True peace is not merely the absence of tension: it is the presence of justice. Martin Luther King Jr
February is Peace and Conflict Prevention month. Of the 60 million people displaced by armed conflict or persecution, 90% are civilians. Half of those civilians are children. That’s millions of reasons why Rotary is so engaged in service projects, fellowships and other Rotary-sponsored campaigns in pursuit of peace in our world.
The Rotary Club of St.Martin Sunrise along with the students of the Prince William Alexandra School recorded multiple PSAs promoting peace among the youths. It is more impactful when children hear other children talk about these important issues and that is what our club is trying its utmost to do. Making sure the adults of tomorrow already know the advantages of a peaceful and conflict-free community.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise has introduced a Video Contest in recognition of Rotary’s theme of the month which is “Peace and Conflict Resolution”. The main objective of the Video Contest is to create awareness about the social issues that adolescents may face on their school campus and in the community
The team at CBA chose to focus on the social issue of bullying. They decided to use poetry and dance to campaign against bullying which more than likely can lead to depression and anxiety; increased feelings of sadness and loneliness, and even suicide.
Sarah is a girl that has been sexually abused by her cousin while he was sleeping over at her house. As a result of this, she is lacking focus on her school work and is afraid to go home. But she is afraid to speak up because her mother told her that it will affect the family's reputation.
PHILIPSBURG:--- Rotary International observes a different theme each month that fosters Community Service and promotes International Peace and Understanding. February 2019 is observed as Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution month, with this in mind the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise organized various community projects geared towards the promotion of Peace, Justice and Humanitarian Rights.
Annually, the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise donates eyeglasses to a number of students from various elementary and secondary schools. Part of the funds to purchase the eyeglasses was made available through the Bert Miller Funds, a fund created in the name of the late Dr. Bert Miller from Nova Scotia.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Rotary club of St. Martin Sunrise and the Participant Foundation, is to refurbish the existing playground at EWP to realize a vibrant children’s playground and Family recreational space at the Park. There are currently few public playgrounds and very limited facilities on the island catered to outdoor activities which the whole family could enjoy, particularly children.
Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise as a member of Rotary District 7020, who is a partner of Alzheimer Disease International in the Caribbean Dementia Awareness Advocacy Alliance, is committed to providing its support locally to raise the awareness and the advocacy for a dementia friendly Sint Maarten and to achieve respect and the realization of all the human rights of persons with dementia.
The Philipsburg Jubilee Library in collaboration with, the Community Outreach Mentorship & Empowerment International Center (COME), the Rotaract Club of St. Maarten Sunrise, the Rotary Club St. Martin Sunrise, and Sint Maarten National Commission for UNESCO, embarked on a Literacy Awareness Campaign called “ SXM Reads”.
The aim of this campaign is not only to raise awareness in the community, but also to bring forward their concerns regarding illiteracy on the island.
For the third year, Sol St. Maarten, has again joined forces with the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise to present 375 fully-equipped school bags to the students of the combined Leonard Conner & Charles Leopold Belle Primary School. This year, Sol also honoured the teachers with a token gift.
Motorworld and Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise have joined forces yet again to help start kids on the right path for this school year. School bags containing school materials such as pens, pencils, copy books, sharpeners and erasers were handed out to students at the Sr. Borgia Elementary School and the Sr. Marie Laurence Primary School.
This is the fourth year that the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise has organized its annual tree lightning activity. Each year a different foster home is selected, and the event is held at the home to bring lots of cheers and smiles to the children at the foster home.
Mrs. Connie Gumbs-Francis personifies the criteria outlined for the Vocational Service Award and after reviewing all nominees our club was proud to select and recognize her for the work she does for youth and the community of St. Maarten.
For years already the White and Yellow Cross Foundation and Rotary Sunrise have a strong relationship, resulting in both parties working together on projects. When Rotary Sunrise contacted the care foundation with the request for a funding project, a topic was easily selected.
Rotary Sunrise Inducts Ruminni Rogers into Membership
On Tuesday February 9, 2016, Mr. Ruminni Rogers was inducted as the newest member of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise. Ruminni Rogers who is a Police Officer, the son of Carlyle Rogers and Ramona Riley-Juan Pedro, and a talented Calysonians, who captured the Junior Calypso crown in 2008, has become the youngest member of the club.
