Mac Farlane: Smith’s send off beautiful

Mounted on a flatbed truck and under canopy, Laventille Rhythm Section beat out a sustained rhythm in memory of its son of the Laventille soil, the late journalist Keith Smith. A Carnivalesque spirit prevailed outside the Cathedral. Though mourning Keith, the congregation bore happy expressions as they socialised under brilliant sunshine. In the background, a trio were dancing. Spotted among the crowd were veteran media practitioners including Anthony Wilson, Tony Fraser, Andy Johnson, Maxie Cuffie, Vernon Khelawan, Errol Pilgrim, Arthur Dash, Albert Charles, Judy Raymond and Suzanne Shepherd.   

Masman Brian Mac Farlane said: “It was beautiful.  It was a true celebration of his life.  I know Keith would have loved it.” Prior to the celebration, one of the tenderest, yet sobering scenes was his wheelchair-bound mother Paulina Smith, 84, behind his casket. She carried a bouquet of flowers delicately strewn over Smith’s torso. She described him as my “beautiful son.” (ML)