Presidential Initiatives

Jennifer Jones

Initiatives Overview

Rotary International President Jennifer Jones imagines a Rotary where members act to make their dreams become reality and make the most of their club experiences. During her year, Jones will focus on four presidential initiatives that Imagine Rotary: advancing our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI); creating a welcoming club experience; empowering girls; and expanding our reach.

 

Wheelchair Distribution - Phase 2

 
Saturday August 24th will go down as a very special day in the history of the Rotary Club of Gros Islet.  The Rotary Club of Gros Islet, along with our Satellite Club in South Saint Lucia, and the Rotary Satellite Club of Saint Lucia Sunset, teamed up with the Lions Clubs of Vieux Fort and Micoud and the Hewanorra Plaines Leo Club to deliver approximately fifty wheelchairs to citizens in need.  The operation was masterminded by President Joel Crocker of Gros Islet Rotary and Lion Marvin Joseph of Lions Vieux Fort.  Together they, well, mainly Marvin with the help of the Lions in the South, ensured that the people on the list to receive chairs, existed, needed the chairs, mapped their location and assigned teams to pickup trucks.  The process was carried out efficiently commencing at the Lions Den in Vieux Fort with the inflating of the tires and sorting into zones.  Teams were all on the road by 10.00am and the last team checked back into the Den by 1.50pm.
 
The spirit of comradery between the service clubs was outstanding, the work that we accomplished in in a relatively short time was impressive and the joy that we felt at having carried out this project together and transformed the lives of those who received the chairs, was immeasurable.  The Lions treated us to lunch which was way beyond the call of duty but we accepted in the greatest of humility as we understood that the gesture was one of true friendship, very touching and a mark of the greatest accomplishment of the day - establishing bonds of friendship that we know will last and bear even greater fruit.
 
The vision of Rotary international is - Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.
 
Lions International Vision : To be the global leader in community and humanitarian service.
 
This project, phase 1 of which was carried out a month ago, was financed by the Tourism Enhancement Fund of the Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association, and through Rotary's contact with the World Wheelchair Foundation.  Truly this project exemplifies Rotary's Vision.
People, clubs and organizations came together, united in the truest sense of the word, took action, that created lasting change, starting in California, to China and back to Saint Lucia - across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.  
It is without doubt that change within ourselves took place as we took in the combination of despair and courage in those souls that we brought hope and dignity to.  Mobility is something that most of us take for granted until we see first hand, the difference that a wheelchair makes in the lives of those without mobility.
 
In her wrapping up remarks, President of the Lions Club of Vieux Fort, Ms. Sinovia Moonie said that it was days like this that remind us all, why we join service clubs.  President of Rotary Club of Gros Islet echoed these words and stated that the day had accomplished so much more than executing a joint project, it has forged true bonds of friendship between the members of the respective clubs, bonds that he hoped would endure to the mutual benefit of the clubs and the communities that we serve.
 
There are so many more wonderful photographs that I am unable tom share with you, my valued readers, due to the fact that they have not been shared with me yet.  I hope that I will be able to find the time to share with you again soon.

Wheelchairs purchased by the Hotel Association's Tourism Development Fund through the intervention of both of the Rotary Clubs (Gros Islet & Saint Lucia) were acquired from the World Wheelchair Foundation for distribution to those most in need.  20 Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Gros Islet, including three from the Satellite Club in the South, joined forces with the Rotaract Club of Gros Islet to distribute 100 chairs.
 
President Joel Crocker coordinated the distribution with the Government Ministry of Social Transformation, which ministry, using the on the ground network of Social Transformation Officers identified the recipients for the chairs.  President Joel said that he was gratified by the excellent turnout of Rotarians and Rotaractors as the Club executed the first phase of the wheelchair distribution on Saturday July 27th.  He said that the day long activity showed the power of partnerships as Rotary and Rotaract combined to deliver chairs purchased by the Saint Lucia Tourism Enhansement Fund, made possible by the World Wheelchair Foundation.  He made special mention of the cooperation with the Lions Club of Vieux Fort who made their facility in Vieux Fort available for the storage of chairs due to be delivered in the next phase of delivery in the coming weeks.  "Rotary truly does connect the world" he said.

Together, we can do so much more.

Saint Lucia Hotel & Tourism Association, through their Tourism Enhancement Fund financed the purchase of approximately 270 wheelchairs for those most in need in Saint Lucia.
The project was conceived by the Rotary Club of Gros Islet back in May 2018.  Rotary Club of Saint Lucia through PP Konrad Wagner, who is a member of the Hotel Association, suggested the project to the executive of the Association and the idea was favourably received. 
Gros Islet Rotary had commenced discussions with the Wheelchair Foundation who had agreed to assist with meeting up to half of the cost of a 40 foot container of wheelchairs.  With the assistance of the Wheelchair Foundation, we were able to secure the best possible price for the chairs.
PP Konrad worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition.  On Saturday July 13th a few of the members of the Rotary Club of Saint Lucia, ably supported by your editor representing  RC Gros Islet, destuffed the 40 foot container.
 
 
 

 
On Wednesday July 17th, the President of the Hotel & Tourism Association, Mrs. Carolyn Troubetzkoy, along with executive member Mr. John Mathurin and other officials from the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Social Transformation, including the Honorable Minister, Leonard (Spider) Montoute, were on hand to mark the start of the distribution phase of the chairs.
 