The Minister Plenipotentiary, Mrs. Josianne Fleming-Artsen was the guest speaker at the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise breakfast meeting. At the meeting, she talked about her main tasks which is her representation at the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom. The Minister Plenipotentiary mentioned that the Council of Ministers of the Kingdom comprises 15 Dutch Ministers and 3 Minister Plenipotentiaries each of Aruba, Curaçao and St. Maarten. Other tasks of the Minister Plenipotentiary that Mrs. Fleming-Artsen elaborated on were representation at all invited functions in the Netherlands, representation in Brussels, and assistance to the St. Maarten organizations. The Minister Plenipotentiary also spoke of her cabinet and the functions within the cabinet. President Marcellia Henry indicated that the club was very pleased to have the Minister Plenipotentiary, Mrs. Josianne Fleming-Artsen visit the club to share information about the role and function of the Minister Plenipotentiary. She indicated that the presentation was very interactive and informative, and looks forward to the Minister Plenipotentiary visiting the club once again during her next visit to St. Maarten.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise meets every Tuesday at 7am at the Barefoot Terrace Restaurant at the Cyrus Wathey Square on the Boardwalk in Philipsburg.
Presentation & Visit of the Minister Plenipotentiary of St. Maarten to the Netherlands
On Wednesday August 5, 2015 proved a very difficult day for all of us in St. Maarten. It was the day when we heard nd some of us witnessed the unfortunate shooting of Police Officer Gamali Benjamin, lovingly called 'Benji'. This incident had dire consequences for the whole community of St. Maarten. Besides the big loss suffered with the death of a dear soul in the line of duty, it was an awakening to the deteriorating levels of safety and security and the overall consequences of youth at risk. In collectively coming to terms on how to deal with this matter, our meeting on August 12th was dedicated to the memory of Officer Benji and prayers for his family.
The meeting drew attention to the need to create more awareness about peaceful coexistence and harmony within the community. We strongly believe that Rotary has a strong role to play in rebuilding a purposeful nation of St. Maarten. Together we can make a lasting difference. Together we can continue the legacy of Officer Benji. Together we can contribute to 'Bringing Back the Friendly Island'. In subsequent meetings, more efforts will be made to conduct a needs assessment on the kinds of activities that can be supported on peace building and outreach to youth at risk. Stay tuned so you can join the initiatives.
Philipsburg, September 5, 2013:Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise welcomed to their weekly breakfast meeting Mr. Rodney Davis, who is the youth social worker at the Sundial School; Mr. Davis gave a presentation of the program which is currently being offered at the school under the name of “Active Parenting of Teens”.
Tortola BVI, May 21, 2013: The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise has been awarded five (5) awards at the District 7020 Rotary Conference and Assembly in Tortola during the week of May 13-19, 2013.
On Saturday April 20, 2013,he Rotary club of St. Martin Sunrise with a team of over a hundred and fifteen (115) volunteers from different groups from St. Maarten and Anguilla came together in Dutch Quarter to give the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School a much needed facelift, which consisted of the painting of all buildings located on the premises.
On Saturday, March 16, 2013, Rotary club of St. Martin Sunrise and Rotaract Sunrise collaborated in hosting a 4-way speech competition for high school students.
November 19, 2012: A donation of USD 350 was presented to Diabetes foundations of St. Maarten at their presentation of the diabetes foot investigation results 2012 in the A.C.Wathey Hall, Governement Administration Building.
In picture (left to right)DF Foundation member Thea Habermehl-Pauw, Rotary Sunrise Vice President Virginia Asin-Oostburg, receiving check DF Foundation Chair Lotty Peterson
Philipsburg, St. Maarten—On September 16, 2012 Rotary Club of St. Martin sunrise was a part of a massive clean-up campaign at la Belle Creole Beach on French St. Martin.
