Stories

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the tragic passing of PDG Hervé Honoré and the outpour of sympathies from the family of District 7030, Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, friends and family are invited to take part in his memorial service on Thursday 08th April 2021 from 3:00 p.m. (GMT-4) via livestream on the District 7030 Facebook Page. Additionally, at the request of PDG Hervé's mother, Rotarians are being asked to donate to the Fondation Hospices Civils de Lyon – a privately funded research institute that was instrumental in diagnosing the disease from which he suffered. Please click here to access the special donation platform establish by District 7030 for those wishing to donate via credit card.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

As part of Rotary Foundation month, on 14th November, the District 7030 Rotary Foundation Grants Sub-Committee is proud to host an online session on Grants and Giving. With a cadre of experienced and expert speakers, this educational and informative event should be attended by all Rotarians and Rotaractors, whether spearheading Rotary Foundation club activities or interested in sourcing funds for club projects. Click here for more information and to register.

 

On 10th September, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo Residence held the 19th edition of its Go GLO event and achieved great success. GLO is a Dutch abbreviation for 'Normal Lower Education' which applies to primary or elementary schools. Go GLO is the club's yearly signature event where the top graduates from primary schools are honored and put into the spotlight. The event aims to encourage and motivate younger generations (8-12 years old) to do their very best at school. This year the event was made completely ‘Corona proof’ by organizing a drive-thru party for the graduates. A Go GLO event record of 301 participants passed by different “hotspots” where they received gifts, snacks, school supplies. The event was topped off with certificate presentations to students by the Minster of Education and Minister of Defence. The top 5 students for the year received special awards, as well as, recognition from the Minister of Education Ms Marie Levens.

 

There are many reasons to join Rotary! Check out the Video Guide to current members and potential new candidates for membership from the Rotary Club of Demerara. There’s information about the Club, a bit of Club history, some details on what projects and activities the club has been working on since 1993, and some ways in which persons can join or contribute to make the world a better place. District 7030 congratulated RC Demerara on wonderful achievement to expand the reach and increase the impact of Rotary. Read more for RC Demerara's latest club newsletters.

 

  

 

 

Monday 21st September - International Day of Peace or World Peace Day - a day each year observed around the world and declared by the UN General Assembly as one devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, through observing 24 hours of non-violence and cease-fire. This year, it has been clearer than ever that we are not each other’s enemies. Rather, our common enemy is a tireless virus that threatens our health, security and very way of life. COVID-19 has thrown our world into turmoil and forcibly reminded us that what happens in one part of the planet can impact people everywhere. Read more to see how this day has been celebrated around the world.

 

 

The Rotary Club of St Augustine will be hosting its 10th Annual Fundraising Golf Tournament, 'Golf for Life' on Saturday 3rd October, 2019 at Millennium Lakes Golf & Country Club in Trincity, Trinidad. This golf tournament is a major fundraiser with proceeds to the Club’s Areas of Focus for Disease Prevention and Literacy Projects. To find out how you participate in this event, please review the Poster attached with a registration form, along with a profile of the Rotary Club of St Augustine. The contribution per team is TT$3,000.00. In keeping with COVID-19 Mitigation Protocols, Millennium Lakes Golf & Country Club recently published adjustments, which is also included here as a reference. For more information on the event, please email rotaryclubofstaugustinett@gmail.com

 

The Rotary Club of Maraval is excited to share the details of their Virtual Cooking Extravaganza Fundraiser happening on Saturday September 26, 2020 at 6:00 pm to 7.30pm. This family event is facilitated by internationally acclaimed chef Debra Sardinah-Metivier and will, not only be fun, but, is also for a good cause! Net proceeds contributed will be spent on providing children in need with tools for virtual learning and improved literacy! For more information view event video or contact rotarymaraval@gmail.com

 

  

 

In recognition of UN World Peace Day on 21st September, Zone 33/34 RI Director Peter Kyle will address the membership of District 7030 on Rotary Peace initiatives and Rotary's Historical Role as a Peace-Building organization. Please register for this online event at your earliest convenience.

