The Rotary Club of Maraval made an application in the previous Rotary year for a COVID-19 relief grant from our Rotary District 7030 for the purchase of tablets to support the online learning platform of the five (5) primary schools which we work with.
We were successfully awarded this grant which will be used to partly fund the tablets for these schools and will provide an update when the tablets are purchased.
We thank the District for this great opportunity to do what we do best: Service
Our 17th meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 7th January 2020 as we held our first meeting for the year 2020. We acknowledged the start of a new month, new year and new theme which focuses on "Vocational Service" as we heard from our President on the Board Update.
Our 15th meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 3rd December at 12.30pm. We acknowledged the start of a new month and new theme "Disease Prevention and Treatment" as we heard from our President on the Board Update.
On Monday 18th November, Her Excellency Paula-Mae Weekes, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago opened the newly renovated and restocked library of the La Sieva RC School in Maraval. This was a project undertaken by the Rotary Club of Maraval in partnership with Atlantic and Let's Read.
World Diabetes Day is recognized on November 14th each year but activities for Diabetes awareness are typically executed throughout the entire month. The Rotary Club of Maraval along with the other North Rotary and Rotaract Clubs of Trinidad and Tobago contributed to this effort by conducting a walk for Diabetes on Thursday 7th November with our District Governor Trevor Blake.
Our 12th meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 5th November at 12.30pm. We acknowledged the start of a new month and new theme "Rotary Foundation" as we heard from our President on the Board Update. This month is also of great significance to us as World Diabetes Day is November 14th and our DG will be visiting us during the period 5th - 9th November.
Our 12th meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 5th November at 12.30pm. We acknowledged the start of a new month and new theme "Rotary Foundation" as we heard from our President on the Board Update. This month is also of great significance to us as World Diabetes Day is November 14th and our DG will be visiting us during the period 5th - 9th November.
The Rotary Club of Maraval continues to support other Clubs in the Rotary family through attendance at their events and meetings. As such under this year's theme by RI President Mark Maloney, we have begun the " Rotary Maraval Connect to the World" series which will highlight our members as they attend other Club events and fellowship in fine style.
On Tuesday 15th October we hosted our 11th Luncheon meeting for the year where we heard from Rtn Vera as she shared on her "My Life" talk with all present.
Our 10th meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at the Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 8th October at 12.30pm. Our guest speaker, DG Stephen Ramroop, shared on the ways in which we can be our brother's keeper during times of crisis and the practices that can be put in place for proper preparation for natural disasters.
Our 10th meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 8th October at 12.30pm. Our guest speaker, PDG Stephen Ramroop, shared on the ways in which we can be our brother's keeper during time of crisis and the practical implementations that can be put in place for proper preparation for natural disasters.
Our 9th meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at the Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 1st October at 12.30pm. We acknowledged the start of a new month and new theme "Economic and Community Development" as we heard from our President on the Board Update. This month is also of great significance in the Rotary Calendar as we celebrate World Polio Day on 24th October 2019
Our 9th meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 1st October at 12.30pm. We acknowledged the start of a new month and new theme "Economic and Community Development" as we heard from our President on the Board Update. This month is also of great significance in the Rotary Calendar as we celebrate World Polio Day on 24th October 2019
Our 8th meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 17th September, 2019.
At this meeting we heard a comprehensive update from the Service Projects Chair, PP Mary Charles on the works being undertaken by the Rotary Club of Maraval.
Our 8th meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 17th September, 2019.
At this meeting we heard a comprehensive update from the Service Projects Chair, PP Mary Charles on the works being undertaken by the Rotary Club of Maraval.
On Tuesday 10th September, the Rotary Club of Maraval accompanied by AG Gordon Paul and President Anthony Baptiste journeyed to San Fernando's City Wok Restaurant, to enjoy a wonderful fellowship evening with the Rotary Club of San Fernando South. We were also joined by the Rotary Clubs of POS and Prince Town who added to the evening's festivities. All received much needed information on financial literacy done through the National Financial Literacy Programme Speake, Camille Ramdial who was both engaging and knowledgeable on the topic.
