Discovering our District

Transcription

1 Discovering our District Rotary District Newsletter Rotary District 7030 is home to more than 2,000 Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors in 14 countries of the Southern Caribbean, speaking English, French and Dutch. Visit us at

2 RI President-elect Sakuji Tanaka will ask Rotarians to build Peace Through Service in RI President-elect Sakuji Tanaka unveiled the RI theme, Peace Through Service, during the opening plenary session of the 2012 International Assembly, a training event for incoming Rotary district governors. Rotary Images/Alyce Henson Tanaka unveiled the RI theme during the opening plenary session of the 2012 International Assembly, a training event for incoming Rotary district governors. "Peace, in all of the ways that we can understand it, is a real goal and a realistic goal for Rotary," he said. "Peace is not something that can only be achieved through agreements, by governments, or through heroic struggles. It is something that we can find and that we can achieve, every day and in many simple ways." Peace has different meanings for different people, Tanaka said. "No definition is right, and no definition is wrong," he said. "However we use the word, this is what peace means for us. "No matter how we use, or understand the word, Rotary can help us to achieve it," he added. Tanaka, a businessman from the greater Tokyo metropolitan area, shared how becoming a Rotarian broadened his understanding of the world. After joining the Rotary Club of Yashio, in 1975, he said, he began to realize that his life's purpose was not to make more money, but to be useful to other people. "I realized that by helping others, even in the simplest of ways, I could help to build peace," Tanaka said. He noted that the Japanese tradition of putting the needs of society above the needs of the individual helped his country rebuild after the tsunami and earthquake in March. "This is a lesson that I think the whole world can learn from, in a positive way. When we see the needs of others as more important than our own needs -- when we focus our energies on a shared goal that is for the good of all -- this changes everything," he said. "It changes our priorities in a completely fundamental way. And it changes how we understand the idea of peace."

3 Tanaka will ask Rotarians to focus their energy on supporting the three priorities of the RI Strategic Plan, he said. He added that he will ask the incoming leaders to promote three Rotary peace forums, to be held in Hiroshima, Japan; Berlin; and Honolulu, Hawaii, USA. In Rotary, our business is not profit. Our business is peace, he said. Our reward is not financial, but the happiness and satisfaction of seeing a better, more peaceful world, one that we have achieved through our own efforts. By Megan Ferringer and Arnold R. Grahl Rotary International News January 2012 To ALL Clubs: Please be reminded that:- 1. Semi-Annual Dues are now over-due!! 2. Completed District Literacy Award forms must be sent to DG Lara by 11 th March.

4 Summary of District 7030 Activities 1 DG s Visits 2 DG s Club visit schedule 6 Change - A Brief Look at Cozumel - Mexico 7 - A Brief Look at Roatan - Honduras 9 - PETS, Assembly and Conference update 12 Continuity - The Rotary Club of St. Vincent forty years later 13 - Common Statutory Meeting 15 Family of Rotary - Chester Peters Appeal 16 - Feeding the Needy 17 - Christmas Toy Fair 18 - Reaching Within the Community to Embrace Humanity 19 - Suriname Open Rotary Chess Tournament 21 - The Whole 9 Yards 22 - Your Rotary Coordinator Team 24 The Rotary Foundation - Paul Harris Fellow 26 - Rotary Celebrates India s first polio-free year 27 - Additional US$50 Million grant for polio eradication 29 - Rotary Float featured in Rose Bowl parade 30 Membership and Attendance 31 Important Links 32 District Officers 33 Events - CDs for Haiti 35

5 ACTIVITY DATES Tree Planting Project by February 18 th, 2012 Literacy Award Programme by March 11 th, 2012 Changemaker Award by March 15 th, 2012 District 7030 Conference Cruise April 2 nd to April 7 th, 2012 GSE Incoming Team GSE Outgoing Team April 6 th to May 5 th, 2012 May 5 th to June 4 th, 2012 Rotaract District Conference May 27 th to May 29 th,

6 Visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines The first visit of 2012 was to the beautiful islands of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, where AG Brian Glasgow ensured the DG met with the 2 clubs in St. Vincent and travelled by ferry to Bequia to meet their Rotary Club. All three clubs are actively involved in a wide range of projects, as well as Interact and Rotaract, including: St. Vincent: fundraising activities for the largest of the 3 District Governor: Lara clubs included a highly Quentrall-Thomas anticipated boat cruise, all inclusive party featuring Paul Keens Douglas and a Christmas BBQ. Projects to be supported by the funds raised included celebrations of the clubs 40 th Anniversary, wheelchair distribution, support of the school for children with special needs and sponsorship of a new community corps in Buccament Bay. St. Vincent South: in President Keith s absence, Vice President Dixon chaired the meeting and outlined the clubs major annual program, which is to provide support for the regular pediatric surgeries done by the World Pediatric Project from the USA. In addition, this year the RC St. Vincent South is focused on improving member attendance, enhancing PR and strengthening their relationship with their Interact Club. Members of RC St. Vincent South DG Lara and Board of RC St. Vincent Bequia: despite some challenges, the RC Bequia is committed to serving their community and once again executed a memorable Fisherman s Day, continued their support of the sailing school and hosted a large number of senior citizens at their annual Christmas luncheon. 2

