Rotary Club of Tortola holds Historical Installation Dinner

First Rotary Club of Tortola female president (left) receives floral homage from her vice-president Mary Finley-Jones [photo Astrid Wenzke]

This year's installation dinner of the Rotary Club of Tortola marked a milestone, as they installed the first female President of the Club at the beautifully decorated Lambert Beach Restaurant.

President Delma Maduro was inducted into the Rotary Club of Tortola in June 2000 as the first female member. Not only is she now the first female president, but it is the first time that a husband and wife of the same Club were elected President. Her husband, Rotarian Past Assisting Governor and PHF Audley Maduro, presided over the Club from 1978-80.  A similar unique situation happened in 1994, when Archie Christian became President, 17 years after his Dad Clarence M. Christian was the Club's President.

The function was hosted by Immediate Past President Humphry Leue, while MC Rotarian PP Lewis Hunte lead superbly through a well prepared programme, that was blessed with the Invocation by PAG Governor Audley Maduro. The Loyal Toast was given by PHF Violet Gaul, followed by welcome and introduction of guests from Cyril Romney.

In his brief, but powerful remarks outgoing President Humphrey Leue gave an impressive report about the Club under his stewardship. Several very successful fundraisers were held: The Grand Affair & Auction, which raised over $50,000.00 (donations from this were made to the St. Mary School in Virgin Gorda, the Home for the Elderly in Virgin Gorda, the HIV/ AIDS Association and the Children with special Needs Programme), the "LOOSE TO WIN" Project, that raised $10,000.00 for the BVI Diabetes Association; a joint project with the Tortola Lions Club, that raised over $25,000.00 for the "Hodge's Twins", the annual Car Fest and many more. A total of over $100,000.00 were donated during his year.

It was then his task to install the new board members. They are: President Delma Maduro, Vice President Mary Finley-Jones, President Elect for 2006-07 Ron Potter, Secretary Harriette Skelton, Secretary Elect Valerie Thomas, Treasurer Monica Ramjeet, Treasurer Elect Mike Pringle, Sergeant-at-Arms Scotty Joseph, Club Service Director Brian Liverpool, Community Service Director Sam Welch, International Service Director Nigel Bailey and Vocational Services Director Julian Gordon.

This was followed by presentation of Awards, starting with naming three Paul-Harris-Fellows (PHF). This award is named in honour of Paul Harris, the Founder of Rotary International (in 1905) and is the highest honour in recognition of exemplary humanitarian services to the Community. The first PHF named was PP Tom Gerker, who was an outstanding President in 2003-2004, the second awardee is the Principal of the Althea Scatliffe School Gordon Calendar. Both recipients were unable to attend and accept their plaques. The third awardee however was presented and caught totally off guard.  Anne Gardner was chosen in recognition for not only having given swimming lessons to countless children in the BVI, but most important to a project that she initiated in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Tortola and the BVI Red Cross to raise funds for the tsunami victims. Funds raised through the BVI Government, the Rotary Club of Road Town and other NGOs, the BVI was able to collect over $150,000.00 for this very worthy cause. PP Elton Georges was named "Past President of the Year" for his contributions during the Centennial Year. There were also three Members presented with Presidential Awards for outstanding performance and devoted services: Rotarians Monica Ramjeet (who was unfortunately off island), Brian Liverpool and Astrid Wenzke. Jonathon McCarthy was named "Rotarian of the Year", in recognition of spearheading the Rotarian's Centennial Project -- the Board Walk through the Mangroves in Paraquita Bay. That project was done in conjunction with the HLSCC Marine Studies and was funded by His Excellency the Governor Thomas Macan.

Newly installed President Delma Maduro outlined her many Goals and Projects for the year. She was cheered by a standing ovation for her presentation.

After Raffle and Fines imposed by Sergeant-at-Arms Rotarians Cyril and Scotty, President Delma offered a Toast to Rotary International. The evening culminated with dancing and fellowship for the apparently tireless guests.

The Rotary Club of Tortola was chartered in 1968 as the first Service Club in the BVI and there are still Members around to talk about it, like PP Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal, Dr. Robin Tattersall, PP Bernard Penn and Cyril Romney.