RELIVE THE ENTIRE VIRTUAL HANDOVER CEREMONY
2019 - 2020 PRESIDENT'S HANDOVER SPEECH
Greetings and good evening, to all Rotarians zooming on to this virtual handover – a first for many rotary clubs in the world because of COVID-19. A warm and special welcome to our Guest Speaker, Rotary International, Regional Membership Officer, Audley Knight, to our Assistant Governor – South Cluster, Debbie Roopchand, District Governor Elect, Sonya Alleyne, our District Chairmen, our Past District Governors, our Past Assistant Governor and Past District Secretary, Ann Marie Rogers, Immediate Past President Carlton Semper, all other Past Presidents and Incoming Presidents, Secretaries, Rotaractors and Interactors, All Rotarians viewing– Welcome once more.
The Rotary Club of Point Fortin, one of the many Rotary Clubs servicing the Point Fortin community and environs, is the only one club of its kind in the South West Peninsula, in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, chartered in October 1986. This evening I am proud to handover our 33 years of Rotary service in good standing to the incoming President, Recaldo Tang Yuk, also a Past President.
We have had some sad times having lost Past Presidents, members’ partners in service; close families and friends of Rotary. On the brighter side, more good times, as we continue to embrace the ideals of Rotary “Service Above Self. The Rotary Club of Point Fortin even though small in numbers with a current membership of seventeen (17) and slowly growing, we carry with us big hearts and have been able over the years to maintain most of our programs and activities – such as our Health Clinics; Dental Clinics, food hampers for the underprivileged; assisting students with spectacles; distribution of school bags with stationery.
Planning had to be discontinued because of COVID-19 for our two (2) major fundraising projects – a Breakfast Brunch and one of our signature event – A poor Man’s Dinner. The challenge ahead now for all clubs is to be creative and to readjust our method of functioning as we transition from personal to virtual. Every challenge is an opportunity to succeed and through our Avenues of Service, we have been able to achieve our rotary goals.
Our weekly meetings continue through zoom owing to the new normal which has certainly provided us with an opportunity to network more, to have fun and learn from each other. We have reached out to a Home Work Centre, and have held sessions with students and parents on anti-bullying and dyslexia awareness, and have shown videos on Rotary’s goals to eradicate polio worldwide.
This is what Rotary is all about “Service Above Self” – to help improve the quality of life in one’s community and to make a difference in the world. I am indeed delighted to be a member of one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation.
Training and advancement for young people are paramount for our club, as we sponsor the Rotaract Club of Point Fortin, and the Interact Club of Holy Name Convent, Point Fortin. We are looking at opportunities to sponsor an EarlyAct Club in this new normal.
We have always supported RYLA – Rotary Young Leaders Awards, but this term it did not happen. In April, our members and our partners in service attended PETS and District Conference in Guadeloupe. We also attended our RI Convention in Germany. We were present at our District Conference in St.Kitts which materialised virtually, as Covid 19 has stimulated us to do things differently and to explore options. For me, it was interesting and extremely comfortable to be present at these virtual sessions, to observe excellent presentations by our distinguished Rotarians from my home. Whether it is here in Trinidad and Tobago or abroad, one will always see and find a member from the Rotary Club of Point Fortin, as we consider ourselves proud Rotarians giving service and changing lives.
Having reached 33 years and counting I thank all our Past Presidents and Board Members, for their support and blessings so that we could have made this journey possible, since we have all benefitted from their past experiences and enthusiasm. I thank again all Rotarians who travelled far and wide to celebrate with us our 33 years when we took the opportunity to award our Rotary Club’s first District 7030 female President, Past President Barbara Ayuen.
It will be remiss of me if I did not mention and thank our dear Assistant Governor, Debbie Roopchand for her unstinting support, guidance and advice. Being very pleasant, graceful and straightforward in her role.
On behalf of the board and members of the Rotary Club of Point Fortin, I thank all of you for being a part of this special new normal handover taking advantage of this virtual platform to make this activity more memorable. On this platform are clubs from Canada, Barbados, Grenada, USA, Martinique, St. Martin. Jamaica, Suriname and of our own Trinidad and Tobago. If ever the world needed Rotary is now. We applaud ourselves as we transfer from Rotary Connects the World to Rotary Opens Opportunities.
