Rotary Fellowship Travels Beyond the Virgin Islands during Membership and New Club Development Month

During Membership and New Club Development Month, President Mitsy Ellis-Simpson was delighted to visit fellow Rotarian Alan Datri and his wife Laurel in the United States. Membership in Rotary extends beyond meetings and projects; it creates friendships and connections that can last across communities, generations and borders.

Celebrating Heritage, Service and Fellowship at Our Weekly Luncheon

The Rotary Club of Tortola was delighted to welcome Ms. Janice Nibbs Blyden and Ms. Bernadine Louis as our guest speakers to our weekly luncheon meeting on 13 August 2026. Together, they took members on an informative and memorable journey through the evolution of Festival in the Virgin Islands, sharing stories, experiences and reflections that highlighted the development of our Festival celebrations and the importance of preserving our Virgin Islands heritage.

Rotary Clubs of the BVI Celebrate Emancipation, Virgin Islands Culture and Service at August Monday Parade

With a colourful Festival float highlighting Rotary’s Areas of Focus, Rotarians took to the parade route to celebrate alongside residents and visitors while showcasing Rotary’s commitment to service and creating lasting impact in communities locally and around the world.

Breaking the Silence: Understanding the Truth About Infertility

Dr. Carolyn Betty delivered an insightful and thought-provoking presentation on “The Truth About Infertility,” at the Rotary Club of Tortola's weekly luncheon meeting on 23 July 2026. Her presentation helped raise awareness, dispel common misconceptions, and encourage greater understanding during Rotary's Maternal and Child Health Month.

Life-Saving AED Initiative Advances for Key BVI Transportation Hubs

Three automated external defibrillators will be placed at the Road Town and West End Ferry Docks and the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport, an initiative by the Rotary Club of Tortola. The initiative will also include training for staff at the receiving facilities to ensure the AEDs can be used effectively in an emergency.

Rotary Club of Tortola Provides $3,000 in Grocery Support to Vulnerable Families

The Rotary Club of Tortola donated $3,000 in supermarket vouchers to the BVI Family Support Network to assist mothers and children, senior citizens with special dietary needs, and other vulnerable individuals and families across the Virgin Islands. The donation was accepted by Executive Director Mrs. Prudence Charles-Phillip and Food Pantry Coordinator Ms. Sandra Mills, who shared that the support comes at a critical time, with the Network having assisted about 812 vulnerable individuals last year. President Mitsy Ellis-Simpson noted that part of Rotary’s work is assessing community needs and responding through meaningful service and partnership.

Welcoming Our New Rotary President Mitsy Ellis-Simpson

Rotary Club of Tortola Installs Mitsy Ellis-Simpson as President & New Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 Rotary Year

Road Town, Tortola, BVI—The Rotary Club of Tortola celebrated a night of leadership, service, and recognition as Rotarian Mitsy Ellis-Simpson was installed as President for the 2026–2027 Rotary year, and three distinguished BVI residents were honored as Community Paul Harris Fellows, Rotary’s highest recognition for community service.

The ceremony, held at Prime Restaurant on Saturday, June 6, 2026, brought together Rotarians, community leaders, government officials, business executives, sponsors, family members, and friends to celebrate Rotary’s enduring commitment to service, leadership, and community impact while recognizing outstanding individuals whose contributions have positively transformed lives throughout the Virgin Islands.

President Ellis-Simpson, a Paul Harris Fellow +1, was officially installed by Assistant Governor Rosemarie Flax. Members of the 2026–2027 Board of Directors were also installed during the ceremony, with incoming Assistant Governor Shan Mohamed assisting with the pinning of Rotary leadership lapels.

In accepting the responsibility of leadership, President Ellis-Simpson reflected on Rotary’s purpose and the responsibility of service.

“Rotary exists to make a difference. We exist to identify needs, bring people together and create lasting solutions. We exist to improve lives. Every project we undertake, every partnership we build and every act of service we perform is an opportunity to create lasting impact in our communities.”

Her presidential year will be guided by the theme, “Together, We Inspire Hope and Action,” which complements Rotary International’s 2026–2027 theme, “Create Lasting Impact.”

President Ellis-Simpson outlined five priorities for the year ahead: strengthening community service initiatives, supporting youth development, expanding partnerships and collaboration, enhancing leadership and member engagement, and sharing Rotary’s story in a more meaningful way. She also highlighted healthcare as an area of personal passion and emphasized the importance of improving health outcomes through partnerships, advocacy, awareness, and service.

Particular emphasis will be placed on initiatives that support health and wellness, recognizing that stronger communities are built when individuals have access to opportunities for healthier lives.

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