Rotaract District 7030 Newsletter

April 2015 Edition

WHAT’S IN THIS ISSUE

District Rotaract Representative Message

Rotary International Focus

Get To Know…Your District Club Presidents

District Reminders

Club Stories

I. Rotaract Club of Arima

II. Rotaract Club of South Barbados

III. Rotaract Club of F.R.E.S.H.

IV. Rotaract Club of Pointe-à-Pitre

V. Rotaract Club of Port of Spain West

VI. Rotaract Club of University of Guyana

International Focus

I. RYLA North America Conference 2015

II. 2015 Rotary International Convention

Rotaract District Conference 2015

Charter Anniversaries

DISTRICT ROTARACT REPRESENTATIVE MESSAGE

We have entered the final quarter of our Rotaract year. The year

has been one filled with projects aimed at showcasing the work

we do as Rotaractors. Last month we celebrated World Rotaract

Week and clubs throughout the District executed several

exciting projects and marketing initiatives. Regionally and

internationally clubs also engaged in several recruitment

activities that continue to strengthen our stamp on the world.

March also saw the rebranding of Rotaract to be more aligned

with our parent body. This change, although surprising to some,

provides an opportunity for clubs to strengthen the relationship

with their sponsoring Rotary Clubs and build the Rotary brand

as a whole. We are encouraged to continue using our Rotaract

logo and portray it with our pins, T-shirts and other

paraphernalia. It is a major part of Rotary history and should be

preserved even though this change has occurred.

During the month of March I had an exciting visit with the Rotaract Club of Central Port of Spain. This

was not a regular meeting as it also served as a surprise birthday party for the club’s President. It was

excellent opportunity to socialise with the club’s members, while gaining a greater understanding of

its operations. During this month we also welcomed the chartering of two new clubs – the Rotaract Club

of Felicity/Charlieville in Trinidad and Tobago and the Rotaract Club of Gros Islet in St. Lucia. I wish to

extend a warm welcome to both clubs to our District and look forward to interacting with your

members.

In the month of April I will be visiting four clubs as well as attending Rotary District Conference in

Suriname, where I have been asked to present on the work the District has done for the year thus far.

This presentation will also allow me to stress the importance of Rotary support in ensuring that Rotaract

Clubs operate successfully.

As we move closer to our annual meeting in Barbados, I encourage all Rotaractors attending the

conference to complete all outstanding arrangements and payments in a timely manner. The

Conference Committee is working very hard to ensure that all arrangements are in place for the annual

event. We should all make an extra effort to prevent any unwanted stress being placed on the

Committee during this hectic period.

With only three months left in the Rotaract year, I encourage all clubs to continue with the excellent

work you are doing. In this final quarter, Presidents are asked to put all the necessary plans and

arrangements in place to facilitate a smooth transition of leadership. Club Executive Members and

Directors are also encouraged to review the work their club has done and provide advice to new Board

Members that will aid them in the performance of their duties. All the best for the quarter!.

Yours in Rotaract,

Vanessa Boyce

District Rotaract Representative 2014-2015

Rotaract District 7030

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

Magazine Month

Today, there are so many more ways to communicate than ever before. In the age of video conferences

and instant messages, we can work together from almost anywhere, and always be in touch; we can

share our Rotary work on Facebook, on Twitter, and on Rotary.org. But there will always be a

tremendously important role for the magazine that you are holding in your hands – or reading on an

electronic device – right now.

The Rotarian is one of the oldest continuously published magazines in the world, with an unbroken

publication history dating back to its first issue, featuring Paul Harris as a contributor, in 1911. Back

then, the magazine was printed in black and white, and was only a few pages. The type was small, the

pictures were few, and the advertisements were for piano dealers, haberdashers, and a hotel fully

equipped with hot and cold running water! Now, you can read The Rotarian on your phone or tablet,

and regional magazines are published in 24 languages. Seventeen Nobel Prize winners and 19 Pulitzer

Prize winners have written for the magazine, including Mahatma Gandhi, Desmond Tutu, George

Bernard Shaw, and Nicholas Murray Butler. Every month, The Rotarian brings us a snapshot of the best

of the Rotary world: It engages, entertains, enlightens, and inspires.