The Distribution of the Chairs will be carried out by the Rotary Clubs of Gros Islet and Saint Lucia over the next couple of weeks.
 
This is a prime example of cooperation between the Rotary Club of Saint Lucia and the Rotary Club of Gros Islet as we join forces with partner organizations - The Tourism Development Fund, and the World Wheelchair Foundation,  to bring badly needed assistance to so many Saint Lucians.
 
 

 

On Wednesday, December 5th, 2018, members of the Rotary Club of Gros Islet handed over a mobile dental unit to the Department of Health and Wellness.  At a brief ceremony at The Boys Training Centre at Massade, Gros Islet, where the unit will be located initially, Past President Matt Render, who is the current Rotary Foundation Chair for the Rotary Club of Gros Islet, officially handed the unit over to Minister for Health and Wellness, Senator, the Honourable Mary Isaac and Dr. Sherry Ephraim-LeCompte, Senior Dental Surgeon.  The hand over was attended by Mr. Wang Sonson, Manager of the Boys’ Training Centre, staff and trainees.  Also in attendance were members of the Government Information Service, Hot FM Television, and DBS. 

Past President Matt said that the unit was purchased through a District Grant which meant that the money came from The Rotary Foundation.  This unit replaces a mobile unit that Rotary Gros Islet had purchased through an earlier Grant, but which had been destroyed by floods some years earlier.  The Foundation is funded by Rotarians worldwide and Rotary Gros Islet has received Grants from the Foundation well in excess of what Local Rotarians have contributed. 

Past President Matt cited the last major project which was a 150,000-gallon water tank at Plateau Babonneau which currently provides water to approximately six thousand persons in the surrounding area.  The value of this project exceeded $500,000 with Rotary in the District funding a mere $15,000 approximately, the remainder coming from Rotary in Florida/Georgia USA, and the Rotary Foundation.

Minister Isaac for her part expressed the gratitude of her government for the support that Rotary has provided to the communities in Saint Lucia and in particular for this latest donation valued at US$9,000.

The mobile dental unit allows the Department of Health and Wellness to deploy dental technicians to schools in the North and carry out preventative procedures to promote good dental health.  In the past, the deployment of the earlier unit, assisted the Health Services to reduce the incidence of cavities in school children significantly.  The Rotary Club of Gros islet also paid for the dental treatments out of its’ own resourses.

End Polio - Watch the Video
 
The Flag of Saint Lucia
Great to see you, come back again soon!

Service Above Self

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Facts About Saint Lucia
Saint Lucia is - Simply Beautiful! 
This jewel of the Caribbean is located in the chain of islands at Latitude 14 degrees North and longitude 61 degrees West.   One of the Windward Islands, Saint Lucia is situated between the French Department of Martinique to the North, and Saint Vincent & the Grenadines to the South,  and  West North West of Barbados.  Flying time from Miami is about three hours; Toronto five hours and London, eight hours.  Saint Lucia is serviced by a wide choice of  air carriers including direct flights out of Miami, Atlanta, New York, Toronto, and London and Manchester to name just the main hubs.  International flights fly into Hewanorra International Airport (UVF), in the South of the island (one hour drive from the North) while regional flights  use the smaller of the airports, George F.L. Charles Airport (SLU), located in the North.
 
Rotary  is represented in Saint Lucia by two Rotary Clubs, two Rotary Satellite Clubs, Three Rotaract Clubs, five Interact Clubs and an EarlyAct Club
 
For more information visit the official website for  Saint Lucia
Club President
Ernest Noeline
President - Rotary Club of Gros Islet 2022/2023
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People of Action

RSS Feed From Rotary International
Recognizing a woman’s worth

Programs of Scale grant-winner Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria helps families by focusing on the fundamental needs of women

RI President Jennifer Jones crosses Canada from coast to coast to coast

Organized around several hubs, the tour started on 17 June to draw attention to the positive impact that clubs have in their communities.

Rotary Projects Around the Globe August 2022

Learn how Rotary clubs are taking action in the United States, Venezuela, Greece, Madagascar, and Kazakhstan.

Rotary Fellowships amplify Ukrainian relief efforts

Rotary's global network has sent millions of dollars' worth of relief to help the people of Ukraine. Rotary Fellowships have amplified the impact of these efforts.

 
2021/2022 Logo
2020/2021 Logo
Polio
Rotary Club of Gros Islet supports this work.  Contact us if you want to be part of our push to FINALLY ERADICATE POLIO FROM THE FACE OF THE EARTH!
Club Stories
By President Nominee Richard Spalding (Winchester, UK Rotary Club)
 
The prosthetic legs have arrived!
 
The crate of components arrived on Island from UK via Geestline’s Atlantic Klipper on 4 April. These were quickly off loaded and moved to NCPD where they will eventually be used. They were handed over to NCPD (National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities) at a short informal ceremony on Friday 12 April with 3 media stations (DBS, Choice TV and Hot 7 News) conducting interviews which were subsequently aired that evening.
 