On August 27th, the Rotary Club of Maraval took over the Whipped Restaurant at One Woodbrook Place as we celebrated the birthdays and wedding anniversaries for the month of August and bid 'au revoir' to our own Rtn. Yvonne who is returning to Australia with her family.
The Rotary Club of Maraval continues to support other Clubs in the Rotary family through attendance at their events and meetings. As such under this year's theme by RI President Mark Maloney, we have begun the " Rotary Maraval Connect to the World" series which will highlight our members as they attend other Club events and fellowship in fine style.
On Sunday 25th August, the residents at the St. Andrew's Home were treated to an afternoon of great entertainment with sweet local melodies including Soca and Parang!
Our 6th meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 20th August at 12.30pm. Our guest speaker, Mr. Lyndon Brathwaite, shared on the ways in which we can successfully, "Attract, Grow and Maintain" our membership.
Our 4th meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 6th August at 12.30pm. We acknowledged the start of a new month and new theme "Membership and New Club Development" as we heard from our President on the Board Update
Our 4th meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 6th August at 12.30pm. We acknowledged the start of a new month and new theme "Membership and New Club Development" as we heard from our President on the
On Tuesday 30th July, 2019, the Rotary Club of Maraval hosted its first joint fellowship meeting which featured guest speaker Ms. Sonji Pierre-Chase who shared salient information on the newly enacted Non Profit Organization Act 2019 and its impact to Rotary Clubs. This meeting was held at the House of Chan and saw the involvement of four other Rotary Clubs
The Rotary Club of Maraval continues to support other Clubs in the Rotary family through attendance at their events and meetings. As such under this year's theme by RI President Mark Maloney, we have begun the " Rotary Maraval Connect to the World" series which will highlight our members as they attend other Club events and fellowship in fine style.
Our 3rd meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 23rd July at 12.30pm. We were all engaged by our guest speaker AG Debbie Roopchand who delivered fascinating information on Protocol as it pertains to both Rotary and everyday life.
On Sunday 21st July, the Rotary Club of Maraval met with its members to review and discuss the plans and objectives to be implemented during the Rotary Year 2019-2020. There was great participation and interactive discussions with all present.
Two sessions were held by PDG Stephen Ramroop focused on Disaster Risk Management Training and the part that Rotary should play. Our Rotarians were present and accounted for in both sessions and raved of the wealth of information learned.
Our 2nd meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 9th July at 12.30pm where we continued our My Life/My Rotary Talk Series with our Rotary Foundation Chair Michele Celestine
Our 1st meeting for the year 2019-20 was held at Normandie Hotel on Tuesday 2nd July at 12.30pmWe welcomed visiting Rotarian and past Rotaract Club President Helena and heard from our President on some of her plans as it pertains to fellowship, citations and upcoming meetings for the month of July.
Front row from left: Giselle Holder, President Elect / Secretary Elect, Marcia Prince-Assam, President and Jennifer Abraham, Immediate Past President
Back Row from left: Janine De Silva, Membership Chair, Mary Charles, Past President and Projects Chair, Adanna Narine, Secretary-Elect, Charmaine Baptiste, Treasurer, Donna Murray, Public Relations Chair and Michele Celestine, Rotary Foundation Chair.
“PARTNERS SHOW SUPPORT AND CONTRIBUTE TO SAVING YOUTHS LIVING WITH HIV IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO”
From Left to right: Mr. Conrad Mitchel- Patient Advocate, Dr Nyla Lyons- Public Health Specialist U.S Embassy, Ms. Jennifer Abraham- President, Rotary Club of Maraval, Mr. John Mc Intyre, -Charge de Affairs U.S. Embassy, His Worship Joel Martinez-Mayor of Port of Spain, Dr. Jeffrey Edwards -Director Medical Research Foundation, Mr. Louis Espinoza- Gilead Sciences, Ms. Elizabeth Murray- Gilead Sciences and Mr. Jason Daniel-Massy Motors
Rtn Lera shared on her experience and learnings from the RLI Training held on August 25th and 26th and conducted by District Governor Dominique Venere and PDG Roger Bose
The Rotary Club of Maraval was well represented at the Rotary Clubs of South Trinidad's cocktail reception for District Governor Dominique Venere held on Saturday 13th October 2018
Our lunch meeting held on October 9th saw us jointly present stationary gifts to the La Sieva RC and Rampanalgas RC schools' principals and also hear from our first Rotary Royalty series featuring PP Helen Ache who spoke on her Rotary Journey
Dr Murray and Mr. Persad shared with us on the benefits of eye care and the importance of being proactive in how we take care of our eyes especially as we get older.
