Rotary Of Tortola Inducts First Female Member
by Astrid C. Wenzke
Lambert Beach Hotel was the venue for the Installation Dinner of the Rotary Club of Tortola. Past President Gerard StC Farara QC led through a very impressive programme. After Invocation by Reverend Bonnie Byron and the Loyal Toast by Michael Riegels,, John Williams introduced the guests.
Past President Hon. Justice Kenneth Benjamin presented the "Rotary of the Year" award to Chris Ghiorse. The honour was bestowed on Past President Audley Maduro to introduce Past President Paul Wattley as a new member into the distinguished group of Paul-Harris-Fellows. Following this were the Installation of Officers for the Rotary Year 2000-2001, conducted by outgoing President Brother Elton Georges. The officers are: President Stanley Gordon, President elect Michael Thomas, Vice President Collin Scatliffe, Secretary David Karlson, Treasurer Ken Morgan, Sergeant-at-Arms David Jones, while Chris Ghiorse, John Johnson, Humphrey Leue and Dwane Mason will serve as Directors.
At this point history was made for the Rotary Club of Tortola as Elton Georges inducted the first female member. The new member was introduced by her sponsor Albie Stewart, who pointed out Delma Maduro’s countless achievements. Her latest being that of "Business Person of the Year - Commerce", awarded only a week ago by the Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association. Also inducted to the Club was Mr. Joseph Abbott-Smith. On behalf of his fellow Rotarians, Brother Paul Wattley expressed thanks to outgoing President for a successful year of Leadership. This was followed by the address of incoming President Stanley Gordon, who outlined his goals for the incoming administration starting by pledging the Club’s support to the District Project: Happy Homes for Haiti and Meals for Haiti. Furthermore Membership Growth and Development, to re-energize current members and targeting young executives including women to bring new energy to the Club. It is his desire to set up a committee on the island of Virgin Gorda in preparation of later on chartering a club over there. He also mentioned the Youth and Sports Program, along with KATS and Cricket. He is hoping to do this in Collaboration with Government Agencies and the Rotary Club of Road Town. It is a further goal to set up an Interact club for youth between 14 and 18 years at the HLSCC to assist the Rotary Club. The Rotary Club of Tortola was chartered in 1968 as the first Service Club in the BVI. Some of its Charter Members are still active: for example Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, Jose R. O’Neal, Rowan Roy, Albie Stewart, Leslie Allen, Bernard Penn and Clarence Christian.