In an age of constant communication, with so many ways to find new information, do we still need a

Rotary magazine? Absolutely. Because the magazine is now, as it has always been, one of the best ways

to spread the word about Rotary. It has allowed me to share the fun and excitement of Rotary Days, it

showcases the good work of Rotarians around the world, and it puts a spotlight on important issues

affecting us all. The Rotarian isn't just enjoyable for Rotarians – it's a great way to boost Rotary's public

image, and show the world the work that Rotarians do. So when you're done reading this issue, pass it

along. Ask yourself who might be particularly interested in this month's articles. Give the issue to a

friend, a co-worker, or a colleague. Share it with someone you've invited to a Rotary club meeting. Visit

www.therotarianmagazine.com to share stories on social media, or send links through email. Use it to

Light Up Rotary – just as Rotarians have been doing for more than 100 years.

GET TO KNOW…

YOUR DISTRICT CLUB PRESIDENTS

Name: Kean Bonnett (President, Rotaract Club of Linden)

Age: 22 years old

Nationality: Guyanese

Birthday: 14th September

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, cooking, meeting new people

Degree programme/Occupation: Commercial Supervisor at

Linden Electricity Company Inc.

I joined Rotaract because…

I was curious about the fun and remarkable testimonies and stories of Rotaract. I was invited to a meeting

which I attended along with few projects. I certainly enjoyed the moments and realized that this was my

calling. I decided to follow through.

My fondest moment thus far in Rotaract…

District Conference 2014.

I believe that Rotaract is important because…

It benefits not only the community, but the lives of the individuals who help to make a difference within

their community.

Name: Cindyann Currency (President, Rotaract Club of Port

of Spain West)

Age: 29 years old

Nationality: Trinidadian

Birthday: 25th July 1985

Hobbies/Interests: Reading, Swimming, Yoga, Photography

Degree programme/Occupation: Media and Communication

(major) International Relations (minor), Project Management

Professional (PMP) – I am a Project Officer with Digicel

Foundation /Profession- Community and Youth and Social

Development

I joined Rotaract because…

I attend a RYLA conference in 2004 and fell in love with the camaraderie of the members from PoS West

and I was impressed by the level of youth oriented discussions at the workshops.

My fondest moment thus far in Rotaract was…

Participating in the SMILE project- A community service project that provides a day of relaxation and spa

treatment for Women who are victims of Domestic Violence and their children who reside at a Shelter.

I believe that Rotaract is important because…

It builds personal, emotional and professional competencies. It also encourages volunteerism and a

selfless spirit of giving. It also provides young persons with a unique opportunity to interact and network

with men and women of different professions and a likeminded love for Rotary and our fellowman is

guaranteed

DISTRICT REMINDERS

April 14th- Submission of outstanding information for the District’s Database (to DS Kezra)

April 15th- Submission of Third Quarter Quarterly Report (to DRR Vanessa & DS Kezra)

April 21st- Submission of nominations for DRRN (to DRR Vanessa & DS Kezra)

April 24th- Submission of contact information for Presidents & Secretaries Elect 2015-2016 (to DS Kezra)

May 2nd- Letter of Interest to host Rotaract District Conference 2016 (to DRR Vanessa & DS Kezra)

May 10th-Participation in Secretary Initiative (to publish on social media or in print publication)

CLUB STORIES

ROTARACT CLUB OF ARIMA

"Reducing the Risk Of Non-Communicable Disease"

Rotaract Club of Arima’s Hike and Fellowship to Rio Seco Waterfall

Joining Rotaract RI District 7030 in its continuing thrust in the reduction of Chronic Non Communicable

Diseases (NCD’s) in the Caribbean through the encouragement of healthier lifestyle practices within

the region and in keeping with the RI Rotaract District 7030’s current Theme: "Share the Experience.

Live Rotaract”, the Rotaract Club of Arima chose to combat the Risk Factor of Physical Inactivity by

going on a moderately challenging hike to the Rio Seco Waterfall, off Galera Road, Salybia in North

East Trinidad.

