Dr. Collin Boyle, newly installed President of the Rotary Club of St.Vincent has promised his fellow Rotarians that they can look forward to a full and productive year under his tenureship.
In his maiden address last Saturday night, at the annual installation banquet, which took place at Roy’s Inn, Dr. Boyle, a veterinarian said, every effort will be made to continue to uphold the good ideals of Rotary. {{more}}
Disclosing some of the many plans that will be carried out during the Rotary Year July 2004-June 2005, Dr. Boyle said, under International Services his club, like other Rotary Clubs across the world, will be twinning programmes with another Rotary Club. He said there will also be youth, friendship or group study exchange programmes.
The Rotary Club of St. Vincent will also be making efforts to activate a Rotary Ambassadorial Programme along with making efforts to capture a Rotary Scholarship.
One of the plans carried out since 1975 that will be continued is the Rotary Gift of Life programme which facilitates open heart surgeries for children with life threatening cardiac disorders.
Meanwhile on the local front in conjunction with the St. Joseph’s Convent, the Rotary Club of St.Vincent is hoping to build a home for girls with support from Harbour Town Rotary Club in the United States.
The club will also be sponsoring a career fair for secondary school students and get on with a library project in at least one secondary school.
The Rotary Village Doctor programme, which has assisted so many poor persons across the state over the years, will also be continued. And at the E.T Joshua Airport an electronic billboard will be established.
Dr. Boyle promised that the club is looking forward to assuming a greater role at the Liberty Lodge and hope to continue working with the Governor-General in organising the children’s Christmas Party.
Efforts will also be made to upgrade the playground used by the children of the School for Children with Special Needs.
The club will also be initiating an eyecare programme, which will be headed by Dr. Ken Onu.
Outgoing President Daniel Cummings, in a moving speech pointed out the activities carried out by the Rotary Club of St. Vincent reminds young people that not withstanding the difficulties there is hope.
Cummings spoke of plans to construct a new building for the St.Mary’s R.C School at Pembroke. He said it was delayed for a number of reasons but in the end it will serve in good stead.
“The project is not just a building of a school but a model for education, to prepare children for real life” said Cummings.
“I honestly do not believe our kids are prepared for life. St. Mary’s will be a model,” he
stated.
Cummings, recuperating from a recent accident ,expressed thanks to all the persons who made outstanding contributions in making his tenure a success.
The District Governor’s special Award in recognition of exemplary leadership and dedicated service went to Richard Joachim while the Paul Harris Fellowship Award went to Rotarian Jimmy Forde.
The Rotary Club of St. Vincent Board of Directors for 2004/2005 are Collin Boyle – President, Ken Onu-Vice President, Leroy Lewis-Secretary, Reuben John-Treasurer, Directors – Andre Cadogan-Club Service, Francois Truchot-Community Service, St. Clair Thomas-International Service, Brian George – Vocational Service, Daniel Cummings-Immediate Past President and Leroy Lewis-President Elect.