7 The day in Bequia included lunch with club members at the legendary Reef restaurant, pinning a new member and a tour, provided by PP Lucille and Rotarian Zoe, who enthusiastically showed off their stunning island. young leaders, and engaged in a discussion on etiquette and manners. She also enjoyed the hospitality of PP Francois and PP Simone at their beautiful hillside home, where fellowship was shared with the doctors and nurses of the World Pediatric Project. The team frequently visits St. Vincent to perform pediatric surgeries, ably assisted by local medical personnel and the Rotarians from the RC St. Vincent South, and they highly commended the support received from Rotarians and the people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Special thanks to AG Brian for taking time away from his family and job to ensure a most productive and enjoyable visit to these very special islands. DG Lara and Members of RC Bequia Visits were made to PP Chester Peters of Bequia and President Keith Howard of St Vincent South, both of whom were resting at home due to illness / surgery. The DG and AG Brian popped in to bring greetings, and can happily report that both Chester and Keith were in excellent spirits. In addition, DG and AG met with the Governor General of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Sir Frederick Ballantyne who is a great supporter of Rotary and always generously supports fundraisers and activities. An avid yachtsman, the GG frequently sails with the doctors of the WPP team and facilitates Rotary requests without hesitation. GG Sir Frederick Ballantyne and DG Lara One evening the DG met with the Rotaractors in St. Vincent, a large and growing club of Doctors from the World Pediatric Project 3

8 Visit to Grenada The DG spent a wonderful week in Grenada from January, during which she met with the members and directors of RC Grenada and RC Grenada East. DG Lara and the RC Grenada Board newsletter but congratulations must go out to PE Alana Wilson and her team for a momentous and highly successful RYLA During her meeting with the two Rotary Clubs, the DG commended their outstanding projects and continued commitment to service. Reflecting on a very busy half year, Presidents Julia and Wayne outlined club activities which include: Rotary Club of Grenada: the club continues to provide considerable support for the school for children with special needs, participated in a health walk for diabetes awareness, distributed wheelchairs to the physically challenged, focused on the ongoing enhancement of the national park Quarantine Point, and of course, provided full support for RYLA. Rotary Club of Grenada East: the signature project of the RC Grenada East is VOSH an annual eye clinic featuring volunteer optometrists and ophthalmologists from the USA who serve more than 1000 local residents each year. The club is also committed to a four year enhancement project at the Princess Alice Hospital, in partnership with the RC Warwick, NYC. DG Lara and the RC Grenada East Board The week also featured the annual District RYLA, where more than 180 young people from across the District enjoyed fellowship, community service and fascinating discussions on a wide range of issues crime, fashion, sexuality and protocol. A full RYLA report will be included in our March Both clubs are to be commended for the excellent progress they have made in terms of media relations. RYLA enjoyed terrific support from both TV and radio stations, and the local Government Information Service frequently shows Rotary informational videos on Polio Plus and other programs. During a joint luncheon meeting of both clubs, the DG reminded Rotarians of the four areas of focus for this Rotary year, and enjoyed 4

9 wonderful fellowship and joke telling. A highlight of the luncheon was the presence of PDG John Watts, the first DG of our District and still in excellent spirits! PDG John is an icon for all Rotarians as despite his advanced years he still maintains a 100% attendance record and always gives his full support to Rotary events. Special thanks to AG Roy who took a great deal of time out of his own schedule to ensure that all arrangements were flawless. Sonia, Roy and Ceronne at Spice Basket PDG John and DG Lara Socialising was at a premium as the DG along with AG Sonia from Tobago and Rotarian Ceronne of Trinidad enjoyed an evening of soca and local music at Spice Basket, a wonderful new entertainment complex owned by PP Hugh Dolland. Spice Basket features a full theatre and unique High Five cricket heritage centre, and is a definite must for anyone visiting Grenada. Learn more at Grand Anse beach and St. Georges 5

10 DATES February 6th to February 10th CLUBS BEING VISITED French Guiana Clubs French Guiana This newsletter uses maps from a variety of sources. Their use does not imply recognition of any particular boundaries nor prejudice the status of any state or territory. 6

11 A Brief Look at Cozumel Mexico Cozumel is Mexico's largest island, nestled just 12 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Cozumel measures 28 miles long & 10 miles wide and is world renowned for its dazzling white sandy beaches and the remarkable clarity of the multi-hued azure Caribbean ocean in which it rests. The climate is subtropical & the people native to Cozumel are of Mayan descent. The Maya were a great culture of farmers, fisherman & warriors who ruled from Campeche to Guatemala for over 2000 years before the arrival of the Spanish Explorers in the 15th Century. They were quite an advanced civilization, and the legacy of their culture survives in the vestiges of the huge cities that they built during their reign. One of the lesser known, but very interesting sites is here on the island and is called San Gervacio. Now a park with a restoration project to study the Mayan culture, this was once a sacred site where Mayan women journeyed to worship the goddess Ixchel, the goddess of fertility. Other fascinating sites such as Chichen Itza with its massive pyramids that rival those at Cheops, and Tulum, the only Mayan city built overlooking the sea, and even Tikal in its lush jungle settings where wild monkeys still can be seen, each are an easy one day excursion from Cozumel. Cozumel itself was a sleepy little fishing community until 1961, when Jacques Cousteau declared it one of the most beautiful scuba diving areas of the world. Since that time Cozumel has become an underwater marine park to protect the delicate balance of its dazzling coral reefs & abundant variety of tropical fish. The underwater wildlife is absolutely amazing & due to the clarity of the water ( ft. visibility, depending on the season) you do not have to be a diver to enjoy it. In addition to the spectacular open water diving, the region of Cozumel is well-known 7

