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DGE Waddy Sowma. At the head table: DRR Everestus JnMarie, PDG Lara Quentrall Thomas (District Trainer) GG Roger Bows, DRR Elect Kezra Lashley and DGE Waddy(standing) PDG David Edwards District Governor Roger Bose As the Rotary year 2016/2017 draws rapidly to a close, the Presidents Elect for 2017/2018 along with Secretaries Elect and Incoming Assistant Governors were given the opportunity to learn from the incoming leadership team for the District and align the strategies and plans of the clubs to enable the District and ultimately the RI objectives. District Governor Roger Bose opened the conference and pointed out that this was the first ever joint District Conference in 7030 that included Rotary and Rotaract (the Rotaractors were late so missed this introduction). He also welcomed the Rotarians from the ABC islands who formally transitioned into District 7030 on January 1st 2017. This was a tumultuous welcome as everyone in the room joined the welcome. DG Roger urged the club leaders to take advantage of the wealth of Rotary knowledge and experience available by connecting with the Past District Governors and District leaders and fellow Rotarians as many were vastly experienced. District Rotaract Representative Elect then made brief welcome remarks. It was then the turn of District Governor Elect Waddy Sowma from Suriname, and what an entrance he made! Not being well versed in the current music of the region I believe the song was "Beat It" and did Waddy ever do just that. He danced about the stage and down the centre isle as the room stood to applaud and join in the dancing. This is Waddy's theme song and he urged us to analyze the song and draw the analogy to what we are doing as Rotarians. Emphasis definitely on making our mark; being noticed for the good work that we do. Waddy asks us all to listen; listen to others and to learn. Learn from fellowship . The Rotaractors were welcomed at this point - transportation difficulties.   RI President Elect Ian Riseley's address to the Incoming District Governors was beamed in and we listened as he urged the Governors to support clubs and Rotarians to "make a difference" . There is much emphasis on change and being prepared to change in order to ensure the continuing relevance of Rotary. RIPE Ian asserts that whatever change that comes, Rotarians will continue to be individuals that uphold the "Core Values" of Rotary. I will attach the video when it is posted on the District website as many of you readers do not visit websites, or at least infrequently; it is well worth watching. He emphasizes that we can do so much more to make a difference by working as a team. RIPE Ian is passionate about Planet Earth and encourages each and every one of us to join the cause to protect our environment. The PETS covered topics of relevance to Presidents and Secretaries including The Presidential Citation Critera and the District Strategic Plan and Goals for 2017/2018 and to emphasize the change factor, PRID Barry Rassin was beamed in by video to expound on the value of change in ensuring strong Rotary Clubs.. Surprise, surprise, we are not alone - Membership is the single greatest challenge for not only District 7030 but for Rotary globally! We are encouraged to bolster our public image as a tool to increase membership. In the rest of this report which you can see by clicking on read more, I have included a collage of photographs in no particular order. These will help to tell the story of fun, fellowship and information exchange.
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