FAREWELL TO THE DEACON, PRINCIPAL, PHANTOM, BOSSIE, DADDY… ROY EBANKS O.D

Roy Ebanks OD

Former Ardenne High Principal and Church of God Deacon Roy Ebanks—also known as the PHANTOM, BOSSIE, DADDY—rides off into the horizon today (Nov 25), as Jamaica bids adieu to this iconic leader and educator.

The global audience anticipates the service of thanksgiving, a moment to honour the man whose impact spanned Ardenne High, now declared Kingston's most sought-after high school.

Those who attended or witnessed the special tribute on Thursday (Nov 23) will treasure those memories. It was an evening of tributes celebrating the life of Deacon and beloved Principal Roy Ebanks O.D.

Presented by the Olson Memorial Church of God and the Ardenne Alumni Association, it fittingly honoured a man described as iconic, transformative, visionary, and a leader. From 1979-1996, he possessed the gift of identifying winners and nurturing talent in every child he encountered—a sentiment echoed by all who presented.

The tributes began with powerful poems and music, rekindling memories of gospel songs by the late Noel Dexter, another Ardenne stalwart. Gloria Flemming, Ardenne’s administrative manager for decades, credited Mr. Ebanks for the longevity of teachers in the profession. The Olson Church of God resonated with lively gospel singing, a testament to Roy Ebanks’s favourite tunes.

Former Ardenne principal Ester Tyson fondly recalled her interactions with Mr Ebanks as a student, while Grace Gordon spoke on his father figure to her family of 8 siblings who lost their own father the first day she came as a student.  Anthony Williams, former head boy and now an attorney at law, praised Mr. Ebanks's magnanimity, love, and visionary leadership. His open-door policy and dedication to seeing every child succeed left an indelible mark.

The evening concluded with impromptu tributes, including a call for a book to be written, suggesting Roy Ebanks as a role model for Jamaican men—a true educator, disciplinarian, family man, and unwavering in integrity.

Rest in eternal peace, Roy Ebanks. You epitomized Ardenne's motto: "Deo Duce Quaere Optima," translating to "With God As Guide, Seek The Highest."

97-year-old Gloria Flemming ..administrative manager for decades at Ardenne

 

Ardenne graduates..l-r graduate and former principal, Ester Tyson, Pharmacist Hugh Dixon, Communications Consultant, Lois Grant,  Dr Henley Morgan  Management Consultant 

Church of God Choir

Combined Olson Memorial Church of God and the Ardenne Alumni Choirs

Editor's Note:

Lois Grant

The contributor, Lois Grant, has dedicated her entire career to the field of communication. She began at Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation as a news editor and later co-founded Innercity Promotions. In 1990, she launched her own production and communication company, Corporate Image Productions. Her notable achievement includes spearheading the Caribbean's acclaimed Tastee Talent contest. Grant's role as Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister further solidified her impact. as a communicator. Her commitment to education is evident through scholarships initiated under Corporate Image, benefiting Jamaica's top-performing artists, media professionals, educators, and esteemed individuals across various fields. She is the production representative for the prominent US network, NBC Sports. 

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