The Rotaractors took to the beautiful trail on Sunday 1st March 2015 after their volunteer work at the

Nature Seekers Matura Beach Cleanup, earlier in the day. Members of the Rotaract Club of Arima

arrived at the natural pool in just over an hour after walking uphill along a narrow roadway and trekking

through lush, densely forested areas and along and upstream a riverside trail. Thereafter, they enjoyed

an afternoon of fun and fellowship in the pool and under the waterfall, amongst nature's treasured flora

and fauna.

Rotaract Club of Arima joins local volunteers at the Nature Seekers annual

Matura Beach Cleanup

The Rotaract Club of Arima once again collaborated with the Nature Seekers Group for its Annual Beach

Clean-up Campaign of the Matura Beach which took place on Sunday 1st March, 2015 at the Ten and

Three Quarters Mile Mark (10 3/4 mm), Orosco Road, Toco Main Road, Matura.

In keeping with Nature Seekers’ 2015 Event Theme: “Turtles and Beyond”, Rotaractors were given the

opportunity to assist in this conservation initiative through risk reduction to the endangered sea turtles

and their nesting areas and to promote public awareness of the need to prevent and mitigate pollution

of the country’s waterways and coastal zones.

A total of seventeen (17) attendees from the Rotaract Club of Arima joined several other local volunteers

and NGO’s to remove various types of non-biodegradable materials, inclusive of glass, plastics and

metals, from the 7.4 km shoreline in order to facilitate a successful nesting season.

Given the sizeable turnout, the Rotaractors were only able to collect a large bag of debris and garbage,

which was all well and good seeing as a lot of groups worked hard during the event.

The Rotaract Club of Arima was indeed pleased to assist in providing a safe beachfront environment

for the majestic Leatherback turtles, other species of turtles, and the seasonal turtle viewing

programme, by extension.

Rotaract Club of Arima executes Green Memisa Project at the Memisa Centre

The Lady Hochoy Foundation’s Memisa Centre is one of the few facilities in East Trinidad which caters

for mentally challenged adults. Additionally, they oversee the operation of a day school for autistic and

other mentally challenged children. Collectively, the Memisa Centre provides care and/or assistance

to over 100 adults and children.

In early 2011, the Rotaract Club of Arima adopted the Memisa Centre as one of its long term

continuous/legacy projects. Since then, the Club was able to revive the kitchen garden and provide

other forms of assistance such as painting and providing support for the Centre’s fundraising ventures.

As part of the World Rotaract Week 2015 Celebrations and in keeping with the intended objectives of

this project, the Rotaract Club of Arima, along with the Rotary Club of Arima, visited the Memisa Centre

on Sunday 15th March 2015 to begin de-weeding and cleaning up the kitchen garden and to plant some

short crops such as tomatoes, eggplant and celery. Coconut shoots were also donated to be planted at

desired points on the Centre’s premises. The Rotaract Club of Arima is indeed happy to work for the

benefit of the Memisa Centre once again and will seek to maintain and expand on its level of support

to the Centre for the benefit of its residents and students.

ROTARACT CLUB OF SOUTH BARBADOS

Observing World Rotaract Week 2015

On Sunday March 8, 2015 members of the Rotaract Club of South Barbados (RCSB) joined with Senior

Pastor Bishop Dr. Marlon O’N Husbands, Reverend Suzette P.E. Husbands and the congregation of

Sanctuary Empowerment Centre to commemorate the beginning of World Rotaract Week 2015.

President of the RCSB, Che Waithe believes that ‘World Rotaract Week reaffirms the relevance of

such service organizations within the community and provides an opportunity for us to celebrate and

showcase the many achievements and positive impact of our projects’.

On Monday March 9th at 7:00PM the club joined with the Rotaract Club of Cave Hill and the Rotaract

Club of Barbados West to host a fundraising Bingo night at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Complex.

Admission for this event was BDS$30 and proceeds from this event will go towards hosting the

Rotaract District 7030 Conference. RCSB also hosted a Cocktail Making Session, visit to Rotary and Pot

Luck Beach.

The week of activities culminated with a community beautification project in conjunction with the

other Rotaract Clubs on the island and saw a mural being painted at the Fairchild Street Bus Terminal.

World Rotaract Week precedes the club’s annual ‘Come Fly’ kite flying competition at the Weymouth

Playing field. The event, now in its 5th year, provides an opportunity for secondary school students to

take part in the traditional Barbadian pastime of kite making and flying.