  

 

 

 

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – On Saturday 5th September, the Rotary Club of Liamuiga held its first community service project for the 2020-2021 Rotary Year. With the start of the academic year just 2 days away, a Back-to-School Supplies distribution initiative was conducted at the Anglican Church Hall. During a brief ceremony chaired by President Deniece Alleyne, school bags filled with much-needed items were presented to 18 students in-need from various primary schools throughout St. Kitts. Each student received a backpack filled with notebooks, ruler, pencils, pencil eraser and pens. In her remarks to the parents, guardians and students in attendance, President Deniece highlighted the difficult financial struggles that the ongoing pandemic has caused. She also encouraged the students to do their best during the upcoming school year and pledged the RC Liamuiga’s continued support for education and youth development.

 

During the month of August, the membership committee of the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain asked its members for quotes on Rotary International and the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain for Rotary International’s Membership month. Each quote was then featured daily for the month and shared on the club's social media platforms. View attached file for a summary of the members' quotes.

 

 

 

Devastated by Category 5 Hurricane Maria in 2017, most of the 59 primary schools on the island Commonwealth of Dominica were severely damaged or collapsed and the computers and books in the schools were destroyed. Restoring Learning Technologies is an initiative from the IT for Dominica Foundation out of Alberta, Canada to mitigate some of these losses. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Rotary clubs located in Canada and Dominica along with the IT for Dominica Foundation, the gap in providing learning resources and information technology (IT) support for students in 30 primary schools is about to be met.
 

   

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

In late August, a generous donation of 420 hampers was provided by PriceSmart to the Rotary clubs of South Trinidad. Targeted for distribution among those in particular need as a result of the effects of COVID-19, the initiative was spearheaded by Patricia Woods of the Price Philanthropies Foundation (formerly Price Family Charitable Fund) - a private nonprofit foundation established by the founders of PriceSmart. Also a Rotarian, Patricia emphasized that this donation is part of PriceSmart’s initiative to assist countries within the Caribbean during this challenging time and complimented a previous donation of hampers made earlier by PriceSmart to the Rotary clubs of Central Trinidad.

  

 

Rotarians know the importance of building our membership and expanding our reach...so it is most critical for us to recognize and commemorate each time we grow as a District and add to our collective tapestry. Effective 2nd July 2020, the Rotary Satellite Club of Diego Martin Evening, Trinidad and Tobago was officially established as a satellite club of the Rotary Club of Diego Martin, and consequently increased the number of satellite clubs in District 7030 from two to three.

 

 

Binish Desai began working on an eco-friendly brick made out of recycling and waste, when he was 11. The former Rotary Youth Exchange student, inventor, and entrepreneur credits Rotary with giving him the support to pursue his dreams. Now he’s giving back through a new Rotary club. Over nearly two decades he has come up with several inventions; built and lost a company; founded, with his wife, several women’s empowerment centers; and generally concocted ways to improve the lives of everyone in his very broadly defined community. Central to his success has been his involvement with Rotary, a relationship that was sparked by a family connection and nurtured by a year in the United States as a Rotary Youth Exchange student. Now, as a charter member of the Rotary Club of Vibrant Valsad, his life in Rotary has taken flight. Click here to read more

 

Doing good doesn’t only benefit other people. It helps us, too. Studies show that helping others boosts serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes us feel satisfied. Another benefit to feeling rewarded when we do good: It lowers our stress levels. Who couldn’t use that right now? Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, people everywhere are feeling anxious about their health, their families, their jobs, and their futures. Click here to read more.