12 for the underground rivers that honeycomb the porous limestone of the Yucatan which provide some of the most beautiful cave and cavern or "cenote" diving in the world. Many of these caves are very highly decorated and are like floating through the finest dry cave you have ever seen, simply filled with water that is as clear as air. Because they are supported and protected by their water filled environment, they are pristine and each has its own particular marine life, unique to a water filled cave environment. 8

13 A Brief Look at Roatan Honduras Located about 65 kilometers off the Northern Coast of Honduras, the Bay Islands group consists of 3 main Islands (Roatán, Guanaja, and Utila), 3 smaller islands (Barbareta, Morat, and Helene), and 65 smaller cays. Between these islands and the mainland are the Cayos Cocinos (Hog Islands). "rabbits"), native fruits, land crabs, and deer. During the Maya reign in Central America (between the 4th and 10th centuries), the Paya Indians populated the Bay Islands. The Payas were a smaller and less advanced group than the Mayans. Their civilization was characterized by simpler housing and tools. Payan artifacts (pottery, jade, and shells) are often found in Island burial and ceremonial sites and are referred to by the locals as "yaba ding dings." The island Indians mined jade which they took in small boats to the mainland to trade for tools, and other items. The islands provided an abundant variety of foodstuffs such as manioc, fish, corn, turtles, iguanas, agouti (island During the 13th and 14th centuries, Europeans discovered these islands. For almost 200 years Spanish conquistadores and British pirates battled for control of these islands, ignoring the Indians for the most part. During this period, the Islands were used for food and wood supplies, safe harbor, and slave trading. Remains of old British forts and towns named after famous pirates remain as their legacy. One group of slaves was "parked" here during this time during the heat of a battle. When the winners came to collect them, the slaves refused to go. These are the Garifunas who populate much of the Bay Islands to this date, still maintaining their own cultural identity and language. Punta Gorda on Roatán is one of many villages where they still make their homes. 9

14 The British eventually established control of the Bay Islands, until the early 1960's when control of the Islands was officially returned to Honduras. Roatan is the largest of the Bay Islands, which are a part of Honduras, lying just over 30 miles from the northern coast of the Honduran mainland. Roatan is known around the world for its scuba diving. The reef surrounding the island attracts beautiful tropical fish and snorkelers alike. Dive attractions include sea walls, shipwrecks, and night diving. Sea turtles, dolphins, and whales swim in the waters of Roatan. Parrots, iguana, and monkeys live in the wild on this tropical island. An iguana farm east of French Harbor provides a refuge for thousands of iguanas and is open for tourists. Roatan has a mild climate year around with sea temperatures fine for swimming all year. The weather does not always permit swimming, however. Thousands of tourists travel to Roatan each year. Visitors from around the world enjoy Roatan's relaxed lifestyle, beautiful sea, mild climate, and friendly people. As more people become acquainted with Roatan each year, more decide to make the island their home. Roatan experienced a real estate boom and the associated housing growth, but the world economy slowing has affected Roatan. At the same time, more people are moving here from the mainland of Honduras to take advantage of the economy and better paying jobs. Coxen Hole is the largest town on Roatan. It is home of government offices, the airport, and the cruise ship dock. It streets are narrow and crowded with people and honking cars. Street vendors offer peeled oranges, a variety of other fruits, newspapers, and souvenirs for tourists. In this photo, a customer is paying one Lempira (a little more than 5 US cents) for a peeled orange to a Coxen Hole street vendor. Coxen Hole is one of the less attractive communities of Roatan. French Harbor is the second largest community on Roatan. It is a thriving business center, with one of the largest grocery stores, banks, real estate offices, shrimp boat docks, and shipping companies. French Harbor also features a nice shopping center. It features Wendy's restaurant, AppleBees, a grocery store, and many other businesses. Punta Gorda has the largest settlement Garifuna people. The Garifuna have a fascinating culture, preserving their African roots. They beat African drums and still speak 10

15 the Garifuna language, which is very unusual sounding. West End is the tourist side of the island, with dive centers, hotels, restaurants, and tourist shops. West End has rental properties and condominiums available for travellers who choose to stay longer on Roatan. 11

16 PETS, Assembly and Conference update It is just about two months before PETS, Assembly and District Conference on board the Celebrity Millenium which departs Miami Port on the 2 nd April retuning on the morning of the 7 th April. Whilst all previously guaranteed cabins have been fully booked and sold out, it does not mean that there are no more cabins available on the Celebrity Millenium. Rotarians can still contact A s Travel in Trinidad and make the appropriate arrangements to attend the Conference. During this month, payments for Conference fees of US$ by previously authorized credit cards will begin with the assistance of A s Travel. For those who have since paid by bank draft or other means, you will receive your receipts on board or it can be scanned and ed by request. All flight arrangements are the individual responsibility of Rotarians attending the conference and if not made previously as a precaution should be done as soon as possible. Please be reminded that Boarding starts at noon on the 2 nd April and the ship sails at 4.30pm. The ship disembarks in Miami on the morning of the 7 th between 7-9am. Logo design: Rotarian Azard Mohammed Art Concepts. For any further information or clarification please contact me at Janilou51@yahoo.com or 1 (868) Submitted by: Janice Roberts Conference Chair 12