On Tuesday 28th August, the Rotary Club of Maraval welcomed our District Governor Dominique Venere officially to our club. This was done through our joint luncheon meeting with the Rotary Club of Port of Spain at the Goodwill Industries facility.
Past District Secretary Dev Gosine of the Rotary Club of San Fernando South was invited to speak to the Rotary Club of Maraval on Tuesday 21st August on the topic of "Membership".
Mr Anthony Watkins chats with the Rotary Club of Maraval about our part to play to ensure the Club's success and to ensure that we leave a positive impact as members of our organization.
Rotary Club of Maraval Making A Difference Since May 1993
The parang group on stage was professional, lively and pleasing. The audience was rapturously appreciative. Perhaps the patrons were extra receptive because the four small children accompanying the adult performers with drums, keyboard and a guitar, were from the La Seiva RC Primary School, and this was the school’s third annual Christmas Concert.
Welcome to our newest members, Donna Murray, Marketing Executive, and Lera Boisson Comissiong, Graphic Designer and Printer, who were inducted by DG Waddy at our 25th anniversary gala dinner on 4th May.
The Rotary Club of Maraval sends condolences to family and friends of past-member Rubina Rollock who passed away recently, and also for Past-President, Prakash Bhaggan of the Rotary Club of Port of Spain, who died suddenly at the District Conference in Suriname.
Rotary Birthday Girls for February -"Great" Giselle, "Marvelous Marie", "Happy" Helen, "Serene" Shirley
Our February evening fellowship meeting took place at Kava Restaurant at the Kapok Hotel. Afterwards, some members attended the Music Festival at the Queen's Hall where we enjoyed excellent classical pan and The Lydians chorale group (featuring members Maureen and Yvonne), followed by men's solo singing. The Rotary Club of Maraval is a proud sponsor of this event.
Members in arrears are asked to settle their dues, as Club Admin Accounts are in the red with large expenses coming up.
Money Pans have realised about $30,000 for this Rotary year.
The Soup Fest fund-raiser was a social and financial success thanks to Anna's management, though we have not got reconciliation on the ticket sales by Barbara of Goodwill.
The Jazz fund-raiser is on stream and tickets will be issued soon, once all artistes are confirmed. Thanks to PP Mary for coordinating a $55,000 donation.
Several events commemorating the club's 25th Anniversary have been planned:
- 27th March - joint meeting with RC Princes Town at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on the waterfront
- 20th April - workshop at NAPA and cocktail party in appreciation of the past presidents, facilitated by the Australian High Commissioner and his wife (Rot. Yvonne)
- 4th May - gala dinner at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, joint with the RC of Princes Town
- commemorative shirts and pins
PP Dolores confirmed that the Time Capsule was buried at the Princess Elizabeth Centre to celebrate our 5th Anniversary, with the understanding that it would be dug up 25 years later, i.e., for our 30th anniversary.
Other club news included:
Our new PA system has not functioned well and will be returned.
President Maureen promised that all members will be registered in My Rotary by the end of March.
PP Lorna coordinated a donation to the prisons by past member, Nicholas Galt.
The World Affairs Seminar project is underway with RC of Central POS contributing candidates from their MUNA project.
The Tidy T&T project is being resurrected with the RC of POS.
The La Seiva School required an air-conditioner repair, and we will also be supplying some I.T. training.
A Health Fair is still being planned.
A cricket competition for Maraval schools is being planned.
Our club is helping with a car repair for the Women's Shelter.