 

 

Rotary District 7020 presents it's first ever Virtual Symposium under the theme "The Journey to Rotary". Join in on this most timely event, as it discusses the importance of Rotaractors transitioning to Rotary! The keynote address for this event will be given by Past Rotary International President Barry Rassin who will speak on the topic "The Future of Rotary". District 7020 Governor Charles Sealy and District 7020 Rotaract Representative Trevor Bridgewater II will also give motivational addresses. The symposium panel is made up of dynamic Rotarians who will be sharing their success stories of why they transitioned and why they stayed. This is a highly anticipated event...so be sure to register today and share this information with all members of the Rotary family as we each do our part to grow Rotary. Click HERE to register.

 

 

 

In its 2nd peace-building online session, the District 7030 PeaceBuilding Committee is pleased to host Patricia Shafer - Executive Director of NewGen PeaceBuilders who shall be presenting on Building a Culture of Peace: Putting Principles of Positive Peace and Young People at the Center of a Global Dream. In this dynamic, interactive presentation, Patricia, a Rotary Peace Fellow, Rotary Positive Peace Activator and IEP Global Peace Index Ambassador, will share her perspective gained from eight years of leading the nonprofit NewGen Peacebuilders. Please register for this online event at your earliest convenience

 

 

On July 31st 2020 at Rotary House, Antigua, Rotarians, the Cuban Ambassador to Antigua and Barbuda, Maria Esther Fiffe, and representatives from the Leonard “Tim” Hector Memorial Committee, participated in the presentation of dry foods and toiletries to representatives of the “Henry Reeve” Contingent of the Cuban Medical Brigade who in turn expressed their profound gratitude.

 

 

The Zone 34 Public Image Citation is going to be a little different this year for clubs. It isn’t going to be a flurry of activity at the beginning of the year and a mad dash to the finish line. Instead, it is going to be a steady report of your club’s progress and both District 7030 and Zone 34 Public Image Teams look forward to guiding and accompanying you on this journey. Register now for the citation to start receiving information and next steps for your club to qualify. While a club's Public Image Chair should definitely register, any and all other members from Rotary and Rotaract can also register as every member is in some way responsible for a club's public image. La Citation de l'image publique de la zone 34 sera un peu différente cette année pour les clubs. Ce ne sera pas une vague d’activités en début d’année et une course folle vers la ligne d’arrivée. Au lieu de cela, ce sera un rapport régulier sur les progrès de votre club et les équipes Image publique du District 7030 et de la Zone 34 se réjouissent de vous guider et de vous accompagner dans ce voyage. Inscrivez-vous maintenant à la citation pour commencer à recevoir des informations et les prochaines étapes pour que votre club se qualifie. Si le responsable de l'image publique d'un club doit absolument s'inscrire, tous les autres membres du Rotary et du Rotaract peuvent également s'inscrire, car chaque membre est d'une manière ou d'une autre responsable de l'image publique d'un club.

 

As people of action, Rotarians have been shaping the conversation on the environment for years, from addressing climate change that threatens entire food systems to fighting pollution that clogs our air and water. Rotarians are well-suited for the challenge. They use their connections to find creative solutions and take action to safeguard our vital resources. The Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG) assists Rotary clubs, districts and multi-districts in building awareness, inspiring action, and planning service projects that focus on environmental sustainability, awareness of climate change, and actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Karen Kendrick-Hands - Communications Director for ESRAG - answers five major questions about Rotary new area of focus and provides some interesting information to all clubs.

 

The Rotaract World Peace Conference - Rotaract for Peace seeks to become a movement of Rotaractors to promote actions for peace around the world. This is the origin of the Rotaract World Peace Conference, which is an event to learn about various projects focused on peace, led by young leaders in Rotary International, we provide various tools for creating projects with peace topics in Rotaract clubs around the world. The conference is led, formulated and conducted by Rotaractors from various districts. We aim to encourage young professionals in Rotary to take action and join forces in order to develop the area of Peace, Conflict Resolution and Prevention. Register here to view the conference live streams.

 

Kriddles Roberts has an extraordinary story - born into the gang life, experiencing homelessness, starting a charity and now joining a "bigger machine" - she's the surprising new president of Waitakere Rotary, New Zealand. Roberts, young, Māori, tattooed down to her gold-ringed fingers and born into the gang life, is the youngest president of Waitakere Rotary and only the fourth woman to lead the West Auckland club. Click here to listen to her story and continuing reading about her inspiring journey.