17 The Rotary Club of St. Vincent forty years later On August 5 th 1971 The Rotary Club of St Vincent was chartered by Rotary International; the charter members included George Phillips, Bob Haydock, Bobby Brisbane, Fitz Richardson, Elliott Cambridge, Reggie Bollers, Richard Joachim, Bertram Arthur, Dr. Noel Innis, Clifford Williams, Sylvester Taylor, Paddy Punnett, Michael De Freitas, Baldwin Ollivierre, John Henderson, Tony Sardine, Eardley Stephens, Medford Scott, Douglas Gill, Dennis Da Silva. George Phillips became the charter president and continued his presidency for an additional year to make way for thirty eight more presidents to date. Over the last forty years, the club had always been involved with community projects including erecting Drive Carefully signs near to the main schools or other signs naming towns and villages or to bring precious water to the people of Fancy, Point Village and Mayreau. In 2004, the club assisted with the relief effort in our sister Island Grenada after the devastation of Hurricane Ivan. The club continued to be involved in many more noteworthy projects such as assisting victims of Polio, to adopting the Liberty Lodge Boys Home, managing a camp of evacuees in 1979 after the eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano to initiating the Fisherman s day Competition or constructing the School For Children With Special Needs after raising the funds locally with assistance from Mr. Harding Lawrence of Mustique and many other benefactors. The recent past saw the club continuing its presence throughout the country with support from other Rotary Clubs as a twinning project or through a matching grant arrangement, be it Community Services Rotary Village Doctor and the distribution of wheel chairs to those in need donated by the Wheel Chair Foundation from The United Kingdom, The Annual Children s Christmas Party or Vocational Services, Literacy Projects Secondary Schools Book Donation with sponsorship from The Mustique Charitable Trust or The Computer Assisted Literacy Solutions( CALS) at The Georgetown Secondary School in collaboration with Scotia Bank, every year, the Club recognizes excellence in our twenty six secondary schools through The George Phillips Excellence Awards in remembrance of our charter President who is deceased, the many other vocational projects include The National Nutrition Quiz, The Young Employees Socialization Training Programfrom the classroom to the work place, an event that is sponsored by The Eastern Caribbean Institute Of Banking. As is the case with most service organizations, members come and members go, but, our club is proud to have in our midst a charter member and past president who can boast of one hundred percent attendance at our weekly lunch meetings, membership classifications were broadened to reflect the diversity in businesses and communities including the induction of females. The Rotary Club is very grateful for the support given through our many fundraising events over the years that continue to be the genesis of our contribution to our communities. 13

18 The club successfully chartered The Rotary Club of St. Vincent South on December 8 th 1995, The Rotary Club of Bequia in 1988, the Rotaract Club in 1986 and the Interact Club on November 29 th 2007 and also was always supported by the Inner wheelers. Rotary is one of the largest and most influential international humanitarian service organizations in the world. Rotary s 1.2 million members worldwide belong to more than 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas. It is a global network of business, professional and community leaders. Rotary promotes peace and international understanding through its educational and humanitarian programmes. 14

19 Common Statutory Meeting On Saturday, January 7th, the RC of Francois and Saint-Pierre began the new year under the sign of solidarity. At a statutory common meeting, the Presidents of both clubs presented their wishes at an assembly of nearly sixty participants which represented the various clubs of the island as their members by their Presidents. Also present were the Assistant Governor Michel Andre (from RC St-Pierre) and DGN Hervé Honore (from RC Francois). This was an opportunity to introduce a new member in each of the two clubs (with a new woman to RC Francois) and to honor a new Paul Harris Fellow in Francois. The promotion of Rotary and The Foundation had been accomplished in a great moment of friendship and sharing. Hope we ll see next year with the participation of other clubs. New PHF, Alain Zozor Thanks from new member to sponsor Two new Rotarian members between their sponsors and Presidents Head Table 15

20 Chester Peters Appeal Chester Peters has been associated with Rotary since 1988, when he was elected Charter President of the Rotary Club of Bequia, an island of 18 square kilometers, and approximately 5,000 residents. Chester served as President on two other occasions, and was the Club s Secretary five times. In addition, he served as a Club Director several times, and was actively involved in the formation of Rotaract and Interact Clubs in Bequia. Recently, Chester has been confined to a wheelchair with a serious back problem, and has been advised that unless he obtains surgery very soon, he will never walk again. Unfortunately, St Vincent and the Grenadines does not have the resources to facilitate the surgery, and with the efforts of Rotarians, friends, and the Government, he has been assessed by doctors in both Trinidad and Cuba who can perform the surgery. Rotarians from the three Rotary Clubs on St Vincent and the Grenadines have made generous donations, and are actively involved in fund raising. However, there is still a shortfall of approximately US$25,000 and time is running out. Chester attended a number of District Seminars, District Conferences, and International Conventions, and has received numerous awards and citations. One of his proudest moments in Rotary occurred during the 2003/2004 District Conference in Cayenne when he was presented with the District Rotarian of the Year Award. We are appealing to the Rotarians of D7030 to lend assistance. Please contact AG Brian Glasgow to learn how you can make a donation to assist PP Chester. Brian can be reached at brianglasgow@kpmg.vc Chester is fondly known, not only in Bequia, but throughout St Vincent and the Grenadines as a big guy with a big heart, and his tireless efforts in the name of Rotary have touched the lives of many, and brought relief to hundreds of distressed persons. 16

