Hundreds turned out on Wednesday for an appreciation function held in honour of former Director of Elections Danville Walker, who served for 10 years as head of the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ).

The function was hosted by the Electoral Commission of Jamaica.

Walker resigned from the post in May, following controversy over his dual citizenship. He was subsequently appointed commissioner of customs in June.

On Wednesday the atmosphere was filled with warmth and love as people expressed their admiration, gratitude and respect for Walker.

Tribute

Orrette Fisher, acting director of elections; Peter Bunting, the general secretary of the People's National Party, who represented Opposition Leader Portia Simpson Miller; and Minister of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Karl Samuda, who represented Prime Minister Bruce Golding, all paid tribute to Walker.

In his tribute, Fisher dubbed Walker 'Mr Electoral Office', stressing that his name had become synonymous with the electoral office and the electoral system.

He described Walker as a "larger than life", flamboyant and no-nonsense person, who took no prisoners and got the job done.

He further enlightened the audience about Walker's singing, dancing and cycling ability.

Bunting, in his tribute, said he had come to have a better appreciation of the challenge of holding a post such as the director of elections, as he was preparing for an election with the recent announcement by Dr Peter Phillips that he would challenge Simpson Miller, the PNP president.

Under Walker's leadership, Bunting said, there had been a tremendous advancement in the electoral process and system in Jamaica.

Dedicated

Samuda told the audience that Walker was well deserving of honours, as he had dedicated much of his time, energy and creativity to the development of Jamaica through the electoral process.

Guest speaker William Chin See, former chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, also paid his respects to Walker for his years of contribution to the electoral system.

In closing the ceremony, Walker reflected on his time at the EOJ. He spoke of his experiences, both negatives and positives, in running general elections.

For Walker, the dual citizenship issue was a blessing, as he believed that everything happens for a reason, and all that he learnt at the Electoral Office was in preparation for his post as commissioner of customs.