Education Minister Andrew Holness (left) enjoys the festivities with Alphansus Davis (centre) with baby Alex, and his wife, Cynthia.

On November 28, family and friends turned up at the home of Alphansus Davis, senior adviser to Education Minister Andrew Holness, to congratulate him on being awarded the Order of Distinction for his contribution to Jamaica's education system.

The accolades poured in and those present were left with no doubt that Davis, who is from the quiet and humble community of Sanguinetti in Clarendon, was deserving of the honour bestowed upon him by the nation.

Banker Michael Jones, who was master of ceremonies as well as the one responsible for planning and executing the ceremony, praised Davis for his efforts in education, but especially for the work he had done as principal at Spaldings High School.

Knowledgeable

Minister of Education Andrew Holness, in his tribute, said prior to being appointed, Davis struck him as a man who was very knowledgeable about the educational system, and when he was selected the right choice was made.

Holness said Davis' national award was for a job well done.

Michael Stern, member of Parliament for North West Clarendon, where Davis has spent many years in education, noted that Davis was a good role model and that Jamaica needed some more people like him around to help guide and shape the educational system.

Louise Clarke, who spoke on behalf of the Association of Principals and Vice Principals of which Davis is a founding member, said concerned the educator had fought for equity in the system, especially as it concerned the newly upgraded high schools.

She thanked him for his efforts and said despite his not being at Spaldings High as principal, the foundation he had laid there continued to carry the school.

Tributes also came from businessman Richard Mullings, educator Bert Wright, Davis' daughter, Dr Karyna Davis-Irons, who said her father was admired by his family, and all her siblings were proud of his achievements and sought as best as possibly to emulate him.

Guests out included banker Jeffrey Johnson and his wife, Marlene; businessman Valenton Wint; Richard Mullings and his wife, Talia; businessman Glen Miller and his wife, Dorothy; educators Doreen Evans, Geoffrey Sharpe and his wife, Pearline; Verona Cohen-Lewin; Simon McKenzie; Jean Richards; Tenny Williams and his wife, Delcy; Lennox Marshall; Clement Rad-cliff; David Brown; Louise Clarke; Stanley Skeene and Selvyn Green, as well as George Moodie, JP.

From left: Cynthia Davis and husband, Alphansus; their daughter, Dr Karyna Davis-Irons, and her son, Alex. - Contributed

David Brown and Clement Radcliff in discussion at the celebratory function for Alphansus Davis, adviser to the minister of education, on Saturday.

Education Minister Andrew Holness (left) is greeted by George Moodie, as Member of Parliament for North West Clarendon Michael Stern looks on.