21 Feeding the Needy In keeping with Rotary International s theme for the year Reach Within to Embrace Humanity, The Rotary Club of Barbados South embarked on a program to assist the homeless and needy, most of who are vagrants on the streets of Bridgetown. They search through garbage bins, sleep on sidewalks and sometimes do not have a single meal for the day. The Club was motivated by the Barbados Vagrants & Homeless Society and first assisted by donating divan and mattress sets, televisions, stoves and furniture to help with the rehabilitation of the vagrants back into society. The decision was then made to feed 90 needy persons on the last Monday of each month, as a start. Three Rotarians prepare 30 packed-meals, each containing a balanced diet of protein, starch, vegetables, fresh salad, fruit and a beverage. The food is distributed to selected persons who are provided with a meal ticket by rotation. Support is given by the Rotarians partners-in-service and family members who participate fully by distributing the food themselves. They are often moved emotionally by the appreciation shown by the recipients. The program was started in August 2011 and has continued each month successfully. Submitted by: By PP Prakash Mahtani 17

22 Rotary Club Du François - Christmas Toy Fair The Rotary Club of Francois in partnership with Rotarians of Lamentin and Rotaractors organized a toy fair the week before Christmas. This action has helped to raise funds that will pay for the meals of four disadvantaged children for six months. 18

23 Reaching Within the Community to Embrace Humanity The Rotary Club of Chaguanas through its member, Rotarian Robert Boodoo, was the recipient of 14 Electric Hospital Beds from the office of the Consulate General for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto, Canada. These beds were received in October Each bed has an estimated value of three thousand dollars (US $3000). During the months of October through December 2011, five (5) beds were distributed to persons in the community who are severely incapacitated and unable to afford. Each of the families of the recipient expressed deep felt gratitude to the Rotary Club for easing the burden of caring for their loved ones. An example of such comments is as follows: The Rotary Club of Chaguanas, over the last eight years, distributed in excess of one thousand (1000) wheelchairs on loan, throughout Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean. It is with humble honor that fellow Rotarians volunteer to execute the delivery of the wheelchairs within three to five days of its request. Additionally the Rotary Club of Chaguanas has distributed several crutches, walking aids and talking wrist watches to physically challenged persons inclusive of those with vision impairment. This is an annual project. Our family is at a loss for words to describe how we feel about this kind gesture by the Rotary Club of Chaguanas. It has been a physical struggle to provide the necessary care to our brother Lennox, who is bedridden and unable to move by himself. This electric bed will certainly ease our plight. We sincerely thank you and the Rotary Club for the speedy response given to our request. Claire Clarke, sister of recipient Mr. Lennox Clarke. 19

24 In October 2011, the club through a corporate sponsor accessed 25 home care nebulizers and is in the process of distributing these to adults and children with severe asthmatic ailments. Furthermore, the Diabetes Association of Trinidad and Tobago also received support from the Chaguanas Rotary Club. A Projector and a Computer were donated to them for the year 2011 to enhance their Diabetes educational outreach program. Moreover, 2011 has been a fulfilling year for the Rotary club of Chaguanas as we efficiently and effectively maneuvered our resources to reach out and assist many in need. Our Club has put true meaning to Service Above Self Submitted by: Ronald Rampersad Secretary, Rotary Club of Chaguanas 20

25 Suriname Open Rotary Chess Tournament From the 24th 27th of November 2011 Suriname was the first country in Rotary district 7030 to have a Rotary Chess tournament. There was a master class for players with fide rating of >1800, an open class (rating <1800) and a ladies class. In total there were 9 nationalities: Suriname, Netherlands, French Guyana, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Egypt, Curacao and Cuba. In the master class there were 18 participants. The highest rated player was Samy Shoker from Egypt with a rating of 2512, officially an IM but waiting for his GM title to be granted. The Cuban IM Nestor Velez Betancourt (2302) was the second highest rated player. He is the trainer for the Suriname players for almost 2 years. Further, all the top players of Suriname were also participating and also the champion of Curacao, Jimmy Izijk. After 7 rounds the undefeated champion was the IM Samy Shoker with a perfect score of 100%. Together with his trophy he received a cash price of USD$1,000. Second finished was Marcus Joseph from T&T with 5 points. Four players ended with 4.5 points. After a tiebreak, the third place was awarded to Kevin Daniel from Barbados and the fourth to the Surinamese youth champion Calvin Tjong Tjin Joe. The Cuban trainer Betancourt finished in fifth place. Submitted by: Rudie Tjong Tjin Joe Rotary Club of Paramaribo Central, Suriname 21

