On Saturday July 2 the Rotary Club inducted a new President, a new Board, 6 new members and a Paul Harris Fellow. It was a great occasion and well attended by members, family and friends at the Ocean Echo Restaurant on Meads Bay.
Attending the event was the Assistant Governor for District 7020, Sally Jasmine, who has responsibility for clubs in St Maarten, St Martin, St Barths and Anguilla. Also from St Maarten and St Martin were former Assistant District Governor, Louis Weever; three Rotarians and four Rotaract members. Chief Minister Victor Banks and Mrs Banks, and Deputy Governor Perin Bradley, also attended the special event.
Outgoing President, Genefa Fedee, said that she was delighted that the funds for the Blood Bank had almost been realised – with US$42,000 already raised towards the $50,000 that is needed, and will be matched by overseas Rotary Clubs for the $100,000 total required. The Club hopes to start the Blood Bank before the end of the year.
Seymour Hodge, Rotary Secretary and Treasurer, announced the award of the Paul Harris Fellow to Jacquie Ruan. The announcement met with much applause from the other members and the audience. The badge and chain were presented to her by Louis Wever, former Assistant Governor for the District.
The new Board received pins from Jasmine. The Board includes President John Rickards, Immediate Past President Genefa Fedee, President Elect Jacquie Ruan, Secretary Carolyn Richardson, Treasurer Seymour Hodge and Sergeant-at-Arms Walter Bayer. Directors are Omar Gentles, Ricky Rouphine and Betty Feinman.
Jasmine wished the new board a successful year ahead and pledged to encourage the new Board and help implement the messages of the District Governor: “The objective of my commitment for the six clubs is that this Rotary year is remembered for friendship, action, fun, sharing and simplicity while building on the foundation of the past.” She said it is a critical year as it is the 100 year anniversary of the Rotary Foundation and the 30th anniversary of the presence of women in Rotary. She said that the theme chosen by District Governor Haresh Ramchandani is “Be the Change”, and she noted that Rotarians must embrace change in order to live together and have extraordinary experiences during the next year.