This imaginative legacy project for RCGI has been the brainchild of President Lenita who set out to increase the capacity for fitting limbs by NCPD such that more amputees can regain their self esteem, better support their family, return to work and help increase productivity. 
 
The shipment of wheel chairs purchased by The Tourism Development Fund is scheduled to arrive in Castries on June 22nd.  The photo above was taken in 2016 when we received a shipment of wheel chairs donated by the Rotary Club of Pleasanton California in association with the Wine for Wheels Foundation.  We are scheduled to receive over 250 wheel chairs, some are designed for special needs recipients.  PP Konrad Wagner has been the point Rotarian coordinating the shipment and I take my hat off to him, as the process has not been without frustration.
Rotarians are asked to contact PP Konrad with names and particulars of persons in need of new wheel chairs.
I know that every effort will be made to distribute as many of the chairs as possible before the end of this Rotary year on June 30th.
 

 
DG Dominique and Rotary Team Guadeloupe went all out to make every Rotarian welcome and to put on leadership training and conference that they can be proud of.

Digital in the Service of Humanity

Part of the crowd at the Conference
RID Yinka Babalola speaking on The Rotary Foundation. In the foreground, the back of DGE Trevor and RI staffers Marni Nixon and Rebecca Hollaway.
Some of the Saint Lucia contingent
Team RCGI - President Lenita was presented with the Presidential Citation for Rotary Year 2017/2018 
 
PETS opened up on Wednesday with DGE Trevor presenting on the RI President Elect Mark D. Malony's theme - 
He laid out the new Strategic thinking and blended in Maloney's strategic focus and the goals to achieve that focus.  DGE Trevor Blake then went on to outline the District's strategy and goals for 2019/2020.   In addition to growing membership by 3.5% focused on under 40s and female members, it is the District's goal to end the next Rotary year with every club (currently 72) in the District having at least one Rotaract Club, one Interact Club or one EarlyAct Club. With regard to the Rotary Foundation, DGE Trevor aims to raise the District's giving to US$400,000.  To achieve this he has challenged every Rotarian to give a minimum of US$100 to the Foundation.  Clubs are required to find one new Paul Harris Society member (US$1,000 per year) and to donate a minimum of US$1,500 to Polio Plus. Clubs are asked to pay particular attention to Public Image in the coming year with a reference to the "People of Action" campaign.  DGE Trevor has asked clubs to focus on Youth at Risk and Diabetes in the coming year.
 
There were many informative presentations throughout PETS and we were treated to the story telling genius of the RI President's Representative, RID Olayinka (Yinka) Hakeem Babalola and he is an act, hard to follow.  PETS came to a close on Thursday afternoon and the conference got under weigh that evening with the usual flag ceremony. 
The Flag and Anthem of Rotary International
The venue was The Memorial Act museum and we were treated to the most incredible voice of Guadeloupe's own opera singer Leila Bredent - outstanding.  Maurice Saad, the MC for the entire conference was outstanding. 
 The Flag of Saint Lucia - The Anthem was sung in Creole and English which is not strictly correct, but the French are sending us a message of friendship! Ours was the only Anthem to get this "special" treatment.  The gesture was accepted in the true spirit of Rotary friendship!
 
RID Yinka presented on The Rotary Foundation(TRF) and revealed that the Caribbean has donated about US$3.5 million to the Foundation over the last five years.  He told us that this went into the "magic box" and the Caribbean received over US$23 million over the same period.  The take away is that there is no better way to contribute to the work of Rotary than to do so through TRF.  The work of Rotary is magic and Rotarians are magicians he said after painting a picture of children watching water come out of a Rotary well for the first time - in their eyes, he saw magic!  The Caribbean has truly benefitted over the years, receiving nearly seven times what we have donated!
 
On Saturday, PDG Tony Watkins presented a summary of the rulings by the Council on Legislation (the summary was published in the bulletin and included below for those who may have missed it - also on website), and of course we ratified the appointment of Sonya Alleyne as DG for the year 2021/2022 The future of D7030 is in good hands!  Saint Kitts gave us a snapshot of what to expect when we visit for the Conference in 2020 where we will "arrive as visitors and leave as locals"
 
And President Lenita presented a short video on the Prosthetic Limb project which was well received.
 
The parties were great fun with a very French flavour as one would expect.  At the closing party, DG Dominique honoured her team and gave out some recognition to the clubs and Rotarians in the District that merited mention.  We are immensely proud of RC Saint Lucia under the leadership pf President Soraya as they deservedly won Club of the Year as well as the award for the largest percentage membership growth.
DG Dominique with Conference MC Maurice at the closing party  
PDG Roger Bose enjoying the moment with DG Dominique and Rebecca 
 

Some More Memories

PP Lisle & Rtn. Maggie presenting RID Yinka with the banner of RCGI
Fellowship before we took leave of our friends. from Left to right: PE Becky, Pres. Soraya, PE Joel, PDG Milton, PP Lisle, PDG Steven Ramroop's wife Joanna, Rt. Maggie, PE. Shirley Sowma and PDG Waddy Sowma.
Part of Team Saint Lucia sitting at the back of the hall. on Day 3.
RID Yinka - Rotary is Magic and Rotarians are the Magicians
 
Not to forget George the pet who was sadly refused entry to PETS for non payment of registration.
 
