Barbara Ellington, Senior Gleaner Writer
Michelle Bovell (in red), wife of Christopher Bovell and members of their family, pause for the cameras after the formalities at the cocktail reception in honour of Mr. Bovell's 44th anniversary as an attorney-at-law, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston, last Tuesday. - PHOTOS BY WINSTON SILL/FREELANCE PHOTOGRAPHER
INTENSELY LOYAL, easy intellect, excellent grasp of complex legal issues, high ethical conduct, honest to a fault, balanced, objective, knowledgeable, unselfish, modest, courteous, were just some of the words used to describe Christopher Bovell, senior partner in the law firm, DunnCox, on Tuesday, April 27, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston.
But although speaker after speaker heaped kudos on his head, what summed it up simply were the words of Distinguished Fellow at the University of the West Indies, The Most Hon. Edward Seaga, who said, "He's one man with whom you can safely leave your wallet." The guest of honour took it all in stride.
MELHADO REMINISCED
Standing beside wife Michelle and his family, and surrounded by friends and colleagues, he watched the video montage in which childhood friend O.K. Melhado reminisced about their days as eight-year-old boys in prep school in Manchester, the Munro College years and the friendship that has withstood the test of time.
Hugh Hart recalled Mr. Bovell's tact, sound moral values and honesty. The citation read by law partner Dennis Morrison, hailed him as a gentleman; GraceKennedy's Douglas Orane spoke of the valuable lessons learnt as they worked together on the board of the food production/distribution giant and the monumental achievement, when, in 1997 Mr. Bovell led negotiations to purchase the Grace brand world-wide took place.
CHARACTER AND SERVICE
Others spoke of his sound character and service to Jamaica through politics and the formalities ended with presentations by members of the prestigious law firm to Mr. Bovell and his wife Michelle.
The music of Peter Ashbourne and Friends, wafted in the atmosphere as guests partook of the scrumptious fare. Marigold Harding shared news of her recent trip to Belgium. Ruby Martin gave everyone a pleasant surprise when she appeared out so soon after major surgery and new Opposition Leader Bruce Golding accepted congratulations from those who had not seen him since his ascension.
