Never too old to spell!
Published: Friday | September 4, 2009
Daphney Davis of Manchester, celebrates with the championship trophy after she won the National Council for Senior Citizens' Spelling Bee Quiz finals at the Church of God in Jamaica, Cleve Grant Hall, St Andrew, yesterday. Davis took the trophy after successfully spelling the word G-R-A-N-I-V-O-R-O-U-S. - Ian Allen/Photographer
"G-R-A-N-I-V-O-R-O-U-S, granivorous," said Daphney Davis just before the auditorium of the Church of God in Jamaica, Cleve Grant Hall, St Andrew, erupted in applause.
Manchester became the third parish to win the National Council for Senior Citizens' Spelling Bee finals when 61-year-old Daphney Davis won the Clinton Davis Trophy yesterday.
There were eight finalists from the parishes of Manchester, St Andrew, St Catherine, St James, St Mary, Kingston, Portland, St Ann and St Elizabeth.
"Wow, I am elated and extremely happy for her (Daphney). Although she lost a nephew in a shoot-out, she decided to continue with the finals because she did well at the parish level," said Dyer Crawford, one of her coaches.
It was evident when spell master Dr Vandeen McKenzie began the proceedings that the winner would be from either Manchester, St Andrew or St Catherine as the spellers from those three parishes oozed confidence.
In a message delivered by Beverly Hall-Taylor, executive director of the National Council for Senior Citizens, on behalf of minister of state in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, Andrew Gallimore, it was stated that the participants were once again demonstrating that they had very active minds and were able to make a significant contribution to Jamaica in a number of areas.
In his message, Gallimore added that the senior citizens were an asset and an important source for the development of the nation. He said their participation demonstrated dedication and discipline, attributes that should be instilled in the younger generation.
"I wish to inform you that the Government is committed to senior citizens' well-being and we are depending on your knowledge and experience to help us as a country to pull through, confront the bold challenges we face and take responsibility," he said.
Davis, commenting on her victory, said: "This is my first time at the national finals and I dedicate this victory to my nephew, Shawn, who was killed."
She added: "I received my Spelling Bee book late and, because I do a little sewing and with the death of my nephew, I did not have much time to study for this final, so I am thanking God."
- Danavan Smith