The 2019 Council on Legislation may not have made as many dramatic changes as the Council three years ago did, but it made several decisions that will shape the future of Rotary.

Among the most important, the Council elevated the status of Rotaract clubs, allowing them to join Rotary International the way that Rotary clubs do. The change is intended to increase the support that Rotaract clubs receive from RI and to enhance their ability to serve.

“We need to be an inspiration to our young partners, so they will continue doing the great service that they do,” said RI President Barry Rassin when he presented the measure. “This sends a strong message that they are truly our partners in service.”

In many ways, the Rotaract experience will not change. Rotary clubs will still charter and sponsor Rotaract clubs. Rotaract clubs will still have their own standard constitution and their own unique club experience. And members of a Rotaract club will not be called Rotarians. The measure simply expands the definition of membership in Rotary International to include both Rotary and Rotaract clubs.

Every three years, representatives from Rotary districts around the world meet in Chicago, Illinois, USA, to consider changes to the constitutional documents that govern Rotary International. This year’s Council considered more than 100 proposals.

Representatives authorized the Board to pursue changing RI’s charitable status to a section 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code. It is presently a 501(c)(4). A task force has been studying the possible change for 18 months and says it will offer benefits that include tax reductions and vendor discounts that will reduce expenses.

Dues increase

As for dues, the Council approved a modest increase of $1 a year for each of three years, beginning in 2020-21. The previous Council set dues for 2019-20 at $34 per half year.

With the increase, the dues that clubs pay to RI per member will increase to $34.50 per half year in 2020-21, $35 per half year in 2021-22, and $35.50 per half year in 2022-23. The dues will not be raised again until a future Council votes to change it.

The Council also changed the name of the General Surplus Fund to RI Reserve, because that more accurately reflects the purpose of the fund. In another vote, the Council approved calling the general secretary a chief executive officer (CEO) in circles outside Rotary, to increase his stature in dealings with other intergovernmental organizations.

A seemingly small but intensely debated action will reduce the number of nonvoting members at future Councils, by removing past RI presidents and allowing only one RI Board director to attend but not vote.

But in some respects, the Council defined itself as much by what it did not do. 

This year’s representatives resisted pressure to limit some of the flexibility that the 2016 Council granted clubs, rejecting several measures that would have placed restrictions on clubs. One unsuccessful measure would have required clubs to meet at least 40 times each year. 

Many clubs have been using the innovative and flexible club formats to attract new members and meet their current members’ needs.

Representatives also rejected proposals to make it optional for members to subscribe to an official Rotary magazine and to reduce the size of the Council by half and have it meet every two years.

See some of the Resolutions that you may find of interest, and the outcome:

Note that Attendance requirements continue but Make ups no longer restricted to 14 days before and after a meeting date.

Restrictions based on Classifications has been removed.

19-20To remove committees from the Standard Rotary Club Constitution115396Rejected
19-21To require that key club committee chairs be board members238269Rejected
19-22To amend the term of the club president279225Adopted
19-24To require the presentation of a budget and an annual report at the club’s annual meeting408102Adopted as amended
19-25To replace the requirement for attendance reports with a report on service240268Rejected
19-26To lengthen the notice period for changing a club’s name or locality39896Adopted
19-27To allow a club not to use “club” as part of its name255252
Rejected
See Below for more enactments

2019-20 RI president announces his presidential theme

Rotary International President-elect Mark Daniel Maloney explained his vision for building a stronger Rotary, calling on leaders to expand connections to their communities and to embrace innovative membership models.
 

Maloney, a member of the Rotary Club of Decatur, Alabama, USA, unveiled the 2019-20 presidential theme, Rotary Connects the World, to incoming district governors at Rotary’s annual training event, the International Assembly, in San Diego, California, USA, on Monday.

“The first emphasis is to grow Rotary — to grow our service, to grow the impact of our projects, but most importantly, to grow our membership so that we can achieve more,” Maloney said.

Maloney believes that connection is at the heart of the Rotary experience.

“(Rotary) allows us to connect with each other, in deep and meaningful ways, across our differences,” Maloney said. “It connects us to people we would never otherwise have met, who are more like us than we ever could have known. It connects us to our communities, to professional opportunities, and to the people who need our help.”

Maloney also called on every Rotary and Rotaract club to identify segments of their community not represented in their club by creating a membership committee with diverse members.  

“Through Rotary, we connect to the incredible diversity of humanity on a truly unique footing, forging deep and lasting ties in pursuit of a common goal,” he added. “In this ever more divided world, Rotary connects us all.”

Maloney urged leaders to offer alternative meeting experiences and service opportunities to make it easier for busy professionals and people with many family obligations to serve in leadership roles.

“We need to foster a culture where Rotary does not compete with the family, but rather complements it,” Maloney said. “That means taking real, practical steps to change the existing culture: being realistic in our expectations, considerate in our scheduling, and welcoming of children at Rotary events on every level.”

Maloney said many of the barriers that prevent people from serving as leaders in Rotary are based on expectations that are no longer relevant.

“It is time to adapt, to change our culture, and to convey the message that you can be a great district governor without visiting every club individually, and a great president without doing everything yourself.”