Our club provided some sponsorship for the T&T Film Festival and our name was announced every night.
Dr. Elizabeth Solomon describes herself as a Change Agent. Her work with The United Nations has taken her to some of the worst and most protracted conflicts in the world such as in Kosovo, Bosnia and Somalia, a journey that honed her skills as a conflict prevention and peacebuilding expert. Her work on human rights and development has been in Guyana, Brazil and India. After almost twenty years in peacebuilding she returned home to Trinidad and Tobago. She is a member of the Mediation Board and the Executive Director of the Caribbean Centre for Human Rights.
Elizabeth opened her presentation on conflict resolution with a video showing the recent civil disturbance in east Port of Spain. She noted that Trinidad's situation is unique and complex, with violence resulting from organised economic crimes as well as from anger due to social inequality. The state has lost its role in the gang communities and our police are not trained to deal with civil riots. We must acknowledge the important role of the media in building trust in public institutions, rather than sensationalizing events. She gave us a sobering insight into the difficult life of those living in Trinidad's hotspots, advocating mediation as a means to create an "equal" environment whereby both parties can be heard. She assured us that there are ongoing talks with international experts to address these problems. This was a timely discussion to mark Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution month.
Nicholas is a past-Rotarian who spoke to our club recently on his life after Rotary. He had become very involved with the T&T American Chamber of Commerce, eventually serving as President, before working at an international level with AMCHAM. Nicholas describes himself as a Relationship Builder and his reputation soon spread and he was invited to join several business and service organisations around the world, and has received many prestigious international honours, including being made a Freeman of the City of London as well as a Livery Man who can elect the Mayor and other officials of the City of London. Nicholas is a board member of other local enterprises and has served as an Independent Senator for Trinidad & Tobago three times.
Despite this acclaim and business success with his own technology company, The TSL Group, Nicholas presented himself as a humble individual who is grateful for his life and family, having survived a life threatening and paralysing disease, Guillain Barre Disease, in 1990. He is also a talented musician and philanthropist. He attributed much of his success to his Rotary experience which encourages public speaking and relationship building, and of course to his wife, Nicole, who is also a Paul Harris Fellow. This was a most inspiring story of personal growth despite difficult obstacles.
The principal of the Rampanalgas RC Primary School Ms. Nainah Ali, and fellow teacher, Ms. Racine Mohammed, recently travelled down to Port of Spain to receive 8 computer tablets from the Rotary Club of Maraval. The tablets were donated by The People Bridge Charitable Foundation of Toronto through the kind intervention of past-member Carole Commissiong. This was organised by PP Mary when Ms. Ali approached our club for assistance to give those pupils who had literacy issues the opportunity to do research online. Ms. Ali described how the school's API (Academic Performance Index) had soared from a low score of 131 in 2010 to 325 in 2017, mainly due to the remedial programme introduced by Ms. Rosemary Pratt, a special education teacher who had retired to Rampanalgas after living in the States. These tablets will motivate the children to work for themselves. The principal's goal is to ensure that all the children will be functional and literate by the time they move on to secondary school. This project is part of the Rampanalgas Rotary Community Corps and is an excellent example of Rotary making a difference to the lives of children in that village.
Presentation of the tablets to Principal Ali by President Maureen
Presentation by President Maureen, PP Mary, and Charter-President Dolores to Principal Ali and teacher Ms. Mohammed
Presentation of tablets with other members of the Rotary Club of Maraval.
The Rotary Clubs of Maraval and Central POS enjoyed excellent food, music and fellowship at our recent joint Christmas party at the beautiful home of new Rotarian Yvonne in Maraval. Many thanks to Yvonne and partner-in-service, John, and to PP Joan and her team for organising such a fun event.
Many of our members turned up recently to sell donated books, clothes, shoes, bags, jewelry, household items and plants at the Chinese Association building in St. Ann's. Kudos to President Maureen and her team for a well organised fund-raising event.
The kids at the La Seiva RC Primary School demonstrated a rapid development of their musical skills at their annual Christmas concert. Several of our club members were there to enjoy the singing, dancing, acting and musical accompaniments of these talented children. Many thanks to PP Mary who manages this project and arranged the donation of musical instruments and costumes.