 

 

The world is facing a global crisis and in these difficult circumstances, The Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees is making tough decisions to enable our organization thrive. They reported that in 2013-14, when global grants were introduced, the Foundation awarded 868 global grants worth US$47.3 million. By 2018-19, the number of global grants awarded had risen to 1,403 - worth US$86.6 million. However, while the demand for grants rose by 80%, corresponding Annual Fund contributions did not keep pace, showing only a 7% increase during the same time period. And therein lies the problem.

  

 

  

 

 

Now More Than Ever, Rotary Connects the World! Continue to connect with the family of Rotary by visiting the virtual House of Friendship through 31 July. Explore, ask questions, and interact with other members at this exhibit, open 24 hours a day, that features Rotary Action Groups, Rotary Fellowships, projects, and partners. Share the experience with your club, family, and friends by encouraging them to visit, too.

 

 

Congratulations to the following clubs on receiving the Rotary Zone 34 Public Image Citation for 2019-2020: RC Antigua, RC Central Port of Spain, RC Paramaribo, RC St. Augustine. Particular mention and applause to RC Penal and RC Port of Spain West for receiving platinum recognition.

On 4th July 2020, District 7030 was honored to host Rotary International President 2020-2021 Holger Knaack and privileged as he not only addressed our membership on the dynamic state and adaptability of Rotary, but also, gave of his time to answer questions and address concerns from Rotarians and Rotaractors. Whether you attended this online meeting or missed it, please take a few minutes and watch the recording as it will surely put a positive light on your next steps as a member of the Rotary family.

 

 

On June 22, Mrs. Sharon Henry-Phillip – a student at The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus – was the first recipient of the Rotary/UWI Five Islands Campus Scholarship. Designed to assist a current student of the Campus who maintains scholastic excellence, the scholarship, valued at EC$6,444.76, covers the cost of study for one year leading to the completion of a Bachelor’s degree and includes tuition, books and Guild fees. Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal, Professor Stafford Griffith gave remarks during the presentation of the inaugural scholarship, stating, “Today is a historic day for the Campus. I want to thank the Rotary Club of Antigua for its service and commitment to promoting the welfare and well-being of individuals. We are thankful for the scholarship, and we note this is the first benefactor scholarship to be awarded through the Five Islands Campus and it is therefore historic”.

 

On 25th June 2020, Rotary International President Mark Maloney announced that the Rotary Foundation Trustees and Rotary International Board of Directors both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: Supporting The Environment! This now becomes Rotary's seventh area of focus, which are categories of service activities supported by global grants. It joins peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation, and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; and community economic development.

  

 

  

 

 

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts: District Governor-elect (DGE) for Rotary District 7030, Mr. David Lisle Chase, was the featured guest at the Rotary Club of Liamuiga’s weekly virtual meeting on June 17, 2020. The charter president of the Rotary Club of Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, DGE Lisle will begin his term as Governor this July. In a wide-ranging discussion with the Liamuiga Rotarians, as well as members of the Rotaract Club of Nevis, DGE Lisle shared his vision and goals for District 7030.

 

On Wednesday 17th June 2020, the Rotary Club of Antigua continued the distribution of hospital beds under its project "A Bed At Home". Flexible and comfortable beds were donated to Ms. Dale Fowler from Liberta, Mr. Leslie Emanuel from Potters Village and Ms. Oslyn Pluck from Cassada Gardens in Antigua. All three recipients have expressed profound gratitude to the club for such a significant contribution to persons living with disabilities.