Relationship with the United Nations

During 2019-20, Rotary will host a series of presidential conferences around the world, focusing on Rotary’s relationship with the United Nations and the UN’s sustainable development goals that many Rotary service projects support. More information will be available in July.

In 2020, the United Nations will celebrate the 75th anniversary of its charter and its mission of promoting peace. Rotary was one of 42 organizations the United States invited to serve as consultants to its delegation at the 1945 San Francisco conference, which led to the UN’s charter. For decades, Rotary has worked alongside the United Nations to address humanitarian issues around the world. Today, Rotary holds the highest consultative status that the UN offers to nongovernmental organizations.

“Rotary shares the United Nations’ enduring commitment to a healthier, more peaceful, and more sustainable world,” Maloney said. “And Rotary offers something no other organization can match: an existing infrastructure that allows people from all over the world to connect in a spirit of service and peace and take meaningful action toward that goal.” 

  1st Prize Yamaha YBR125 cc motorcycle - complements Yamaha Saint Lucia
Winner: Rhory McNamara
 
2nd Prize: Trip for two from Saint Lucia to Miami - Complements Rotary Club of Gros Islet
Winner: Jardin Fanis
 
3rd Prize: 55" Smart Television - Complements Courts Saint Lucia 
Winner:  Coops (David Cooper)
 
Rotary Club of Gros Islet thank most sincerely our Raffle Prize Sponsors, Yamaha Saint Lucia, and Courts Saint Lucia Limited.
 
 
 Take action to create positive change locally and globally
 
 
Partnership with Mediators Beyond Borders International

Rotary and Mediators Beyond Borders International have formed a service partnership to support our clubs and districts in their peacebuilding efforts. Read the partnership factsheet to learn how clubs and districts can take advantage of this partnership to make their peace and conflict resolution projects even better.

Grant management resources

Coming soon: online grant management resources in Rotary’s Learning Center. Find courses on sustainability, community assessments, project planning, roles and responsibilities, financial management, club qualification, reporting, and much more.

Golf Update

Although we do not have a full report on the tournament please note that you can review the Tournament Photos here

 

RI President's Message - January 2019

 

Vocational service can be hard to define, but it is easy to describe: It is simply the point where our Rotary lives and our professional lives intersect. When we put our Rotary ideals to work through our work, that is vocational service.

 

When I returned to the Bahamas after many years working in health care administration abroad, I realized that my country badly needed a modern health care facility. The resources we had at the time were out of date and inadequate, and people who were unable to travel abroad for care often did not receive the care they needed. Without the experience I had gained in the United States, I could have done nothing to change the status quo. But since I did have that experience, I was in a unique position to have an impact. I knew I could turn my professional path to good and make a career out of improving Bahamian health care.

 

As Rotary became part of my journey, I discovered that the words of Paul Harris that became the basis of Rotary — that shared effort knows no limitations — were also true for my vocation. I could not bring modern health care to the Bahamas alone. But through partnership, both with the doctors who eventually became my partners in Doctors Hospital and with all the dedicated staff members who worked in the hospital over the years, we could change everything. My goal became a shared goal — and then it became reality.

 

Rotary emphasizes the dignity of every vocation and the worth of every calling. Remember that the four founding members included no doctors or peacemakers — just an attorney, a mining engineer, a coal dealer, and a printer. From the beginning, the diversity of those vocations gave Rotary a special strength. And that diversity is reflected in our classification system, which aims to ensure that each club represents the full range of businesses and professions that serve each community.

 

Paul Harris put it this way: "Each Rotarian is the connecting link between the idealism of Rotary and his trade or profession." It was true when he said it and should be equally true now. We only spend an hour or two a week at our Rotary meetings, but most of us spend most of our waking time at work. Through Rotary, those hours are also an opportunity for service: a chance to Be the Inspiration to those we work with, those who work for us, and the communities we serve.

 

Barry Rassin

President 2018-19

On the weekend before Christmas, Rotary elves in the North, accompanied by friends and Rotaractors, and in the South of Saint Lucia packed and delivered food hampers for persons who are most in need.  Rotarians reported that giving brought them more joy than they can express in words.  Rtn. Jenny Chicot-Louisy said "this reminded me of why I joined Rotary"

Hamper Packing

 

Delivery

 
 
Gone but not Forgotten
PP Jonathan Greeting Rotary International President Kalyan Banergee.
In Photograph - PP Gayapersad Beharry (deceased) RC Falicity Charliville, Trinidad, left; PP Jonathan and back of RI President Kaylan.
Seen here with Rtn. Adrian Theobalds at the site of  project With Rotarians from RC Pleasanton California as we transported wheel chairs to Soufriere.   With Past member Sue Reed enjoying a Heineken.  2011 Board
 
At a dignified funeral service on Wednesday December 28th November, Rotarians, past and present, from both the RC Gros Islet and RC Saint Lucia, gathered to say farewell to our friend and outstanding Rotarian, Jonathan Everett.  On Friday November 30th, his ashes were scattered at sea in accordance with his wishes.  Later that evening friends gathered at the Saint Lucia Yacht Club to reminisce and comfort each other.
 