The results of the recent club elections are as follows:
Position
Name
President-Elect (2018-19)
Jennifer Abraham
President-Nominee (2019-20)
Marcia Prince-Assam
Secretary-Elect (2018-19)
Noelle Pat Ramcharan
Secretary-Nominee (2019-20)
Giselle Holder
Treasurer
Charmaine Baptiste
Director
Michele Celestine
Director
Mary Charles
Director
Anna Chin-Lee
Director
Joan Dayal
Director
Yvonne Webber
Note that the position of President-Nominee is subject to the District Governor's approval as per the club constitution, since that Rotarian has been a member for less than a year. Congratulations to all and many thanks to the other members who also offered their names for election.
Hetty de Gannes contracted polio at the age of 7 resulting in severe disabilities in her legs and other parts of her body. Her father, a doctor, brought infrared and ultraviolet machines from Dublin and treated her and 3 other children who were also polio victims. Hetty willed herself to live and continues to enjoy a long and fulfilled life, being happily married and the mother of 4 sons and grandmother to 4 children.
She had won a scholarship to study Optometry, Visual Arts and Music in the UK. She later went on to the U.S.A. and Canada to do Sculpture and Training in Foundry work. Hetty is the recipient of numerous awards, including a Stamp design for International Women’s Year and one of the country’s highest National Award – The Humming Bird Medal (Bronze). She has hosted solo, joint and mixed exhibitions in Trinidad and Tobago and China and other countries around the world, and is presently completing research with the steel pan.
As she struggles to keep her muscles working, her philosophies on life include "never give up on life", "if you dream of doing something then do it" and "you come first". This multi-talented and courageous woman is an inspiration to all who have hurdles to overcome. .
Our Soup Fest fund-raiser was a great success thanks to the power team of Anna, Mary and Barbara and great help from many of our members and their families. Congratulations and thanks to all.
Mervyn Assam, partner-in-service of Marcia Prince-Assam, graduated from the University of Toronto with an Honours degree in Economics and Political Science. While working there in senior executive positions, he continued his professional studies in Accounting and Management. After illustrious careers in agri-business, investment banking, local and regional government, ambassadorial positions, and even as a talk-show host, he is currently Ambassador Plenipotentiary and Extraordinary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of T&T, responsible for Trade & Industry.
Mervyn is therefore highly qualified to be involved in policy prescriptions that inform the T&T budget, ensuring that it is in line with financial reality. He commented that T&T's human development is lacking, i.e., for potable water, health, education, port turnaround, housing, literacy, etc., etc. He pointed out that the Oil & Gas industry is no longer a viable indicator of sustainable growth, and the world is moving to renewable energy. He was disappointed that there was nothing in the budget for ICT (Information & Communications Technology) and that the Tamana Technology Park in Wallerfield has had no return whatsoever. We need diversification to develop the country and recommends focusing on one area for development - intensive agriculture. He said that the budget lacked imagination and slammed the "nuisance" taxes announced. Mervyn elaborated on all these points and gave us a thought-provoking insight into the economics of this country, with references to the success of Singapore.
Nomination Forms were handed out to members on Nomination Day, 24th October 2017. Returning Officer, PP Susan, also emailed a copy to all members together with a document giving guidelines for voting at our Club Elections on 21st November 2017. Please ensure that you have proof (such as a signature) that a nominee has agreed to stand, in case that person is not present on the day, otherwise that nomination will be disqualified. Note that a nominee for club president should have served as a club member for at least a year before the nomination, unless approved by the District Governor.
At the club's general meeting on 24th October 2017, PP Susan presented the proposed amendments to our By Laws regarding the increase in dues that came into effect in 2015 and the removal of 2 positions from the Board of Directors. These were passed by the quorum of members present. The updated By Laws and the report on the changes have now been filed in the ClubRunner Documents folder, which club members can access via the Members area of www.rotarymaraval.org. If you do not know your ID and password, please check with Secretary Pat.
