Thank you, Ralston Smith

The Public Relations Society of Jamaica honours one of its founders and leaders, Ralston Smith (seated), who died last week. In the 1990s, when he was the director of communications at the Office of the Prime Minister, his team was (back row from left) Byron Buckley, now communications director, Ministry of Education; Michelle Powell; Maxine Francis, who is now the PR manager at King's House; and Huntley Medley, current director of communications at OPM; Front row Diana Daly, senior secretary at the OPM, and then administrative assistant to Smith, Pauline Thomas.

If you are asking yourself, “Who is Ralston Smith?”, it may be because Ralston was the quintessential PR man, more interested in promoting his client rather than himself.  This brilliant professional who passed away last month, instilled in his colleagues the importance of competence for excellence.  The founder of Jamaica’s first public relations agency, Public Relations Associates (PRA), partnering with the late Desmond Henry and distinguished author Ken Jones, Ralston was active in training and mentoring young PR professionals. 

Ralston Smith CD

In a tribute prepared by Past President Elaine Commissiong, The Public Relations Society of Jamaica states: “The dedication and professionalism that Mr Smith brought to the field of Public Relations helped to establish its reputation in Jamaica as a core part of the management function. The PRSJ notes that his firm but kind hand in training young journalists and others who entered PR during the 1950s to 2000s has ensured a legacy of fairness, attention to detail, and commitment to the role of a communicator … not only in the best of times but also in the most challenging of times.”

Our condolences to his widow Pearl, relatives and close friends of our exemplary colleague. Rest in peace, Ralston Smith