PP Jonathan, MPHF, was critically involved in all of RC Gros Islet's most impactful projects over the past twenty five years.  He was a vocal advocate for scholarships for trainees at the Centre for Adult Renewal and Education (CARE), which gives young adults a second chance at receiving  vocational training and teaches vital life skills.  He was a trustee for Grow Well for many years; an organization set up by RC Gros Islet to provide children in Gros Islet with a safe place to go between school and when parents returned from work.  This organization is a fine example of a sustainable project that is now largely under the control of the community with Gros Islet Rotary providing monetary and advisory support.  These two projects alone, have made an immeasurable impact on the lives of many young people in Saint Lucia.
 
PP Jonathan loved to be hands on and could be found, paint brush in hand painting schools and bell towers.  Always game for adventure, he would travel all over the island with wheel chairs and food hampers in support of club projects.  Always up for a bit of fellowship, he would be at every social function, whether in Laborie, Vieux Fort, Soufriere or Cap Estate, with Heineken in hand.
 
A great Rotarian, an outstanding humanitarian, a loving husband and father.  We will all miss his wise council but we will not forget him.  May his soul rest in peace.

Barry and Esther visited Guadeloupe, Dominica and Antigua on a whirlwind tour of three territories that fall in District 7030.  The visit to Guadeloupe, the home of District Governor, Dominique Vénéré coincided with a banquet to raise funds for The Rotary Foundation.  The visit to Dominica was dedicated to visiting projects and meeting Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors, all of whom had both suffered loss as a result of Hurricane Maria, last September, and who have made a huge effort to assist the less fortunate in Dominica to recover from the devastation.  The visit was hugely significant to Rotarians in 7030 and especially Rotarians in Dominica who have borne the brunt of the hardship in District 7030 resulting from Hurricane Maria.

They visited the "Cover a Home" Project

Core Values

Rotary’s core values represent the guiding principles of the organization’s culture, including what guides members’ priorities and actions within the organization. Values are an increasingly important component in strategic planning because they drive the intent and direction of the organization’s leadership.

Service

We believe that our service activities and programs bring about greater world understanding and peace. Service is a major element of our mission. Through the plans and actions of individual clubs, we create a culture of service throughout our organization that provides unparalleled satisfaction for those who serve.

Fellowship

We believe that individual efforts focus on individual needs, but combined efforts serve humanity. The power of combined efforts knows no limitation, multiplies resources, and broadens our lives and perspectives. Fellowship leads to tolerance and transcends racial, national, and other boundaries.

Diversity

We believe Rotary unifies all people internationally behind the ideal of service. We encourage diversity of vocations within our membership and in our activities and service work. A club that reflects its business and professional community is a club with a key to its future.

Integrity

We are committed to and expect accountability from our leaders and fellow members, both in the results of our efforts and in the processes we use to accomplish our goals. We adhere to high ethical and professional standards in our work and personal relationships. We are fair and respectful in our interactions, and we conscientiously steward the resources entrusted to us.

Leadership

We are a global fellowship of individuals who are leaders in their fields of endeavor. We believe in the importance of leadership development and in leadership as a quality of our members. As Rotarians, we are leaders in implementing our core values.

All of these core values are reflected in the Object of Rotary and The Four-Way Test, which we use in our daily lives. They inspire us to foster and support the ideal of service for developing and maintaining integrity in human relations.
 
 
 
 
 
What is The Rotary Foundation and why do we as Rotarians support our foundation, and what do we get in return?  For many years, no one took the time to explain the facts to me as a young Rotarian.  I went about my Rotary life, with a somewhat myopic view of  Rotary  and focused my attention on the projects that had local impact, those projects that I could see the outcome and feel the gratification from observing the gratitude of those whom we helped.
 
I joined Rotary in 1983 at the back end of the now virtually forgotten "Laundry Shower Unit" project where Rotary, through a Matching Grant with counterpart funds from CIDA, now defunct, built a number of these units all over the island providing the population with an alternative to using the rivers for washing cloths and self.  The worm that was infected with the schistosomiasis lives in the rivers and infected hundreds if not thousands of Saint Lucians at the time.  The sponsoring club was a the Rotary Club of Guelph, Ontario and the host Rotary club was the Rotary Club of Saint Lucia.  Not being involved in the project, I was aware of it but did not make it my own. 
 
Later in my Rotary life I would come to marvel at the power of the Rotary Foundation, and to recognize what we as Rotarians get from our contributions to support the Foundation.  Rotary Gros Islet has been involved in a number of projects that received Grant funding, but perhaps the largest was the water tank project at Plateau, Babonneau with a project cost of approximately US$200,000.  We brought water to approximately 6,000 people who had previously not had potable water near to their homes.  The impact on those persons in terms of improved Maternal and Child Health, Disease Prevention and Treatment, and Economic and Community Development was real and we were a part of it.  The educational programme that formed part of the project reached communities far away from the actual site, creating a lasting positive impact on the entire community regarding water conservation. Our contribution was less than US$2,000.
 
Read about the Rotary Foundation, it is the heart and soul of Rotary.  Donate what you can, your contribution goes further than you can imagine, nothing is too small!
 

During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.

With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.

Our mission

The mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

Why should I donate to The Rotary Foundation?

Your donation makes a difference to those who need our help most. More than 90 percent of donations go directly to supporting our service projects around the world.

How does The Rotary Foundation use donations?