I thank you,
Patsy Ransome,
President 2019-2020
Rotary Club of Point Fortin
The Rotary Club of Point Fortin, one of the many Rotary Clubs servicing the Point Fortin community and environs, is the only one club of its kind in the South West Peninsula, in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, chartered in October 1986. This evening I am proud to handover our 33 years of Rotary service in good standing to the incoming President, Recaldo Tang Yuk, also a Past President.
We have had some sad times having lost Past Presidents, members’ partners in service; close families and friends of Rotary. On the brighter side, more good times, as we continue to embrace the ideals of Rotary “Service Above Self. The Rotary Club of Point Fortin even though small in numbers with a current membership of seventeen (17) and slowly growing, we carry with us big hearts and have been able over the years to maintain most of our programs and activities – such as our Health Clinics; Dental Clinics, food hampers for the underprivileged; assisting students with spectacles; distribution of school bags with stationery.
Planning had to be discontinued because of COVID-19 for our two (2) major fundraising projects – a Breakfast Brunch and one of our signature event – A poor Man’s Dinner. The challenge ahead now for all clubs is to be creative and to readjust our method of functioning as we transition from personal to virtual. Every challenge is an opportunity to succeed and through our Avenues of Service, we have been able to achieve our rotary goals.
Our weekly meetings continue through zoom owing to the new normal which has certainly provided us with an opportunity to network more, to have fun and learn from each other. We have reached out to a Home Work Centre, and have held sessions with students and parents on anti-bullying and dyslexia awareness, and have shown videos on Rotary’s goals to eradicate polio worldwide.
This is what Rotary is all about “Service Above Self” – to help improve the quality of life in one’s community and to make a difference in the world. I am indeed delighted to be a member of one of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation.
Training and advancement for young people are paramount for our club, as we sponsor the Rotaract Club of Point Fortin, and the Interact Club of Holy Name Convent, Point Fortin. We are looking at opportunities to sponsor an EarlyAct Club in this new normal.
We have always supported RYLA – Rotary Young Leaders Awards, but this term it did not happen. In April, our members and our partners in service attended PETS and District Conference in Guadeloupe. We also attended our RI Convention in Germany. We were present at our District Conference in St.Kitts which materialised virtually, as Covid 19 has stimulated us to do things differently and to explore options. For me, it was interesting and extremely comfortable to be present at these virtual sessions, to observe excellent presentations by our distinguished Rotarians from my home. Whether it is here in Trinidad and Tobago or abroad, one will always see and find a member from the Rotary Club of Point Fortin, as we consider ourselves proud Rotarians giving service and changing lives.
Having reached 33 years and counting I thank all our Past Presidents and Board Members, for their support and blessings so that we could have made this journey possible, since we have all benefitted from their past experiences and enthusiasm. I thank again all Rotarians who travelled far and wide to celebrate with us our 33 years when we took the opportunity to award our Rotary Club’s first District 7030 female President, Past President Barbara Ayuen.
It will be remiss of me if I did not mention and thank our dear Assistant Governor, Debbie Roopchand for her unstinting support, guidance and advice. Being very pleasant, graceful and straightforward in her role.
On behalf of the board and members of the Rotary Club of Point Fortin, I thank all of you for being a part of this special new normal handover taking advantage of this virtual platform to make this activity more memorable. On this platform are clubs from Canada, Barbados, Grenada, USA, Martinique, St. Martin. Jamaica, Suriname and of our own Trinidad and Tobago. If ever the world needed Rotary is now. We applaud ourselves as we transfer from Rotary Connects the World to Rotary Opens Opportunities.
I thank you,
Patsy Ransome,
President 2019-2020
Rotary Club of Point Fortin
2019 - 2020 PROJECTS HIGHLIGHTS |
HANDOVER TO NEW LEADERSHIP |
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2020 - 2021 PRESIDENT'S SPEECH
Good evening fellow Rotarians, special guests, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the Rotary Club of Point Fortin 2020-2021 Handover ceremony.
Every year Rotary International gives a theme, as the Immediate Past President mentioned, last year’s theme was “Rotary Connects the world” and the last four months, life has change from what we are accustomed. The rotary club of Point Fortin quickly stepped up to the unforeseen challenge to assist the community and reestablish its meetings within two weeks of the call to stay at home. We stayed connected not only in our community but the world over. Meeting frequency was actually increased as we learnt to maneuver through the new meeting platform and more so supporting one another during these challenging times. That is just one of the benefits of becoming a Rotarian. You will be part of a larger family not only in your club and district but spread across the world.
