Rotary Clubs Swept Awards
June 14th was a special day for the Rotary movement of the BVI. For the first time in the 43 years Rotary History of the BVI all local Clubs received Presidential Citations. The presentation was made during a joint meeting hosted by the Rotary Club of Road Town at The Mooring Mariner Inn Restaurant together with Rotary District Governor Diana White, PHF, who calls St. Thomas home. DG Diana is no stranger to us in the BVI, since she and her husband Roger lived here from 1979-1986, when Roger was the Manager for the then Barclays Bank and a member of the Rotary Club of Tortola.
Presidential Citations were given out very selectively by Rotary International President 2010-11 Ray Klinginsmith. The Awards read: "Presented to .... for demonstrating Rotary's commitment to fellowship and service".
District Governor Diana was simply overwhelmed during her address: "I am so very happy, as this is my first time as District Governor that I am able to have five Clubs in one room and being able to present these very distinguished awards to all the Clubs." She did recognize the newest addition to the BVI Rotary family - the recently installed EARLYACT Club of the Enis Adams Primary School. Their members mesmerized the audience with a magnificent dance performance.
She presented the Presidential Citations to the Rotary Club of Tortola, the Rotary Club of Road Town, the Rotary Sunrise Club of Road Town, the Rotaract Club (Young professionals) and the Interact Club (young members from High Schools and College). In addition a batch was presented to the Rotary Club of Road Town: "Presidential Citation with distinction".
The Rotary Club of Tortola was chartered in 1968, the Rotary Club of Road Town in 1991 (sponsored by the RC of Tortola), The Rotary Sunrise Club in 2009 (sponsored by the RC of Road Town), the Rotaract Club in 1984 (sponsored by the RC of Tortola) and the Interact Club in 2002 (sponsored by the RC of Road Town).
Following that a presentation of $5,000.00 was made by outgoing President of the RC of Road Town Charles Benjamin to the KATS- Programme. Kids and the Sea (KATS) was introduced to the BVI in 1990 by Tom Gerker, Past President of the RC of Tortola. During their over 20 Years they have - among other things - taught countless children how to swim.
Photo by Derick Ambrose: From left -- Assistant Governor Ron Potter, President Charlie Benjamin (RC Road Town), Past President Al Quamie Nibbs (Rotaract Club), President Reynella Rawlins (Interact Club), District Governor Diana White, President Ken Guiste (Sunrise Club) and President Lorna Smith (RC of Tortola)