Hamilton Rotary Club meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 12:30 pm -1:30 pm at the HarbourFront Restaurant at the BUEI and on the 4th Tuesday of each month from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm at the BEDC on 19 Elliott St., City of Hamilton, Bermuda, HM 10
on May 12, 2026 at the Mariner's club with our guest speaker
Guest Speaker: Geoffrey Smith
Director of the Department of
Environment & Natural Resources
Topics:
Existing Seasonally Protected Marine Areas
Proposed Marine Protected Areas under the Prosperity Programme.
Marine Development Act.
Dr Geoffrey Smith manages the team that administers environmental programs related to marine management, plant protection, promoting agriculture, biodiversity, terrestrial eco-system management, marine heritage and promoting the sustainable use of the Island's natural resources. He has a background in chemistry, pollution monitoring and environmental processes and previously worked for a UK Defense Research organization.
Fireside Chat Introduces Prospective Members to Hamilton Rotary Club
The Hamilton Rotary Club recently hosted a fireside chat for prospective members at the Lobster Pot Restaurant. This was an engaging introduction to Rotary’s mission, values, and community impact.
Led by Membership Chair Cathy Bassett, the informal evening brought together club leaders and guests in a relaxed social setting. Attending Rotarians included President Taka, Club Historian Dr. Mansfield Brock, Public Image Chair Sandra Dill, and Rotaractor Ashley Swainson. Prospective members Letitia Washington, Immie Ong-Aban, and Chioke Lodge participated actively, asking questions and exploring how their skills and interests could support Rotary’s work. “Rotary brings together people who want to put service above self and make a lasting impact.”
Dr. Brock, an avid long-serving member, delivered an engaging overview of Rotary’s history, from its founding by Paul Harris to the growth of Rotary locally and globally. He highlighted the Hamilton Rotary Club’s founding members and shared examples of projects that have shaped its legacy of service in Bermuda.
Rotaractor Ashley Swainson also outlined the role of Rotaract, Rotary’s youth arm, noting the club’s strong cohort of approximately 20 Rotaractors, many of whom remain involved while studying overseas.
The evening concluded with President Taka and Cathy Bassett sharing the club’s goals and opportunities for service and professional development. Each prospective member expressed interest in contributing, from supporting events and youth exchange initiatives to strengthening corporate partnerships.
The Hamilton Rotary Club continues to Unite for Good, welcoming individuals who are committed to service, leadership, and making a positive difference in the community. “From local projects to global initiatives, Rotary continues to unite people for good.”
Interested in joining Rotary? The Hamilton Rotary Club welcomes professionals and community-minded individuals who want to serve, connect, and lead. 👉 Attend a meeting, join an event, or contact us to learn more. We’d be happy to share with you.
Jean Akol (Advisor), Fatima Pervez (Advisor), Morgan Mederios
The Rotary Youth Leadership Awards is an intensive experience organised by Rotary Clubs and Districts, where young people can develop leadership skills while having fun and making connections.
The Bermuda Rotary Club (now the Hamilton Rotary Club) was sponsored for membership in the Rotary movement by the Rotary Club of New Rochelle in March, 1924. The Rotary Club of New Rochelle was (and still) is part of District 7230 which includes the counties of the Bronx, Westchester, Staten Island and Manhatten. It is not surprising, therefore, that the Hamilton Rotary club became and is still a part of District 7230.
Our Club was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Rochelle, N.Y., and became a member of Rotary International on February 6th, 1924.
The charter officers were: J.J. (Jack) Arnold, President J.J. (Joe) Outerbridge, Secretary Sir John (J.W.) Cox, Treasurer In March 1926. Our club was honoured by an official visit of the founder of Rotary, Paul Harris.
The President of Rotary International, Nitish C. Laharry of Calcutta, India, honoured the Rotary Clubs of Hamilton and St. Geroge by paying us an official visit in October 1962. It was our privilege to sponsor the Rotary Club of St Georges in 1951, Rotary Club of Sandys in 1972 and Rotary Club of Pembroke in 1981.
The District Conference has been held in Bermuda six times 1933,1962,1969,1976,1982 and 1988.
The Rotary Interact Club of Hamilton has received its Charter from Rotary International, with District Governor Kris Chittur presenting the Charter to Club President Nadhiri Simons.
A spokesperson said, “President Nadhiri Simons, student at BHS, has assisted in enabling her Rotary Interact Club to receive its Charter recently from Rotary International.
President Dr Raphael extends his thanks to all of you who came to the wine tasting hosted by Rotarian Joy Lusher yesterday evening to raise money to finance the Mitooma Literacy Project
The event was lovely with excellent French wines bought from the Gosling Cellar , nice cheese, and also Magret de Canard (speciality of the South of France ) which was enjoyed by everybody .
The crowd was diverse in addition of the members of our club we had a lot of potential Rotarians and Rotarian from other clubs in Bermuda .
Once again thank-you Rotarian Joy Lusher for allowing us to have an excellent evening while helping 182 students from less fortunate shore .
We shall be midway through the goal for this fundraising campaign and more donors are still undecided .
Mrs Emma Outteridge committed to a lifelong partnership with the African school KAASO (Kabira Adult Attention and School for Orphans) in 2009. With the help of President Greg Soares of Hamilton Rotary Club, Rebecca Roberts of RenaissanceRe, she raised $17,500 to build a water collection system there last year.
The entertainer and philanthropist Dolly Parton died 25 August 2026. This Q&A was originally published in the March 2010 issue of The Rotarian (now Rotary) magazine. Later that year, she spoke at the Rotary International Convention in Montreal, Canada.
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Dir. Cathy Bassett was recognised by Pembroke Rotary Club with a Paul Harris Fellow for her life long contributions to Bermuda 's youth .JPG)
Service Above Self
Pembroke
Hamilton, Bermuda HM 11
Bermuda