For this rotary year 2020 -2021 the theme is “Rotary Opens Opportunity”. The choice of the theme leads you to think that RI has a crystal ball. We know this pandemic brought with it many challenges in the way we do things and the need for rotary is required ever more at this time. It also opens opportunities to improve the way in which we conduct rotary business.
The Polio eradication program is still to be completed and now there is COVID-19. The polio infrastructure is being used to assist in the fight against COVID-19. The rotary club of Point Fortin will continue to support the foundation through donations in the quest to eradicate Polio. This is an opportunity where, even non Rotarians can assist and be a part.
This year we will continue to serve the community and execute the planned projects using the guidelines and procedures set out by our Ministry of Health, education and all relevant authorities. We now have the opportunity to do the projects like the career guidance, conflict resolution and WASH programs in the schools virtually. These are projects that were placed on hold due to the pandemic. The Health Clinics for our senior citizens will only be done with the blessings of the MOH. However we will continue to support the residents of these Homes. The supply of wheelchairs, crutches and walkers to the less fortunate will continue.
During the last couple of months one of the positive things coming out of the stay at home instruction is the effect to the environment. We intend to work with local authority and other corporate bodies to do a beach cleanup. We recognize that projects which may be seen as simple, will pose some challenge, but we are ready and willing. The Point Fortin club being chartered 33 years ago, has seventeen members which are made up of 59% female and 41% of our membership are under the age of 40 years.
Recognizing the need for membership engagement and growth, and with virtual communication being the norm. We will be looking forward to training programs and participation in more virtual joint meeting not only on the island but in the region and beyond. This will not only engage members but allow the forming of new alliances with other clubs. We take pride in being members of an organization whose motto is “Service above Self”. There is no better time than now to help your community and the world. And there is no better organization than Rotary International.
Please allow me now to present the board of directors for Rotary year 2020-2021.
Secretary- Janelle St. Halaire. - Janelle was a Rotaractor now a Rotarian always willing to serve the community. She will be my right hand, and assist the club in all duties.
Treasurer - Cherise Thompson - One of our newest members. Cherise was invited to the last handover and decided to join rotary to serve her community.
Club Membership – Giselle Ramose - Another new young member comes from a family of Rotarians. Serving the community through rotary.
New Generation Chair- Past Assistant Governor, Pass President. Ann Marie Rogers. One of our more experience and well-traveled Rotarian. We recognize the importance of the Rotaractors and Interactors and PAG Ann Marie, with her wealth of experience will show them what rotary can do to enhance their career and make them dynamic leaders.
Community Service - Brent Baptiste. A caring young man who is always willing and goes the extra mile to help others. During the Stay at home order he was instrumental in the distribution of hampers to the needy in our community.
Vocational Service – PP Kenneth Niles -Past President, twice. An experience Rotarian. PP Kenneth did an in house presentation, titled “Mental Health during COVID-19” at one of our virtual meetings and will be leading the school projects.
Public Image/International Service – Rtn. Shedron Collins, another young and promising Rotarian. Shedron was also a Rotaractor. Shedron took charge and organized the virtual platform meetings in no time. He is the club’s tech advisor. This is the person who will be in charge of our web site and assist in carrying forward the rotary brand.
Club Service -Lynette Kewley, has the task of arranging all joint meetings and fellowship with other clubs.
Foundation Chair- Past President, three times, Carlton. Sorry that PP Carlton could not be with us today due to medical reasons. After listening to PDG Roger Bose presentation on Grants at PETs. PP Carlton with his experience would head the committee in developing proposals which can attract a grant.
Sargent at arms/Fund raising- Last but not least IPP Patsy Ransome the person to keep the club in tack.
After going through all the COVID-19 challenges and still achieving the set goals while keeping the club engaged. It’s only fitting to give her another challenge that of fund raising in this social distancing environment.
I now present to you the full board for rotary year 2020 to 2021.
