drs. Samuel Dumfries, MSc. MEd., was honored on Friday with a prestigious Royal decoration, in a ceremony that turned out to be a total surprise for the honoree. Dumfries, who has stood out for his years of dedication in the area of education and culture in Aruba, received this distinction for his educational research and his contribution to the intellectual development of the island. His family planned the surprise with much discretion. What Dumfries thought was a simple family lunch turned out to be a formal celebration at the Old Cunucu House restaurant. Upon his arrival, he encountered a large group of friends, work colleagues, and representatives from various sectors of the community who came to witness the official presentation of his decoration. During the celebration, Dumfries expressed that he did not expect this honor ‘at all’ and dedicated this achievement to his late mother, who was his driving force to study and progress. With a message of ‘never give up,’ the professional reaffirmed his commitment to continue helping others grow. The event, organized with a strict ‘tenue de ville’ dress code protocol, marked an important milestone in his career and personal life.