26 The Whole 9 Yards On January 6 th to 8 th January, 2012, the Rotaract Club of Tobago executed is annual signature International Service project entitled New Years Camp 2012: The Whole 9 Yards at Douglas Apartments in Bon Accord, Tobago. This camp, hosted by the International Service Committee, aimed to expose the Rotaractors of District 7030 and beyond to Tobago s culture, history and way of life whilst allowing the our district to share in the 9 th Annual Charter Anniversary Celebrations of the Rotaract Club of Tobago. New Years Camp 2012 saw over 30 Rotaractors from across Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada and Barbados accepting the challenge to go The Whole 9 Yards. The Whole 9 Yards mission engaged participants, in five teams: Red, Blue, Green, Purple, and Orange, in several activities that challenged their minds, bodies, and team spirit. The activities began officially on Friday at 8pm with three Mental Challenges facilitated by Vice President Alina Williams, our inhouse Clinical Psychologist, and tested the mental faculties of individuals and their team. The participants were then hosted by the Operations Manager of Movietowne Tobago, Mr Curtis Balfour, to view Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows. This movie, whilst keeping with theme of mystery mission weekend, exposed the participants to one of the premiere entertainment hotspots in Tobago. At 5am on Saturday 7 th January, the wakeup call was sounded and Rotaractors braced themselves for three Physical Challenges. The physical challenges werre a true test of the endurance, power and speed of the participants as they embarked on a 30-minute aerobic session, immediately followed by a long distance run to Pigeon Point Beach, kayaking 30 meters out into the sea and back, where it culminated with shuttle sprints on the beach. The participants returned to Douglas Apartments for breakfast and prepared themselves for a one hour lecture session facilitated by Dr. Denise Tsoi-Fatt-Angus, entitled Kidney Health: Your Life Style and Your Kidneys. This was meant to give participants a greater awareness of the different kidney diseases, which are common, non-communicable diseases affecting the Caribbean region, and how our lifestyle affects the health of kidneys. This session also gave participants a greater appreciation of the cause to which the community service fundraiser was to assist. Following the Kidney Health session, the participants made their way to The Gardenside Car Park, Scarborough, in the heart of the capital of Tobago, and engaged in a Car Wash fundraiser hosted by the Community Service and Finance Committees entitled Clean a Car, Save a Life. All proceeds raised from this fundraiser is to open an account to assist the coverage of kidney surgery expenses for Ms. Michelle Adams-Thomas, aged 40 of Mason Hall. The surgery involves the removal of one kidney at a cost of $95,000.00TT, and shattering a kidney stone in the other kidney at a cost of $15,000.00TT. This community service fundraiser saw each team of the five teams accepting the challenge to wash approximately 20 cars at a baseline fee of $TT40.00 in five hours. After five hours of fun, dedication and public donation, Team Whole 9 Yards was able to surpass the target of $4,000.00TT and raised $4,254.00TT and received an a donation of $2, The Rotaract club of Tobago is still garnering the 22

27 contribution from the public and corporations towards the cause. The teams although exhausted returned to Douglas Apartments to prepare their masks for the 9 th Charter Anniversary Dinner of the Rotaract Club of Tobago. This was held at the Le Grand Courland Resort and Spa and took the form of a Masquerade-Ball type Dinner, themed Ghost Protocol. This was truly an evening of elegance, mystique, and high esteem particularly with the attendance of District Governor Lara Quentrall-Thomas, the guest speaker of the evening, District Rotaract Representative Vishi Beharry, and Rotarian Dr. Ayedeme Maxwell of the Rotary Club of South West Tobago. For the Ghost Protocol Challenge masks of males and females were scrutinized based on creativity, degree of concealment and cohesiveness with their garments worn. After much scrutiny by a specially selected judges and audience votes, Vice President Kevon Johnson of the Rotaract Club of St. Augustine West and Vice President Catherine Trotman of the Rotaract Club of South Barbados were adjudged Mr. and Ms. Ghost Protocol respectively. were participants were given a taste of Soca and local dances for the 2012 Trinidad & Tobago Carnival season. All the participants, particularly first-time campers, expressed gratitude for the hospitality shown, the fun, unique experience they acquired, and new bonds formed via New Years Participants also indicated their eagerness and were quite elated in supporting the bid to have the 27 th Annual Rotaract District 7030 Conference in 2013 in Tobago to share in the 10 th Anniversary celebrations of the Rotaract Club of Tobago. The Charter Anniversary celebration was also the culminating point for the Whole 9 Yard Challenge as the team which would have been the most victorious after the Mental Challenges, Physical Challenges, the Community Service Challenge, the Ghost Protocol Challenge and Camaraderie throughout the Challenges was revealed. At the end of the night, based on points earned and challenges won, Team Red lead by Marcus Daniel, Prospective Member of Rotaract Club of Tobago, won the title TEAM WHOLE 9 YARDS. The Whole 9 Yards Campers in their mode of celebration and fellowship then ventured to Shade Night Club 23

28 Your Rotary Coordinator Team Marcy Ullom, Rotary Coordinator, D6990 Nigel Aqui, Asst. Rotary Coordinator, D7030 Diana White, Asst Rotary Coordinator, D7020 John Richardson, Asst. Rotary Coordinator, D7000 Randy Rawiszer, Asst. Rotary Coordinator, D6980 Claudia Mertl, Asst. Rotary Coordinator, D6900 Why do Rotary Clubs exist? To exemplify the Object of Rotary to encourage and foster the ideal of service as the basis for worthy enterprise. Why do we have a Rotary Coordinator (RC) Team? To assist districts and clubs as you personify the Object of Rotary in your communities. Rotary International is represented in 207 countries or geographical regions. While we are proud of our worldwide presence, it is not always practical from a leadership or resource perspective. For many years, the Foundation has had representation in the Zones with the Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator (RRFC) and RI had representation with Membership Coordinators. Rotary, however, has been rethinking the regional roles and the resources needed at the regional level and have begun to push leadership to the regions with the RI Director (the chair of the regional leadership) with the RRFC, RC and now the RPIC Regional Public Image Coordinator as the committee. RRFCs focus on Rotary Foundation giving and programs. RPICs focus on public image matters. And RCs focus on ETE..everything else. This has morphed from the exclusive focus on membership. Membership is still very important, but so many programs in Rotary lead to membership. People join Rotary for a variety of reasons: they want to serve their community; their son or daughter becomes involved in Interact or in Youth Exchange and they learn about Rotary that way; or they participate in GSE and begin to see Rotary s bigger picture. So when we talk about membership, we re really talking about the multiple programs that can lead to membership. Strengthening those programs can strengthen your membership. But, there s so much Rotary information to understand. New resources constantly available to the districts and clubs. Too much is going on at the club or district level to keep up with it all. This is where your Rotary Coordinator Team comes in. Located throughout the Zone with responsibility for geographical areas (1-4 districts), the RC Team is available for consultation (contact information at the beginning of the article) to help with: 24