I thank you,
Recaldo Tang-Yuk,
President 2020-2021
Rotary Club of Point Fortin
Every year Rotary International gives a theme, as the Immediate Past President mentioned, last year’s theme was “Rotary Connects the world” and the last four months, life has change from what we are accustomed. The rotary club of Point Fortin quickly stepped up to the unforeseen challenge to assist the community and reestablish its meetings within two weeks of the call to stay at home. We stayed connected not only in our community but the world over. Meeting frequency was actually increased as we learnt to maneuver through the new meeting platform and more so supporting one another during these challenging times. That is just one of the benefits of becoming a Rotarian. You will be part of a larger family not only in your club and district but spread across the world.
For this rotary year 2020 -2021 the theme is “Rotary Opens Opportunity”. The choice of the theme leads you to think that RI has a crystal ball. We know this pandemic brought with it many challenges in the way we do things and the need for rotary is required ever more at this time. It also opens opportunities to improve the way in which we conduct rotary business.
The Polio eradication program is still to be completed and now there is COVID-19. The polio infrastructure is being used to assist in the fight against COVID-19. The rotary club of Point Fortin will continue to support the foundation through donations in the quest to eradicate Polio. This is an opportunity where, even non Rotarians can assist and be a part.
This year we will continue to serve the community and execute the planned projects using the guidelines and procedures set out by our Ministry of Health, education and all relevant authorities. We now have the opportunity to do the projects like the career guidance, conflict resolution and WASH programs in the schools virtually. These are projects that were placed on hold due to the pandemic. The Health Clinics for our senior citizens will only be done with the blessings of the MOH. However we will continue to support the residents of these Homes. The supply of wheelchairs, crutches and walkers to the less fortunate will continue.
During the last couple of months one of the positive things coming out of the stay at home instruction is the effect to the environment. We intend to work with local authority and other corporate bodies to do a beach cleanup. We recognize that projects which may be seen as simple, will pose some challenge, but we are ready and willing. The Point Fortin club being chartered 33 years ago, has seventeen members which are made up of 59% female and 41% of our membership are under the age of 40 years.
Recognizing the need for membership engagement and growth, and with virtual communication being the norm. We will be looking forward to training programs and participation in more virtual joint meeting not only on the island but in the region and beyond. This will not only engage members but allow the forming of new alliances with other clubs. We take pride in being members of an organization whose motto is “Service above Self”. There is no better time than now to help your community and the world. And there is no better organization than Rotary International.
Please allow me now to present the board of directors for Rotary year 2020-2021.
Secretary- Janelle St. Halaire. - Janelle was a Rotaractor now a Rotarian always willing to serve the community. She will be my right hand, and assist the club in all duties.
Treasurer - Cherise Thompson - One of our newest members. Cherise was invited to the last handover and decided to join rotary to serve her community.
Club Membership – Giselle Ramose - Another new young member comes from a family of Rotarians. Serving the community through rotary.
New Generation Chair- Past Assistant Governor, Pass President. Ann Marie Rogers. One of our more experience and well-traveled Rotarian. We recognize the importance of the Rotaractors and Interactors and PAG Ann Marie, with her wealth of experience will show them what rotary can do to enhance their career and make them dynamic leaders.
Community Service - Brent Baptiste. A caring young man who is always willing and goes the extra mile to help others. During the Stay at home order he was instrumental in the distribution of hampers to the needy in our community.
Vocational Service – PP Kenneth Niles -Past President, twice. An experience Rotarian. PP Kenneth did an in house presentation, titled “Mental Health during COVID-19” at one of our virtual meetings and will be leading the school projects.
Public Image/International Service – Rtn. Shedron Collins, another young and promising Rotarian. Shedron was also a Rotaractor. Shedron took charge and organized the virtual platform meetings in no time. He is the club’s tech advisor. This is the person who will be in charge of our web site and assist in carrying forward the rotary brand.
Club Service -Lynette Kewley, has the task of arranging all joint meetings and fellowship with other clubs.
Foundation Chair- Past President, three times, Carlton. Sorry that PP Carlton could not be with us today due to medical reasons. After listening to PDG Roger Bose presentation on Grants at PETs. PP Carlton with his experience would head the committee in developing proposals which can attract a grant.
Sargent at arms/Fund raising- Last but not least IPP Patsy Ransome the person to keep the club in tack.
After going through all the COVID-19 challenges and still achieving the set goals while keeping the club engaged. It’s only fitting to give her another challenge that of fund raising in this social distancing environment.
I now present to you the full board for rotary year 2020 to 2021.
I thank you,
Recaldo Tang-Yuk,
President 2020-2021
Rotary Club of Point Fortin
