Former Linden Mayor Stan Smith dead at 70

Former Linden Mayor Stanley Smith is dead. He was 70.
Smith, who went by the soubriquets ‘Stan’ and ‘Jacs’ died at his Richmond Hill, Linden home
following a brief illness, family members said.
Smith, who served as Mayor of the bauxite-mining town from 1996 to 2003, was the proprietor
of ‘Jacs’ Restaurant, Snackette and Bakery.
The well-respected businessman also served the bauxite industry in a senior capacity at the
Berbice Mining Enterprise (Bermine). He also served as Manager of the Linden Shopping Plaza,
before venturing into private business establishing ‘Jacs’, with his wife Jacqueline. The business
was an enormous success becoming a household name in the mining community.
Smith’s legendary commitment to entrepreneurship attracted the Regional Democratic Council
(RDC) Ten at their 2020 Independence Recognition Awards held earlier this year.
Smith initially rejected the RDC award coming from the APNU+ AFC administration which, as
the Peoples National Congress (PNC), he felt victimised him personally and deliberately
punished and underutilised the skills and services of scored of their supporters. Smith no longer
wanted to be associated with the party even though it morphed into the APNU+AFC coalition.
The intervention of now-retired Deputy Regional Executive Officer (DREO), Ms. Maylene
Stephen convinced Mrs. Smith to accept the award on her husband’s behalf because of former
Regional Executive Officer (REO) Mr. Orrin Gordon’s involvement.
Smith was born in Kwakwani, Upper Berbice River and was passionately devoted to
development of the Hilly, Sand and Clay area.
“Jacs as many of us called him was certainly a man with a huge heart and he made his mark and
contributions felt as it certainly impacted on the lives of the people of this Region. I am proud of
being from Kwakwani and knowing that he hailed from the same community. We will always

remember his significant contributions to the holistic development of the Region. I extend my
sincere condolences to his family during this very difficult time,” the former VC said.
Retired DREO Stephen also praised Smith’s contribution to the advancement of Region Ten.
“He was someone who remained determined and committed to the development of Linden and
he was not afraid to express how he felt on issues as he did so irrespective of who it was and
about what he was commenting on. His frank views while not liked by some earned him great
respect. There is no doubt that he would be missed as I had several interactions with him while I
worked at the RDC, I respected this man greatly and extended thanks to his family for the many
contributions that he made to this region,” Stephen said.
PNCR General Secretary, Ms. Amna Ally in her party’s message of condolence remembered
Smith as always committed to conflict resolution
“His belief in conflict resolution and welcomed views from all who wanted to contribute to
the betterment for the living standards of residents in Linden made him a beloved figure in
the Linden community,” Ally said.