Our club members, Sunrise Rotaracters, and Interactors from the St. Maarten Academy and Learning Unlimited participated in the cleaning of the school yard of the Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School located in Dutch Quarter a helper with a weed cutter also assisted. Plants was donated and planted by the school children thanks to a donation from Rtn. Kameela Piper of Premier Landscaping.
Martin Luther King Jr. School CleanUp & Beautification
Posted by Rtn.Hendrik-Jan Van Ieperen on Apr 06, 2012
The topic of World Health Day in 2012 is Ageing and health with the theme "Good health adds life to years". The focus is how good health throughout life can help older men and women lead full and productive lives and be a resource for their families and communities. Ageing concerns each and every one of us – whether young or old, male or female, rich or poor – no matter where we live.
During April the Sunrise Club will have several speakers address health related issues at the weekly meetings.
Posted by Rtn.Hendrik-Jan Van Ieperen on Apr 04, 2012
On March 28 the Rotary Club of St Martin Sunrise in collaboration with the Philipsburg Jubilee Library honored all the participants in ‘Readers are Leaders’, a reading program aimed at all high school students on St Maarten. The goal of ‘Readers are Leaders’ is to turn St Maarten’s teenagers into avid readers. Reading helps our youth to develop imagination, curiosity and the ability to think outside the box.
On Tuesday February 28, 2012 the “Readers are Leaders” Club presented a cultural evening to celebrate Black History Month. The gathered young crowd were presented with poetry, songs and dance.
ST PETERS, ST MAARTEN, August 24, 2011: In response to a request from the Starlight
Educational Center for assistance with their worn-out school furniture, The
Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise contacted some school boards in the
Netherlands if they could help out. The result was presented last Wednesday
when 40 school desks and chairs for children age 4 to 6 were delivered at the
school in St. Peters.
Raising our readers to be leaders! Our
youngsters need to become strong readers to succeed in life! These are the
slogans under which the Rotary Sunrise Club and the Philipsburg Jubilee Library
launched the ‘Readers are Leaders’ reading program aimed at all high school
students on our island. Our goal is to
turn St. Maarten’s teenagers into avid readers.
Opening
party
‘Readers are Leaders’ was launched on Friday,
March 19, 2010
Sunrise Rotary Club is organizing a special breakfast for its guests and potential members, called Sunrise Rotary Open House on Tuesday August 30th, 2011.
On Friday March 5th a press release for the "Readers are Leaders" reading program was held at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library at 10:00am in the morning.
WILLEMSTAD--Netherlands Antilles still remain on the financial blacklist of several countries despite the fact that over the past years our tax laws have been thoroughly revised.
District Governor, Guy Theodore, was one of the two special guests, our club was honored to receive Tuesday, August 16, 2011, during Club Meeting at AirLekkerbek.
Sunrise Rotary Welcomes its newest member Anjenie Lachman at the Change of Board Ceremony that took place at the Westin Dawn Beach Hotel & Spa on Friday July 3, 2010. Anjenie we welcome you to our club.
With a grand kick-off party on Friday March 19 the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise and the Philipsburg Jubilee Library started the READERS ARE LEADERS program. Leader of Government and Commissioner William Marlin officially opened the program and emphasized the importance of literacy and reading. He encouraged all the young people on St. Maarten to join the program and start reading books.
The Rotary Club St. Martin Sunrise donated Naf 12,600 to the Pediatric ward of the St. Maarten Medical Center. The donation will be used to help purchase a much needed second warm bed, an open incubator which help keeps premature newborns warm. Sunrise Rotary Club has committed itself as well to provide the additional donation needed to pay for the balance of the purchase sum.
The Saint Martin Sunrise Rotary Club in collaboration with the Time Share Owners and the Timeshare Association are pleased to present the final installment to Napolina Richardson, the creator of the Poster Project. Thanks to the owners and the association, every classroom on St Maarten will now have a set of these posters.
Fellow Rotarians and Distinguished Guests, It is my distinct honor to welcome you in the capacity of President of the St Martin Sunrise Rotary Club for the term 2010-2011.
In honor of "Hospital and Health Care Week and in support of "Sunrise Rotary Warm Bed Project"
SPONSOR A WALKER OR RUNNER, SUPPORT THIS GOOD CAUSE AND MOVE FOR YOUR OWN HEALTH AT THE SAME TIME.
