80 not out! - Godfrey Dyer, the consummate high achiever
Published:Tuesday | March 6, 2018 | 12:00 AM
BECAUSE HE cared, children around the world were provided with a happier and better life. Because he cared, more than US$30 million was awarded to life-changing projects during his tenure as president of Kiwanis International Foundation.
Godfrey Dyer, last Saturday night, reaped the rewards of the seeds he has sown over the past 80 years, as two former prime ministers – P.J. Patterson and Bruce Golding; former Tourism Minister Dr Wykeham McNeill; two custodes – Conrad Pitkin and Ewen Corrodus; Montego Bay Kiwanis movement; ‘The Boys’ from Blue Marlin at Whitehouse’; friends; his wife, Odette; sons and family members paid glowing tributes to him at his birthday party at Sea Gardens Resort in Montego Bay.
‘Eighty-Not-Out’ was the theme used to describe the giant, who was the first black man and the first non-North American to hold the post of president of the international service organisation. Dyer was born a leader, having served twice as president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association; twice as president of the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and several times as chairman Godfrey Dyer, the consummate high achiever of Summerfest Productions, founders of Reggae Sumfest.
The tourism stalwart, who holds the position of Jamaica's Tourism Enhancement Fund chairman, was toasted as a man for all seasons.
"He is a city father who has made significant achievements, making 'The Boys' from Blue Marlin at Whitehouse (his regular jaunt), very proud," said Johnny Gourzong, while reading Dyer's tribute.
The 'Boys', namely Courtney Hamilton, Bobby Miller, Frankie Bullock, Robert Russell, Stuffy Chambers, Errol Watts, Windsor Miller, Michael Higgs, along with a few women, such as Judith Farmer and Eleanor Miller, were all in attendance.
Dyer's son, Gary, said he strives to become like his father one day.
Delighted and beaming with pride, Dyer, who does not look anywhere near 80, said the Lord has been good to him.
"When I look at it, it looks impossible, but I still feel good," he stated to cheers of joy from the large group that turned out for the occasion.