ROTARACT CLUB OF F.R.E.SH.

Proud members of Rotaract

One of the goals for the avenue Professional Development 2014-2015 of Rotaract Club F.R.E.S.H. is

branding of the Rotaractor. We find it necessary to brand the organization as well as the individual

because we lead by example. We did this by applying bumper stickers to our cars and what better

time to launch this project than during World Rotaract Week.

So this is how we celebrated World Rotaract Week: Creating awareness of Rotary and Rotaract by

applying "Proud Member of ROTARACT" bumper stickers on our vehicles. The Rotary Club of

Paramaribo members also participated by applying the “Proud Sponsor of ROTARACT” bumper

sticker. And by driving around with our bumper stickers we want to let everyone know that we are

proud to be a part of this amazing organization. We are also very thankful for fellow Rotarians and

Rotaractors for participating in our project!

International Women's Day

On 08 March, countries all over the world

celebrate International Women’s Day. On

this day women are recognized for their

achievements without regard to divisions,

whether national, ethic, linguistic,

cultural, economic or political. It is an

occasion for looking back on past

struggles and accomplishments, and more

importantly, for looking ahead to the

untapped potential and opportunities that

await future generations of women. In

order to bring more awareness to the

community for this day, the Rotaract Club

of F.R.E.S.H. organized on the 8th March

2015 a mini exhibition, whereby various

women organization had the opportunity to provide information regarding the rights of the woman.

To add a lot more confetti to this day, we also celebrated the kick-off of the ‘World Rotaract Week’ with

a zumbathon. It created a perfect opportunity as we came together as one Rotaract family by sharing

our happiness of being Rotaractors, motivated us to create new ideas for the community and also

brought awareness to the community regarding the existence of Rotaract worldwide. The above

projects were also linked to a fundraising, by selling t-shirts, water, juice and healthy wraps. The

proceeds of the fundraising were donated to the Foundation ‘Stop Violence against Women’, in the

form of two office chairs, one answering machine and one printer/scanner.

ROTARACT CLUB OF POINTE-A-PITRE

School book drive

On Saturday March 14th, to celebrate World

Rotaract Week, Rotaract Club of Pointe-à-

Pitre organized a big school book drive, in

support to a project from Rotary Club of

Basse-Terre Fort Saint-Charles.

Since 2004, Rotary Club Basse-Terre Fort

Saint-Charles initiated a twinning with

Rotary Club Karikal in India. Since then,

they executed various exchanges and

projects to help their respective countries.

In July 2014, a delegation from Guadeloupe

led by Rotarian Valencia SIDAMBAROM

went to India, and was honoured to visit a

French public school in Pondichery, in

association with Rotary Club of Pondichery

Beach Town.

Following this meeting, different needs were revealed, especially lack of school books and dictionaries

for the pupils. Therefore, the Rotaract Club of Pointe-à-Pitre decided to help them and send books they

would get from Guadeloupeans’ generosity.

A stand was placed in the most important shopping mall of our island for the entire day and this enabled

us to collect hundreds of books. Thus the pupils will be able to pursue their education in the best

possible conditions. This project was also an excellent opportunity for us to meet young people and

promote our club and Rotaract.

ROTARACT CLUB OF PORT OF SPAIN

Rotaract and Port of Spain Youth plea to end Bullying

Scores of youths took to the Queens Park Savannah on Saturday 14th March in support of The Rotaract

Club of Port of Spain West’s Anti-Bullying March, done in commemoration of World Rotaract Week

activities.

The March which was themed; Bullying Ends Now #BEN, was done in collaboration with the Anti-

Bullying Association of Trinidad and Tobago and supported by the Interact Club of Port of Spain West,

Success Laventille Secondary and other Rotaract Clubs.

Thirteen year old Jerome Rodriguez- Founder and President of the Anti-Bullying Association of Trinidad

and Tobago led the chant; ‘Break the trend, bring bullying to an end’. Rodriguez informed all those in

attendance of the importance of individual intervention to bring an end to bullying. He also explained

the different types of bullying and how one can escalate a known bullying situation.