29 Providing speakers for club meetings or district events Assisting with training functions Offering resources whether that be RI materials or fellow Rotarians who have expertise in a specific area Problem-solving offering a new and different view of a challenge Creative thinking helping you think through changes you might want to implement at the district/club level While all of us are generalists, some of the ARCs have interest and or experience in areas that could also be useful to Districts/Clubs: Submitted by: RC Marcy Ullom marcyullom@gmail.com RRFC Brent Williams BrentWilliams.rotary@gmail.com RPIC Carlos Giralda carlos@crshotels.com Marcy Ullom, Ed.D. Zone 34 Rotary Coordinator ( ) Marcyullom@gmail.com Diana White: New Generations (Diana will also be the International Chair of the New Generations Committee, RY ); John Richardson: eclubs Randy Rawizer: Youth Exchange Claudia Mertl: Membership Marcy Ullom: Strategic Planning All of the RC Team are experienced Rotarians and/or Past District Governors (ok, don t hold that against us!). Our focus is to be of assistance. Our only goal is to help you be successful. Clubs have district leadership to assist them; districts have the Rotary regional teams to assist them. ALL of the regional teams are here to be of assistance contact us (info below) for ideas, thoughts, or questions. 25

30 Paul Harris Fellow Assistant Governor for the Martinique Clubs, and member of the RC Saint Pierre, Michel Andre, recently received a Paul Harris Fellow from his club. Congratulations from all the Rotarians of District 7030 and thank you for your support of the Rotary Foundation! AG Michel, President Franck and DGN Herve 26

31 Rotary celebrates India s first polio-free year To publicize the announcement of India s oneyear polio-free milestone, the RI Media Relations Department engaged in the following activities: - Directly reached out to top tier international media that cover global health and arranged interviews with India NPPC Chair Deepak Kapur and CEO John Hewko. - Distributed a news release in eight languages targeting media in India, US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Nigeria, Chad, Egypt, Kenya and S. Africa. - Distributed a social media release to online outlets: - Produced visual materials (photos/video) and posted with the news release on the - Distributed the news release in all eight languages to Rotary Public Image Coordinators. Media coverage highlights: Forbes /01/12/bill-gates-and-polio-victory-notconspiracy/ Financial Times - 3d54-11e feabdc0.html#axzz1jHJwwd00 Bloomberg /bill-gates-push-to-reach-polio-free-worldgets-boost-as-india-foils-virus.html Canadian Press - poised-to-enter-club-polio-free-nations html Washington Post - photo=1 Globe & Mail - how-india-conqueredpolio/article /?utm_medium=feeds%3 A%20RSS%2FAtom&utm_source=World&ut m_content= Reuters - Economic Times /news/ _1_support-forpolio-eradication-polio-front-oral-poliovaccine Social Media Overview A photo of the last child to contract polio in India was shared through Twitpic and has been viewed by over 300 people with the number continuing to rise. 27

32 A recorded message by RI President Banerjee on the milestone was posted on Vimeo and has received 150 views. The new India This Close video was posted on You Tube and has been viewed 180 times. Facebook EndPolioNow Facebook page Polio-Now/ : Shared posts of the Rotary.org milestone article ws/news/pages/120112_news_indiapo lio.aspx, President Banerjee s video address, and the India This Close video on the. These posts have received 132 likes, 12 comments and 60 shares. Rotary Facebook page Shared posts of the Rotary.org milestone article, which received 387 likes, 28 comments and 153 shares. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation shared the India This Close video on the More than a Goal Facebook page: oal This Close participant Tanvi Shah shared the India This Close video on her Facebook page. Twitter The End Polio Now and Rotary accounts have shared tweets around various materials and have also retweeted content from our polio partners. The Gates Polio account has shared and retweeted our posts on RI President Banerjee s video address, the India This Close PSA and the partner press release. Actress and polio-survivor Mia Farrow sent a tweet recognizing the India milestone and linking to the partner press release. She also sent a tweet reflecting her personal experiences with polio. This Close participant Tanvi Shah retweeted our message on the India This Close PSA The following is a Twitter monitoring report on the keyword polio : o 3,209,854 people have been reached through 1,481 tweets o The 1,481 tweets were sent by 1,275 Twitter users o 726 regular tweets, 671 retweets and 85 replies 28

