The Rotary of Anguilla, one of the island’s leading organizations, has a change in leadership with Mrs Carolyn Richardson-Hodge, its newest President, at the helm for the year 2018-2019.
An exceptional dinner ceremony to celebrate Rotary’s 40th Anniversary and Change of Board was held on Friday 29th June, at the Italia Restaurant CuisinArt Club House Anguilla.
A number of persons including visiting Rotarians from St. Maarten/St Martin were in attendance, as well as local dignitaries Victor Banks, Chief Minister; Mr Perin Bradley, Deputy Governor; Mrs Evalie Bradley, Ministerial Assistant, and Mr Cardigan Connor, Parliamentary Secretary for Sports and Tourism.
During the ceremony, Mrs Richardson-Hodge was officially pinned by Assistant District Governor (ADG) Marcellia Henry who highly commended her saying: “As the ADG, it gives me great honour to pin Ms Carolyn who has been a Rotarian for 3 or 4 years and, within that period of time, I have seen her grown into embracing the service above-self motto. She is one of those persons who I have seen over a short period of time – who looks forward to knowing more about the Rotary International Organization and also knowing more about what she can do to assist her island of Anguilla through this organization.”
In response, the new President said: “I am most honoured and humbled to be elected President of the Rotary Club of Anguilla for 2018/2019, and with the help and support of my Board members, and fellow Club members, I will do my best to embrace the opportunities and face the challenges that will be presented. Over the past 40 years our Club has been built on a strong leadership foundation, and I am fortunate to have a membership that is fully committed to the Rotary ideal of Service about Self, and continues to go the extra mile for the benefit of our community.”
Mrs Richardson-Hodge had high praise for Immediate Past President, Jacquie Ruan, and her Board, for a successful year and for her selflessness and hard work especially following Hurricane Irma. “Jacquie had an exceptional year and has been a driving force, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma. Under her leadership, all members rose to the occasion to render service above self to those affected by the hurricane. This past trying year could have only been handled by an exceptional President – IPP Jacquie Ruan, a job well done!”
ADG Marcellia Henry also extended similar sentiments to Mrs Ruan for what she termed “as a fabulous year.” She stated that the Past President had personified what it means to be a Rotarian.
The Rotary Club of Anguilla also recognized the significant contributions and sacrifices made by Mrs Sheila Haskins of Tropical Shipping, and Mrs Maxine Herbert-Duggins of Best Buy, for their post Irma hurricane humanitarian relief efforts in shipping and facilitating goods to Anguilla. They were both honoured with the Paul Harris fellow award.
Rotarian Menes Hodge, a founding member of the Anguilla Club was awarded a plaque for his years of service. Another longstanding Rotarian, Harris Richardson was also praised for his years of service especially for the Kids at Sea sailing programme.
The Anguilla Rotary Club which is part of District 7020, under District Governor Dr Patrick Adizua, operates under the theme “Share Your Love for Rotary.”