Our 35,000 clubs carry out sustainable service projects that support our six causes. With donations like yours, we’ve wiped out 99.9 percent of all polio cases. Your donation also trains future peacemakers, supports clean water, and strengthens local economies.

What impact can one donation have?

It can save a life. A child can be protected from polio with as little as 60 cents. Our partners make your donation go even further. For every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $2.

District Governor Dominique Venere Official Visit to Saint Lucia July 2018
Every Official visit to Saint Lucia starts with a relaxing meal, on this occasion it was lunch at the Pink Plantation House where she received her initial briefing from Assistant Governor Lisle.

Visit to Rotary South

Then on to Vieux Fort to meet Chair of the Rotary Satellite Club of Gros Islet, Melisa Agdomar and Rtn. Carina (Small Fry) Snaggs, standing in for Service projects chair Shermie James-Darcheville.
The meeting took place at the grounds of the Town Hall where the club plans to create a toy library. 
 From there to Bruce Ville where the plan is to create a playground for the under-privileged children. 
After a quick trip to the Moule À Chique lighthouse which is situated on the southernmost tip of the island, we moved on to L' Escape gest house at Laborie where the DG met the board of the Satellite Club  and then the members.
 
DG Dominique listened with interest at the energetic and thoughtful plans of the club and pinned three new members.  She was also pleased to pin two Rotaractors from Rotaract South Saint Lucia with "Be the Inspiration" theme pins.  
 

Board Meeting and Pinning Ceremony

 
 

 
 

The week starting 12th February 2018, was a busy week for the vocational committee. There were three sets of career talks done in three different schools.

 

On Wednesday, 14th February 2018 Rtn. Lenny Cumberbatch and Mrs. Joanne Cooper, a friend of Rotary gave career talks to Form Five students at the St. Joseph’s Convent on their respective careers. Rtn Lenny is the Food and Beverage Director at Windjammer Landing Resort and Mrs. Joanne Cooper is a Partner with the Chartered Accounting firm of PFK. The two were accompanied by PP Lisle Chase who introduced them and first spoke on Rotary and the core values that we uphold.  PP Lisle also introduced the Club’s signature project for this year which is Road Safety.  The students were impressive in attitude as they listened attentively to the topics on the agenda.

 

On Thursday 15th, PP Lisle accompanied Rtn Lenny once again and on this occasion, they linked up with PP Peter Douch from RC Wimborne, UK (formerly RC Saint Lucia South and RC Dominica) at the Entrepot Secondary school where they addressed the third form.  Lenny spoke on the value of hard work and dedication and Peter on the accounting profession.  Once again PP Lisle Introduced the values of Rotary and the Road Safety Project.

 

On Friday16th, Vocational Chair and Secretary Elect Trudy O. Glasgow, an attorney-at-law along with a friend of Rotary Dr. Judith Harvey, a civil engineer gave career talks in the Corinth Secondary school. This project is in its fourth year at the Corinth Secondary School, and every February the school counsellor, Ms. Tessa John-Guerra, reaches out to the Rotary Club of Gros Islet and invites members to give career talks. A warm reception from Form Three students, who were engaging and asked lots of questions, made the experience for the two ladies very enjoyable.


 
RCGI 24th Annual Charity Golf Tournament - Title Sponsor FLOW

Body Holiday, Le Sport Winners of the Claude Guillaume Memorial Trophy

P. Bertrand; J. Hamilton;  President Angela; E. Edwin - Net Score 60.5
In addition to this coveted trophy, the first placed team will get an expenses paid trip to participate in the Rotary Club of San Fernando, Trinidad & Tobago Golf Tournament .  A great prize thanks to RC San Fernando for agreeing a reciprocal arrangement with Rotary Gros Islet to make this possible. 

 
Runners Up SIXT
M. Metson; President Angela; S. Mauricette; P. Marshall - Net Score 60.67
Concept Holdings 3rd Place
F. del Solar; F. Groenewald; P. Devaux & President Angela - Net Score 61.17
LUCELEC 4th Place 
C. Serieux; D. King; H. Joseph & President Angela - Net Score 62.5
 
The 2018 Rotary Club of Gros Islet/FLOW Charity Golf Tournament was a huge success with a field of 90 golfers playing for 30 Sponsors.  A full list of sponsors Go to Rotarygrosislet.com
The Sandals Golf Club adorned with sponsors banners and the converted 8th green where golfers would do their best to sink a hole in one in order to win the Audi A3
 
On an idyllic day for golf, the 2018 tournament Teed off at 8.30 am.   With a cooling breeze and the occasional cloud to dissipate the heat of the day the three person scramble went off without a hitch.  The players and sponsors alike commended RCGI for running a fun tournament with truly worthwhile prizes.  This year there was no winner of the hole in one!
JQ Motors sponsored the Hole in one again this year 
 
Massive THANK YOU to all of our sponsors!  Without your support, we would not be able to raise the funds that we need to invest in our charitable projects.  This year, with the death toll on our roads already rising, we will be investing heavily in a Road Safety project which will target the highest risk group in particular; the young men between 17 and 50 years of age.
 
