The Ballroom at the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort was filled this past weekend as patrons of The Annual Heart Ball were treated to a spectacular evening of music and dancing in support of the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation. One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the Lady Sassoon Golden Heart Award.
The award for this year went to Miss Marjorie W.T. Davis O.B.E.
Marjorie Davis, a well known educator, Girl Guides supporter, Zonta Club member and model citizen is the recipient of this year’s award. Chairman of the Sir Victor Sassoon (Bahamas) Heart Foundation, Mr. R.E. Barnes stated that the award committee was faced with the challenge of a number of worthy contenders for the prestigious award this year. Mr. Barnes went on to say that, “the nomination of Miss Davis stood out as a reflection of what we look for in a Golden Heart Award winner. The award is presented to a person who gives of themselves, selflessly for the betterment of their fellow man”.
Marjorie Winton Theresa Davis was born the second of twelve children to Sir Cyrus Ulysses Davis and Hilda Davis. Miss Davis began her career in education as a teacher at Government High School, where she had previously been a student, obtaining a Grade 1 Senior Cambridge Certificate.
Following her high school career she attended the University of Toronto, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Studies. In 1950 she obtained her Teacher’s Certificate from the Ontario College of Education. She proceeded to teach Latin as well as Spanish, Mathematics, Accounts/Bookkeeping, Commerce and Religious Studies.
For nineteen years Marjorie Davis was a teacher at Government High School and was also the Girl Guides leader at the school (the 3rd Nassau Company). Many women of that time have fond memories of their accomplishments in the Girl Guides under the leadership of Miss Davis.
In 1970 Miss Davis was appointed Assistant Commissioner for the Girl Guides Central District and eventually Chief Commissioner in 1993. She is still active in Girl Guides today and firmly believes in what it can add to a young woman’s life. She has been a member of Girl Guides for over 66 years.
In 1965 Miss Davis received an Advanced Diploma in Education from the University of Hull in England and continued her education further in 1969 when she completed her Master of Education Degree with a major in Guidance and Counseling from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education.
In 1970 Marjorie Davis returned home where she joined the Ministry as an education officer, being appointed Senior Education Officer in charge of Guidance and Counseling.
Subsequently, she was promoted to Assistant Director in charge of Pupil Personnel Services, then she became the newly created Senior Assistant Director with responsibility for all support services. In 1977, she was appointed the first female Director of Education. In 1988, Miss Davis accepted a contract to co-ordinate the introduction of the Bahamas General Certificate of Secondary Education (BGCSE) and five years later retired from the Public Service.
Miss Davis has been the Ministry’s representative on countless groups and boards through the years. These include, The College of the Bahamas Council, The Bahamas National Trust, The Advisory Committee on Tourism, The Chamber of Commerce Education Committee, The Bahamas Association for the Mentally Retarded and the Council for the Handicapped. She has also served on St Augustine College Board of Directors and as a member of the Catholic School Board.
As a charter member of the Zonta Club of Nassau she has been involved in numerous projects through the years. These included the after school programmes at the Ranfurly Home for Children and was active in the PACE programme for unwed mothers. She has also been active with health and HIV/AIDS projects.
Miss Davis has been a very active member of St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral. For many years, she taught young members under the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine programme. She has also been a long time member of the Legion of Mary, a group who visit the sick and shut-ins regularly. She is also an Oblate of St. Martin Monastery.
In 1989 Marjorie Davis was awarded the honour of Officer of the British Empire in the Queen’s New Year’s Honour Awards.
One of the persons, who nominated Miss Davis for the Golden Heart Award , noted that she is a quiet person by nature and does not seek the limelight. However, one should not be fooled by her diplomatic nature. They recalled that, “Marjorie Davis has covered ground that others were reluctant to travel. That she is no pushover, but easily capable of reminding those around her that no matter what their faith, what their background, what their calling in life, each of us has a heritage of values and a deep sense of caring and sharing with a desire to help others. She has earned the admiration and gratitude of all.”
Mr. Barnes noted in his presentation, “This year’s Golden Heart Award winner is someone very special who stood out among the excellent nominees for this year’s award. As we applaud this our forty-sixth Golden Heart Award winner, we continue to give recognition to those around us who give of themselves to help people, without ever looking for personal reward. These are truly people with a golden heart.”
In her acceptance speech Ms. Davis she expressed gratitude for the award. She thanked and expressed her appreciation for those who supported her from the Zonta Club, Girls Guides and education. Ms. Davis went on to say that she will forever be grateful for the opportunities afforded her. In closing she said, “ I hope to do all I can, for as many as I can, for as long as I can”.
