The Rotary Club of Portsmouth (RCP) hosted its annual investiture ceremony, welcoming the new Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 Rotary year, under the theme, ‘The Magic of Rotary’. The event was held at the Soursop Bar and Grill in Portsmouth on Saturday evening, June 30th, 2024.
The 2023-2024 RCP President of the who is also the incoming president, Mc Marara Joseph, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the attendance of all despite the impending effect of Hurricane Beryl. He started by sharing the inspiring backstory of how the theme for the new rotary year was born as told by the 2024-2025 Rotary International President-elect Stephanie. In the reflection on the past year, President McMararahighlighted the successful projects undertaken by the Club which included the Tree Planting Project in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture - providing over 300 hundred citrus trees to farmers in the North Agriculture region and the Playground Project - with plans to commence the construction of a pilot playground at the Savanne Paille Primary School. A noteworthy highlight was that the Club raised EC$50,000, through grant writing, despite having a membership of under 20 members.
In looking forward to the new Rotary year, President McMarara shared delightfully of the recent acquisition of funds for the continuation of the Playground Project and the visit of Medical Ministry International who plans to serve 75 patients in need of cataract surgery to restore their vision. Furthermore, he is hopeful for an increased membership and growing partnerships with Rotarians and friends of Rotarians to enhance the impact of Rotary within communities. Moreover, he encouraged how involvement in Rotary is impacting the world in a positive way by influencing those looking on to make the world a better place.
The keynote speaker, Charter Member and Past President Rotarian Steward Paris address was filled with encouragement and salient points that gave the attendees tasty food for thought. He shared that nothing is impossible when one has the will, knowing that the purpose of life is to give it away. Additionally, he highlighted that following the Rotary four-way test, which emphasises truthfulness, fairness, building relationships, and relevance, is indeed the greatest asset to life.
The Board of Directors for the Rotary year 2024-2025 are:
President - McMarara Joseph
Vice-President – Lizra Fabien
Secretary – Sari Rolle
Treasurer – Marianne Wijnands
Membership Chair – Matilda Carty
Public Relations Chair – Kalisha Aaron
Project Chair - Lizra Fabien
Foundation Chair - Anne Winn
Overall, the evening was a joyous occasion, which highlighted the successes of the past year and the forecast for an exciting year ahead.
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