Celebrating their 5th Anniversary this week the Sunrise Rotary Club would like to wish the Rotaract Club a very happy week and thanking all members and past members for their contribution towards the ideal of Rotary "Service Above Self". Keep the good work up guys you have made us proud and happy to be your sponsoring club.
The St Martin Sunrise Rotary Club had the privilege of having as guest at our weekly breakfast meeting on Tuesday, Mrs. Carol Miller widowed of the Late Eye Specialist Bert Miller and long time friend and honorary members Steven and Kay Shepphard who made a donation to the "Bert Miller Funds"
St. Martin Sunrise Rotary hosted a fellowship of music and food on Friday with Rotary clubs from Dutch and French St. Martin. club members enjoyed an evening at La Cabana Restaurant with Karaoke.
Attorney Reynold Groeneveldt honored our club as special guest updating those present with the constitutional changes that is taking place in St. Maarten and the rest of teh Antilles, those present asked a lot of questions and was very happy with the response given by Attorney Groeneveldt. Our Club woud like to thank thank him for taking the time to come to our meeting despite having to travel that afternoon to the Netherlands for Constitutional meetings. A brief bio of Mr. Groeneveldt.
Last Saturday, March 6, 2010 the Belvedere Community Center presented their Belvedere Community Council project. This was presented to the Government, NGO's and also Rotary. Rotarian Keturah Deweever was present to recieve on behalf of the Sunrise Rotary Club.
PHILIPSBURG, ST MAARTEN: The St Martin Sunrise Rotary Club had the privilege of receiving as its Guest speaker on Tuesday March 9, 2010, Jacqueline Louis Manager of Innovative Marketing Creations who is the official agent of St. Maarten SUPERHOST.
On Sunday, March 7, 2010, Sunrise Rotaract Club members planted a tree at exactly 4:00pm in the presence of Rotarian Martha Pouchie from their host Club Sunrise Rotary at the Emilio Wilson Historical Park Located on the LB Scott Road. This officially kicked of the Rotaract Week 2010 that is being celebrated worldwide.
It's that time of the year again "Rotaract Week 2010" is right around the corner, and we have a week of fun activities in store for you. Everyone is invited, Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, family and friends.
find below scheduled activities:
About the Day: World AIDS Day is observed every year on December 1st. The World Health Organization established World AIDS Day in 1988. World AIDS Day provides governments, national AIDS programs, faith organizations, community organizations, and individuals with an opportunity to raise awarenessand focus attention on the global AIDS epidemic.
THE FUNDRAISING FOR THE "WARM BED PROJECT" AT THE CARIBBEAN HOME EXPO IN MAHO WAS A GREAT SUCCESS, THANKS TO THE KIND DONATION OF VISITORS AND BUSINESS PARTICIPATING IN THE EVENT.
THANKS AGAIN TO THE ORGANIZERS OF THE EVENT, FOR MAKING THIS PROJECT ONE DAY CLOSER TO COMPLETATION.
Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise works to fight polio worldwideIn recognition of World Polio Day, October 24,Sunrise Rotary Club has raised a total amount $250 from sales of car stickers towards polio eradication, tickets was purchased by all members whocommitted to placing stickers on their cars to bring more awareness to the community.
Rotary Leadership Institute Sunshine Division, conducted a two day training in St. Maarten on Saturday, October 24th and Sunday, October 25th at the Sonesta Great Bay Beach Hotel. The training was organized by the President of the St. Maarten Club Pierre de Celles, The discussion leaders was Incoming DG Diana White and Don Chandlerfrom St. Thomas, Yvonne Crabbe, , Mary Finley-Jones and Vance Lewis from Tortola,
On Saturday October 10, 2009, The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise sponsored a luncheon at the Crystal Home in honor of District Governor Errol Alberga and wife Leonie Alberga courtesy visit to the Home during his official trip to St. Maarten as District 7020 Governor.
Thanks to the kind generosity from management of Caribbean Home & Garden Expo a booth has been donated to the Sunrise Rotary Club, free of charge to conduct a fundraiser during the month of November.