33 Additional US$50 million grant for polio eradication 17 th January 2012 This afternoon at the International Assembly, we had the pleasure of announcing that the Challenge has surpassed the US$200 million mark and has raised US$202.6 million as of 17 January In addition Jeff Raikes, Chief Executive Officer of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation was at the Assembly and announced that the Gates Foundation has awarded The Rotary Foundation an additional US$50 million grant for polio eradication. The new $50 million grant from the Gates Foundation is not a challenge grant; it results from Rotary s early achievement of the $200 million milestone and of the need for continued funding support for the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. We are aware that there may be many questions concerning the additional grant from the Gates Foundation so to help answer many of these questions afact Sheet has been prepared. Please feel free to share the Fact Sheet with your fellow Rotarians. Rotary leaders, we should encourage their continued involvement. We are confident that we will far exceed our $200 million goal, just as Rotarians have done in all previous campaigns. Thank you for all you have done and will continue to do to help us reach our ultimate goal, the certification of polio eradication. Together we will End Polio Now. Submitted by: John F. Germ Chair Rotary s Challenge Committee and Robert S. Scott Chair International PolioPlus Committee We know that many districts and clubs supported The Challenge through fundraisers in their community; we would encourage you to share this press release with your local media. You may want to personalize the press release to include information on fundraisers and other polio related activities in your area. We must remember, however, that this achievement is just one more milestone in our journey to eradicate polio. Most importantly, our ultimate goal is the certification of the eradication of polio. Rotarians are continuing to raise funds for the challenge, which officially concludes on 30 June 2012, and as 29

34 Rotary Float featured in Rose Bowl parade Congratulations to Rotary International for an award winning Float in January s Tournament of Rose Parade "Inching Towards End of Polio" (the inch worm is dressed like a doctor) won the Princess Trophy for "The most beautiful float under 35 feet." This is the second consecutive year Rotary International has won the award highlighting critical volunteer work. 30

35 Number of Members and Percentage Attendance for the Month of December 2011 Antigua % Antigua Sundown Arima Barbados % Barbados South % Barbados West % Basse Terre Basse Terre Fort St. Charles % Bequia Cayenne % Cayenne Est Central Port of Spain Chaguanas % Corriverton Demerara % Diego Martin % Dominica % Felicity/Charlieville % Fort-de-France Fort-de-France Ouest % Fort-de-France Sud François % Georgetown % Georgetown Central Grande Terre 75.18% Grenada Grenada East Gros Islet % Kourou % Lamentin % Liamuiga Maracas/St. Joseph % Maraval % Marie Galante Montserrat Nevis New Amsterdam % Paramaribo % Paramaribo Central % Paramaribo Residence % Penal Piarco Point Fortin % Pointe-à-Pierre % Pointe-à-Pitre Pointe-à-Pitre Est Pointe-à-Pitre Fleur d'epée Pointe-à-Pitre Jarry Port of Spain 42.00% Port of Spain West % Princes Town % Rémire-Montjoly Saint Pierre Saint-Laurent du Maroni Mana % San Fernando San Fernando South % San Juan % Sangre Grande % Schoelcher % Southwest Tobago St. Augustine 40.00% St. Augustine West % St. Kitts % St. Lucia % St. Lucia South St. Vincent % St. Vincent South Stabroek % Tobago % 31

36 District Website: Rotary International Website: Rotaract District 7030 website: Register for the 2012 RI Convention in Bangkok, Thailand: Literacy Ahead Award: m_en.doc Caribbean Partnership Celebration: 32

37 Rotary District 7030 Officers 2011/2012 District Governor: Lara Quentrall-Thomas; (868) ; District Secretary: Eric Adams; (868) ; District Treasurer: Anson Khan; (868) ; Assistant District Governors: Antigua & Barbuda Paul Ryan; (268) ; Barbados Grenville Phillips; (246) ; Dominica Grayson Stedman Sr.; (767) or (767) ; or French Guyana Marie Le Hir; or ; or Grenada Roy O'Neale; (473) ; Guadeloupe Stéphane Denaro; or ; or Guyana Kalam Juman-Yassin; (592) or (592) ; Martinique Michel Andre; or ; St. Kitts & Nevis Percival Hanley; (869) or (869) ext. 143; St. Lucia Lisle Chase; (758) or (758) or (758) ; St. Vincent & The Grenadines Brian A. Glasgow; (784) ; Suriname Gerard Alberga; or or ; Trinidad & Tobago - Central Rahendra Seemungal; (868) ; rahin25@gmail.com Trinidad & Tobago - East Kurt Chee a Wee; (868) or (868) or (868) ; kcposa1@hotmail.com Trinidad & Tobago - North East Vin Lutchman; (868) or (868) ; vinodattlutchman@gmail.com or vinodattlutchman@hotmail.com Trinidad & Tobago - North West Janice Roberts; (868) ; janilou51@yahoo.com Trinidad & Tobago - South Ann Marie Rogers; (868) ; annmarie.rogers@petrotrin.com Trinidad & Tobago - Tobago Sonia Louis; (868) or (868) or (868) ; soniapelou@hotmail.com 33

38 Rotaract District 7030 Executive Directory No. Position Officer Country Club Contact Info District Rotaract Trinidad PP Vishi 1 Representative and Chaguanas Beharry (DRR) Tobago 2 Deputy District Rotaract Representative (DDRR) 3 District Secretary 4 District Treasurer 5 Immediate Past DRR (IPDRR) IPP Todd Denoon President Jamila George President Danielle Hanson PP Angele Mendeszoon Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago Trinidad and Tobago Suriname Tobago Maraval St. Augustine Paramaribo Ph: OR E: vibrantvishi@hotmail.com Ph: E: toddmj.denoon@gmail.com Ph: E: jamilagrg@yahoo.com Ph: E: yizdat@hotmail.com Ph: E: angele_mendes@hotmail.com 34

39 CDs for Haiti For CD s, please contact the Rotary Club of Pointe-a-Pitre, Guadeloupe: Marie-Elise Dongal: Stephane Denaro: 35