President Mike's farewell message

The principles upheld by the Rotary organization, as outlined in its four-way test, are important tools that can be used to tackle any number of the growing problems facing The Bahamas, Mike Stafford, outgoing president of the Rotary Club of Freeport, told members during their weekly meeting yesterday.

Stafford was giving his final address as president, and presented members with plaques bearing the test's four questions about the things Rotarians think, say and do: "Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"

"This gift sends a very clear and concise message; there is no confusion in what it says," explained Stafford.

"Here in Our Bahamaland there is a very real urgency that we as Rotarians truly embrace this message, but it is also our duty, our duty in service to do our best to instill this mentality into everyone we come in contact with, including and most importantly our youth, our troubled youth."

Stafford asked the members to place their plaques in a very prominent and visual place in their businesses, and discuss the message it bears with persons they come into contact with.

"This concept can solve all of our problems, not only here at home but around the world as well," he said.

Stafford thanked his board, the members and the community for the support shown to him during his tenure as president for the past two years, and noted the many successes the Club has had over the past year both in the Grand Bahama community and internationally.

Among the Club's projects included the setting up of a $10,000 CD for emergency relief in the event of a disaster such as a hurricane.

Stafford said he was confident that the Club's next leadership board, led by incoming president Rengin Johnson, will continue to have great success.

Noting that his involvement with Rotary over the years has been one of the most rewarding and satisfying things that he has ever done, Stafford said the contributions made by Rotarians to improving the everyday life of persons around the world was worthy of note.

He faced a difficult task, he said, when trying to decide who to choose to receive the Rotarian of the Year award, since the Club boasts so many dedicated members.

"All of us do so much needed service in the community, but this person was picked not only for the work outside of the meeting but also for the work inside the meeting," he said, before announcing his choice as Wilbur Major, who he said was always helpful, always pleasant and always on time.

Also receiving special awards for their commitment to Rotary, were Rotarians Betty Van Lew and Steve Gunn.

"I would like to recognize two of those who are active all the time and while they are well-known to the people and organizations which they help, they go about their good deeds with little fan fare. In fact they shy away from the spotlight, rarely do we hear of the acts and deeds that they perform on a regular basis," he said.

Describing them as "purpose built Rotarians," Stafford said they were both determined to help those less fortunate.

Gunn was recognized for his work during the hurricanes, and his involvement with the scholarship programmes and wheelchair programme of the Club, among other efforts, while Van Lew was praised for her work in operating a feeding programme in a community in the west of the island.

"You know everyone in that community that is unable to put enough food on the table. You also know all of their children's clothing sizes and who is need of the things that you find and make sure they get," said Stafford.

"And you do it all in confidence in an effort to protect their dignity. Anytime we have a function and we need assistance with food, whether its chicken souse or baked goods, you are there with it - even if you are unable to attend."

Van Lew was also lauded for her involvement with the youth in the community through the Interact Clubs and the youth programmes put on by the Club.

Outgoing secretary Melinda Mitchell, who served during Stafford's two years as president, was the recipient of the prestigious Paul Harris award and was presented with her certificate by Stafford.