World Food Day was proclaimed in 1979 by the Conference of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). It marks the date of the founding of FAO in 1945. The aim of the Day is to heighten public awareness of the world food problem and strengthen solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty. In 1980, the General Assembly endorsed observance of the Day in consideration of the fact that "food is a requisite for human survival and well-being and a fundamental human necessity" (resolution 35/70 of 5 December 1980).
On Saturday September 26,2009, Club Service Director Martha Pouchie and Member Mark Kerkhove receieved on behalf of Sunrise Rotary Club a Cerificate of Appreciation from the Belvedere Community Center and After School Program.
The Sunrise Rotaract Club organized a "Story Telling Event" at the Philipsburg Library from 11am till 1pm to commemorate Literacy Day which is Sept. 8th.
Rtn. Claret Conner and Rtn. Marcellia Henry visited St. Maarten Academy Academic Section. They gave a powerpoint presentation on Literacy and what role Rotary plays in this field.
My fellow Rotarians:
Lord Byron wrote, "The days of our youth are the days of our glory." For me, that is the line that
springs to mind whenever Rotary's youth programs are mentioned.
In Rotary, September is New Generations Month – a time to focus our attention on our programs for youth and the role they play in shaping the Rotarians of tomorrow.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise at its weekly member's breakfast meeting at Air Lekker bek on Tuesday August 25, 2009 presented to Mr. Donevan Froston (Founder) and Mr. Clinton Spring (member) of Foundation for Hope and Music Development a donation of a Yamaha Electronic Key Board towards its efforts of establishing a Music Academy for the youth of St. Maarten/St. Martin.
"Dear Fellow Rotarians and distinguished guests,
I welcome you all as President of Rotary club of St. Martin Sunrise for the term 2009-2010. It is a great feeling and an opportunity for me to work along with group of energetic business men and women who are determined to serve our community.
RC Sunrise President Claret Connor presenting Posters to ASDC Rep. Ms. Claudia Connor and Vocational Service Director Erik Dolle of RC Sunrise presenting payment to Ms. Napolina Richardson of the 'World of Learning" for the educational posters.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunrise, in its weekly Club meeting at Air Lekkerbek, donated 139 poster sets as contribution to the Soualiga Pos
Sunrise Rotary Club was able to assist two young students with the purchase of eye glasses. With the assistance of their principle respectively school dean Sunrise Rotary identified two students who were in dire need of funds to purchase eye glasses. Eye glasses that they need to be able to read from the school board and otherwise participate fully in the entire school curriculum
Sunrise Rotary hosted its 2nd annual Family Breakfast @ Air Lekkerbek on Dec 6th 2008.It was an morning full of fun an laughter, There were lots of games like funny picture contest, guess who contest and family and members had a wonderful time.Congratulations to Irma Club service director and her crew for the job well done.
On August 19th District Governer Rupert Ross Jr visited our breakfast meeting along with his wife Cheryl. He also met with the board after the club meeting.
Sunrise Club donated $ 1000 to Mental Health Foundation on July 23rd 2008. Secretary Peter & IPP Meredith presented the cheque to the foundation on behalf of the club.
Our Board of Directors supports the Rotary International and District 7020 wide fundraising goal for contributions to the Rotary Foundation of $100 per Rotarian per year.
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Plenipotentiary that Mrs. Fleming-Artsen elaborated on were representation at all invited functions in the Netherlands, representation in Brussels, and assistance to the St. Maarten organizations. The Minister Plenipotentiary also spoke of her cabinet and the functions within the cabinet. President Marcellia Henry indicated that the club was very pleased to have the Minister Plenipotentiary, Mrs. Josianne Fleming-Artsen visit the club to share information about the role and function of the Minister Plenipotentiary. She indicated that the presentation was very interactive and informative, and looks forward to the Minister Plenipotentiary visiting the club once again during her next visit to St. Maarten.
On Saturday April 20, 2013
Philipsburg, St. Maarten—On September 16, 2012 Rotary Club of St. Martin sunrise was a part of a massive clean-up campaign at la Belle Creole Beach on French St. Martin. 
Rotary Club of Sint Maarten Sunrise Partnered with Government in the open house 
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