Also among the winners were the three lucky winners of the Grand Raffle.  Prizes were sponsored by Courts Unicomer and Yamaha Saint Lucia.
1st Prize - King Size Bed from Courts - N. Dujon
2nd Prize - Yamaha Scooter from Yamaha - G. Monplaisir
3rd Prize - Two tickets to New York sponsored by Rotary Club of Gros Islet - J. Charlery-Etienne
 
The Team Auction was won by J. Crocker and he donated the winning to the Rotary Club of Gros Islet
Second place team in the Auction was won by R. Shankar 
 
Loads of photographs in the Photo Album
 
A BIG THANK YOU to all Sponsors once again.  Without the support of the business community, our projects would not be possible. 
A special thank you to as out Title Sponsor for 2018.
 
Rassin’s 2018-19 presidential theme is Be the Inspiration. He stressed the importance of building sustainability in every project and initiative Rotary clubs and districts conduct. “We need to look at all our areas of focus and every one of our projects through the lens of sustainability,” he said.
Rotary District Governor and Rotary International Director visit Dominica
Left to right: RC Portsmouth Foundation Chair Anne Winn, Past District Governor David Edwards, Rotary District Governor Waddy Sowma, Rotary International Director Ron Ferrill, Acting Assistant Governor for Dominica Haynes Jacob, RC Portsmouth Secretary Sari Prosper
 
Rotary International Director Ron Ferrill, from Virginia, along with Rotary District Governor Waddy Sowma, from Suriname, and Past District Governor David Edwards, from Barbados visited Dominica from January 29th – 30th, 2018. The high ranking Rotary officials came to assess the damage caused by Hurricane Maria and visit the recovery projects being undertaken by the local Rotary clubs to determine how they can assist with funding at the District and International level.
Upon their arrival on Monday January 29th they visited homes in Marigot, Woodford Hill, and Calibishie which have had their roofs repaired by the Rotary Club of Portsmouth following Hurricane Maria. The club intends to repair a total of fifteen homes that suffered roof damage in the north.

The Rotary Club of Gros Islet launches the inaugural Rotary Reading Club for students of the Gros Islet Infant and Primary Schools - The Reading Scholars Club.

 

With the 2017 - 2018 Rotary year well under way, The Rotary Club of Gros Islet continues to find innovative ways to make a difference in the communities that need help most. To this end, club members converged on the Gros Islet Primary School, and with the consent of parents and the school Principals, declared the Rotary Reading Club Project open. Following a brief but meaningful ceremony on Thursday September 14th 2017, twenty Five (25) students each from the Gros Islet Primary and Infant schools became members of the Reading Scholars Club. This means that weekly, Rotarians will take turns spending time with the children and cultivating in them the skill for and love of reading. Books for the event were donated by the Sandals Foundation, the charitable arm of Sandals resorts operating across the Caribbean.

 

This is one of many projects that will be implemented within these 2 schools over the next few months by Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Gros Islet. 

 
On Saturday September 30th 11 out of the 14 members of RSCGIS along with 5 members of RCGI plus Kayle Cassius, Shern Darcheville  and Maggie Jaganath turned out to support the first major fundraising of the club in the south.  On a day when the weather undoubtedly was a factor, Rotarians and our faithful friends, rallied around to make the most of the day.  According to Chair Shermie, sales were good.  Rtn. Joel and PP Lisle bought pizza for everyone and we did our best to make a dent in the bar stock.  Fair to say that it was an excellent fellowship event at which we hope that we met our target.  
 

Grow Well Junior Golfers shine at St. Lucia Open

Press release
St. Lucia Open Juniors: Daronhill Mauricette, Zanai Tayor, Rayshorn Joseph, Keymanie Thomas, Samuel Richelieu, Lisa  Daniel. (Also Tiala Scott and K.C Gill)

St. Lucia Open Juniors: Daronhill Mauricette, Zanai Tayor, Rayshorn Joseph, Keymanie Thomas, Samuel Richelieu, Lisa Daniel. (Also Tiala Scott and K.C Gill)

The Rotary Club of Gros Islet proudly supports the CDGC
 
CDGC moves into its new home
In 1998 CDGC operated out of one room in a special education school. Over the last 17 years there has been
a steady increase of referrals, children requiring intervention, and the number of staff members. 

In December of 2014 the Organisation was able to secure funding to purchase a new facility, and later, in May 2015, the funding required to renovate the purchased property. The new location is wheelchair accessible, has multiple therapy rooms, and potential for a training room and conference centre and an indoor/outdoor sensory space.  To date, while for the most part renovations are complete, work is still ongoing on the playground. The Rotary Club of Gros Islet is pleased to assist with this initiative by providing funding for the outdoor sensory space, also known as the Playground.
 
After months of negotiation followed by an intense period of renovation and construction, the CDGC has officially declared the new facility open. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Friday February 12th 2016 much to the delight of Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy, Prime Minister Dr. The Honourable Kenny D. Anthony and a host of donor partners, friends, family members, students, children and well-wishers.  
 
The Rotary Club of Gros Islet is pleased to congratulate the New CDGC on this major achievement which will serve the needs of Saint Lucia’s children well into the future.
 
 
Her Excellency Dame Pearlette Louisy Cutting the Ribbon
 
Dr. Brigitte Schuling, Founder of CDGC with James Wadham, Trustee for the Pinnacle Trust