home and abroad, and we applaud and congratulate Lew,’’ the CORE statement said.