In Trinidad and Tobago, 35% of students have reported that they did not feel safe at school, 21%

reported that they had been injured or threatened with a weapon at school, and 12% admitted to having

avoided school as they did not feel safe (A 2010 Report by the Trinidad and Tobago Violence Prevention

Academy).

The Rotaract Club of Port of Spain West implemented this community service initiative in observance

of World Rotaract Week. The #BEN campaign will continue via social media for the month of March.

ROTARACT CLUB OF UNIVERSITY OF GUYANA

RCUG’s WRW Paintball Tournament

On Saturday 14th March, the Rotaract Club of University of Guyana hosted its Paintball Tournament and

Fundraiser at the Planet Paintball Speedball Field. It was the club’s biggest activity for the week and all

the Rotary, Rotaract and Interact Clubs in Guyana were invited to participate in celebration of World

Rotaract Week.

Despite a delayed start, the tournament proved to be a success. The eleven (11) teams in contention

provided a mixed bag of participants from 3 Interact Clubs, 2 Rotaract Clubs and a multitude of guests

of all ages. With spectators perched at all possible locations to get a good view of the matches, cheers

of excitement and yells of frustration rang through until the games ended sundown.

Holding a food and drink sale at the event served the dual purpose of raising funds while keeping the

participants nourished during the hectic day. The selling of drinks, snacks and the maintaining of on-

site barbeque were done by RCUG members.

The top three teams were awarded trophies donated by Engraving and Trophy World.

1st: “UnderDogs” (Interact Club of School of the Nations Team)

2nd: “Assassins” (Interact Club of Christ Church Secondary School team)

3rd: “Chubby” (consisting of friends of RCUG).

RCUG’s Valentine’s Day

Rotaract Club University of Guyana held

their annual Valentine’ Day Lunch on

Saturday, February 14th. Valentine’s Day

is about “love”, so Rotaractors spread

their love by giving the love of Food to the

University of Guyana Students and the

general public. With the Menu of Love

Rice, Sweetheart Chicken and Romance

Salad, students stopped by to get their

piece of Love this year. This Fundraiser

was a success and had the University

population enjoying their piece of Love.

In the Evening the Rotaractors were engaged in an Email Protocol Workshop done by Rotarian/Vice

President Lisa Foster (sponsor club). The workshop was done to assist members to follow the correct

protocol when dealing with Email Communication which is steadily increasing in this era. The

Workshop covered Email Formats to Email Standards. Rotaractors were amazed by the depth of Email

Communication practices. These events made the members Valentine’s Day great because it was spent

among Rotaractors, which highlighted the Love they have for each other when the day ended with

Valentine Day Cake for the Members.

INTERNATIONAL FOCUS

RYLA NORTH AMERICA CONFERENCE 2015 Early Bird Registration ended on December 20 for the 2015 RYLA

North America Conference. So register now at

www.rylanad7620.comThe RYLA North America Conference 2015

Board invites all Rotaractors and RYLArians from North America and

around the world to the 7th annual RYLA North America Conference

in Washington, DC, USA hosted by District 7620.Registration

officially opened last month! Be the first to register! We now have

delegates registered from Colombia, Egypt, France, Guinea,

Lebanon, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey and United States. RYLA North

America Conference 2014 featured almost 300 delegates from over

51 different nations from around the world. Will you join us for 2015?

What

RYLA North America Conference 2014 (hosted by District 7620)

When

July 21-26, 2015

Where

George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA

Cost

Conference packages starting at USD 400.00

Age of delegates

18 to 30 years old

Airports

Washington Reagan National Airport (DCA), Baltimore-Washington International (BWI) & Washington

Dulles International (IAD)

Registration Package

Conference package starting at USD 400.00 which includes five night stay, all conference meals

except Friday lunch & dinner, conference materials, admission to embassy receptions held every

night, special events, and entertainment.

Follow us on twitter at @ryla_na and on Facebook at RYLA North America Conference for all

conference updates. Join our newsletter. We hope to see you in the capital city of the United States of

America in July 2015!

2015 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION In Rotary, we have the opportunity to build bonds of friendship with

fellow Rotarians around the world. And once a year, at our

international convention, we have the chance to get together with all

of our Rotary friends, to share new ideas, plan new service, and just

have fun.