 

"Service Above Self" - selfless commitment to our community and to our fellow man - is the motto of all Rotary clubs around the world. The Rotary Club of Paramaribo is commemorating for the first time in Suriname the golden anniversary of Rotarian Henri Guda who celebrated 50 years in rotary on 15th June. Mr H.A.M. (Henri) Guda was inducted into the Rotary Club of Paramaribo fifty years ago in 1970 at the age of 36. Henri Guda became an active and involved Rotarian and was elected President of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo for the 1988/89 Rotary year. Eight years after this in 1997-1998 he became the first District Governor of Surinamese descent. Over the years, Rotarian Henri initiated many sustainable activities and community projects, including the Vocational Excellence Awards (V.E.A.), reactivating the National Art Fair (NK) and the annual sponsorship of the Christmas packages promotion of the Salvation Army. Please join with all of District 7030 in celebrating this unique and milestone achievement.

 

Register today for the Rotary Peace Fellowship Alumni Association's Global Cyber Peace Conference on 27th June! Join dynamic and interactive discussions with speakers and attendees from around the globe. Use the code ACCESSPEACE to register for free. Peacebuilding thought leaders John Paul Lederach, author of “The Moral Imagination,” and Irene Santiago, nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2005 as one of 1000 outstanding women peacemakers and peacebuilders in the world will offer their wisdom and inspiration.

 

 

 

 

While Italy has been largely locked down to fight the coronavirus, members of the Rotary Club of Morimondo Abbazia have galvanized support — and a measure of hope — for people and businesses reeling from the effects of the pandemic. Their efforts are addressing both immediate and long-term needs: donating meals to health care workers, organizing a supply chain to get the ingredients for liquid sanitizer, and helping businesses that depend on in-person commerce move their operations online.
 

 

Check out the new Leadership Develop Courses from Rotary International & ToastMasters available via the Rotary Learning Center

 

 

The 2019–20 RI Board of Directors met via video conference on 18 March and 21–24 April 2020. At these meetings, the Board reviewed 10 committee reports and recorded 36 decisions many of which were in response to the evolving global circumstances surround the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting effects on Rotary clubs and members. Read more to see a summary of these decisions as of April...

KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent and the Grenadines (May 7, 2020) – The Rotary Club of St. Vincent South has signed an MOU with Rotary Medical Equipment and Supplies Abroad Foundation Inc.(MESA) in Ohio USA, to donate a 40’ container of medical equipment and supplies. These supplies are valued at over US$500,000 and are donated to the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines through the Ministry of Health, Wellness and The Environment.  The equipment was handed over to Central Stores on Wednesday, April 29th, 2020.

 

 

 

 

On 2nd May 2020 starting at 11:00 a.m. (AST), join the #RotaryResponds COVID-19 Telethon to hear stories of hope, inspiration and gratitude from Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends of Rotary from across the globe as they share what they are doing to help their communities. Click here for more information.

 

 

 

Fellow Rotarians,\ Chers Rotariens,

Happy Easter to All! \ Joyeuses Pâques à tous!
I trust that you and your families are all well, and staying safe. We celebrate Easter, this year in very trying circumstances. But the Easter story of triumph over adversity teaches of us of the Christian faith to not despair; this too shall pass! As our risen Saviour rose triumphant from the death’s cold grasp, we will emerge from this pandemic. \ J'espère que vous et vos familles allez tous bien et que vous êtes en sécurité. Nous célébrons Pâques, cette année dans des circonstances très éprouvantes. Mais l'histoire de Pâques, celle du triomphe sur l'adversité, nous enseigne, à nous les Chrétiens, à ne pas désespérer ; cela aussi passera ! Comme notre Sauveur ressuscité s'est levé triomphant de la mort, nous sortirons de cette pandémie.
 

Woven through the fabric of virtually every community on earth, service clubs of Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, Optimist International, and Rotary International are working safely and diligently to maintain connections with each other and our neighbors so that we can cope with and overcome the effects of COVID-19. We are leveraging the strength of our combined networks of 3.2 million members to provide comfort and hope to those feeling the effects of isolation and fear. And we are focusing our collective skills, resources and ideas to support frontline health workers and first responders as they battle this disease and save lives.