Rotary celebrates 40 years - Looks Ahead

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lifestyle

Thursday, 04 October 2012 02:30

By press release

Antigua St. John's - They say life begins at 40 but for The Rotary Club of Antigua this milestone marks the continuation of the organisation’s contribution to the social and humanitarian needs of the country.

Under it enduring motto: “Service Above Self”, the men and women of the august body have re-dedicated themselves to the improvement and saving of lives; developing and training young minds; educating the young and old and providing support and comfort to those who need it most.

From its ‘Gift of Life Programme’ to the “World Pediatric Project’ the Rotary Club has been ensuring that children whose parents cannot afford prohibitive medical treatment receive that opportunity.

“This programme ensures that children with critical illness get a chance on life,” said Philip Harris, the president, at the club’s 40th anniversary cocktail at the Grand Royal Antiguan Beach Resort on Sept.29.

Harris observed that 90 percent of the world’s population has only 10 percent access to universal health resources and the Rotary Club is seeking to bridge that divide.

“No child must die because of a lack of drugs and treatment,” he said.

Rotarian Lionel Walling, one the longest serving members, recalled several initiatives the club has undertaken in fulfilling its mandate.

He mentioned assistance to the Boys Training School; providing computers to schools; the sewing machine project which taught unemployed women a skill from which they became self-employed, and medical assistance to children and adults.

Past-President Ken Kentish highlighted the club’s Meals-on-Wheels programme which provided a weekly diet to the unfortunate in the community.

Kentish, who is now a member of the relatively new Rotary Club of Antigua Sundown, said it was important for the formation of another group to expand the work of the organisation and to breed new blood into the latter body which was chartered on Sept. 10, 1972.

Another Past-President Errol Samuel called on his colleagues to redouble their efforts as they look forward to next chapter: 50 years.

Past President Wilbur Harrigan holds the distinction as the only person to twice lead the Rotary Club of Antigua as he did so in 1985/86 and again 2005/06. All the other 38 presidents served one-year terms, including two women: Grace Cephas-Lewis (2003/04) and Denise Armstrong (2011/12).

From its mega two-car raffles to the now popular Colours Fete on the eve of Carnival the Rotary Club of Antigua has pioneered a number of enticing fund-raising activities which have assisted it in funding its programmes.

President Harris pinned the club’s newest honorary members – Davidson Charles and William Ekwere.



Gracing the occasion with his presence was tourism minister John Maginley, who served as president in 2000/01.

The presidents of the Interact Club (for fourth and fifth formers) and the Rotaract Club (for young adults) were also recognised as the parent body ensures that there is continuity, and longevity to its existence.

During the function several companies and organisations: ABS TV, Antigua Department of Maritime Services, Antigua Home & Office Depot, Arthur Boyd Trust, First Caribbean Bank, Hawkeye Security Services, LIME, Observer Media Group, Premier Beverages, Thomas John & Co., West Indies Cricket Board and the West Indies Oil Company, received plaques of appreciation for their assistance to the club.

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