What better way to celebrate the end of the 2014-15 Rotary year, and

Light Up Rotary with your friends, than to travel together to the 106th

annual Rotary International Convention in São Paulo, Brazil? Whether

you have never been to a convention before or are an experienced

convention goer, this will be one you won't want to miss.

Preregistration pricing ends on 31 March, so plan now for the biggest Rotary party of the year.

The convention will begin on Saturday, 6 June, and after the opening ceremony there will be a

traditional Brazilian Carnival party and a Samba School Parade at the Anhembi Sambadrome. Even if

you think you have no rhythm or can't carry a tune, you will find yourself dancing, singing, and laughing

all night long. The party and parade will feature the bright colours, feathers, and sequins of Carnival

costumes as well as the sights and sounds of samba, the Afro-Brazilian music and dance, and the

delicious food and drinks of São Paulo.

On Monday night, Ivete Sangalo, winner of two Latin Grammy Awards, will entertain Rotarians. And

every evening of the convention, Rotary Restaurant Nights will let you enjoy discounts in the culinary

capital of Latin America. Savor fish from the Amazon, sushi with a Latin flair, Brazilian beef, and other

offerings from some of São Paulo's 30,000 restaurants and bars. Admission to several museums in São

Paulo, including the excellent soccer museum, will also be free with your convention badge.

Brazil reflects a diversity almost as great as Rotary's: Paulistanos, as the people of São Paulo are known,

have created a lively culture with influences from all over the world. One of the highlights of any Rotary

convention is always hospitality night, where you can get to know local Rotarians. Monday night is your

chance to experience the paulistano lifestyle with the Rotarians of Brazil – but be sure to book early, as

numbers are limited.

In Rotary, service and friendship go hand in hand. As you focus on the work of this Rotary year, I ask

you not to lose sight of the importance of international friendship, and to register for the São Paulo

convention now, at www.riconvention.org.

“Building Integrating Motivating through Service”

Meet Our Current Chairperson

Effective January 1, 2015,

Alicia Simmons accepted

the post of Conference

Chairperson. Alicia is the

Vice President of the

Rotaract Club of

Barbados West.

Meet Our Current Co-Chairperson

Effective January 1, 2015,

Tara Collymore-Kirton

accepted the post of

Conference Co-

Chairperson. Tara is the

Immediate Past President of

the Rotaract Club of South Barbados.

Other changes in the committee

Jade Sandiford – Director of Logistics

Accommodation & Extended Stay

The registration fee is inclusive of quad

occupancy and is based on single sex rooms.

As this may not be ideal for everyone, a

limited number of single and double rooms

are available at an extra cost and will be

given on a first come, first serve basis.

This first come, first serve basis means that to

secure your single or double rooms you will

need pay the following costs in FULL.

Double Occupancy - USD$ 100 or BD$ 200 per person

Single Occupancy - USD$375 or BD$750 per person

In addition, DiviSouthwinds has gracious offered us the reduced per night per person rates for pre and

post stay inclusive of breakfast only. The rates are as follows:

Quad Occupancy - USD$60 or BD$120 per person

Double Occupancy - USD$ 85 or BD$170 per person

Single Occupancy - USD$155 or BD$310 per person

Please note that the rates quoted above are in addition to and not included in the conference fees.

We will provide delegates with a list of places where they can seek alternative accommodation for

those Rotaractors who wish to not extend their stay at the hotel.

Car Rentals

Dwayne Pollard –

dwayne.pollard@hotmail.com(246) 231-8163

bookings@vlrentals.com (246) 253-7368

Communication with Committee Members

We would like to remind delegates that all

queries should be emailed to respective

Conference Committee Directors to ensure

that we can keep track of all your specific

request

http://rotaractbarbados.org/conference/conta

ct-us/ . We will try to respond to your queries

in 72 hours. Delegates can also visit our

website for the most recent updates.

Theme Party

Many of you have requested information on the 2015

District Conference Theme Party. However, we have

decided to keep you in suspense a little longer. Here’s

a clue, stay tune for the next District Newsletter for more

clues and see if you can figure out this year’s theme party.

.

CHARTER ANNIVERSARIES

April

07th- Rotaract Club of UWI Cave Hill

22nd -Rotaract Club of St. Lucia

24th- Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central

Happy

Charter!

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