World Polio Day on 24th October was celebrated by a walk around the Nelson Mandela Park in St. Clair. This was organised by the Rotary Club of Central POS and attended by some of our members.
New Rotarian Yvonne Webber gave a fascinating insight into her life saying that her passion is creating spaces for people to develop their communities. Born in Trelawney, Jamaica, of parents who were teachers, she has always practiced "service above self" and has taught literacy classes. She told an adventurous account of how she met and married an Australian diplomat of English descent, had children, endured a cyclone in Vanuatu in the South Pacific, and curfews in Papua New Guinea. Her husband, John Pilbeam, is the current Australian High Commissioner in T&T, and she is enjoying music and theatre here.
New Rotarian Tracey Rojas also gave a wonderful account of her journey from school at St. Joseph's Convent POS, through her law degrees and certifications at UWI, Hugh Wooding Law School and The University of Edinburgh. She had worked at the Ministry of National security before a brief stint with her own practice, and is now a Partner at Joseph, Camacho and Singh where she handles tax matters, mediations, etc. She humorously described how she met her husband, Jason White, an I.T. Network Administrator, 5 years ago.
Marina Hillaire-Bartlett is the Executive Director of PSI Caribbean, the regional network member of Population Services International (PSI). She has worked on women and children's gender and health projects in Canada, South Africa and in the Caribbean. PSI is an international NGO established in the 1970s, with PSI Caribbean forming in 2006 and focusing on HIV and Family Planning issues. The organisation has since expanded to address gender-based violence in T&T through the "Make It Stop" campaign. Efforts are also being made to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (heart, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory conditions) in the region through the CORE brand. The team is also working closely with The Family Planning Association.
Initially there were global funds for regional projects, but the local organisation has had to downsize drastically to a team of 4 and need fund-raising and technical assistance. They are focusing now on supporting women diagnosed with cervical cancer, and its prevention.
IPP Marie reminded members to pay into the Rotary Foundation sou sou.
Secretary Pat has taken over responsibility for the Money Pans and implored members to focus on timely collection of the full tins.
PP Susan read out some statistics on the club's Facebook page, such as having only 512 Likes. President Maureen requested that all members make an effort to go online at https://www.facebook.com/RotaryClubOfMaravalTrinidadandTobago/ and LIKE our page.
President Maureen's Partner-In-Service, Derrick, will be starting a new position in the Turks & Caicos Islands from 1st April, and as a result Maureen will be leaving Trinidad at some point.
Congratulations to PP Lorna on the arrival of her new grandson.
Marlon Austin spoke to our club recently about Cryptocurrency - the Future of Payments. He has done extensive research and study on the topic of Blockchain technology, the protocol of the cryptocurrency, which allows anyone to shop without a bank account. Crptocurrency is a faster, safer way to transfer value in exchange for goods and services and may replace SWIFT as a means for funds transfer. It can be anonymous like BitCoin, or traceable like OneCoin. As an independent marketing associate with the Onelife Network, Marlon also presented the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DGVqtaXb4IQ for further information on OneCoin.
Dr. Patricia Dardaine-Ragguet, or Dr. Pat as she is popularly known, is the Director of the Holistic Music School and the Holistic Primary School where she develops arts-based curricula for Caribbean children from all walks of life. This includes a music manuscript book, as well as poetry ("Keynotes") and fiction ("The Parrots and Papa Bois") for young children. Dr. Pat is passionate about education and about 300 children are benefitting from her tuition. She hopes to offer scholarships soon and Rotary can help with materials and teacher training.
It was a busy week when District Governor Waddy Sowma and his wife, Rotarian Shirley, visited the Trinidad North Clubs from Suriname. Here is a pictorial record of events.
DG Waddy and partner-in-service Shirley with the RCOM Board
President Maureen receiving a club pennant from the DG
Three new members were inducted and pinned by DG Waddy at a joint meeting with the Rotary Clubs of Diego Martin and Central Port of Spain. History was made as Adanna is the first person in District 7030 to be a member of both Rotaract and Rotary, as permitted in the new membership rules.
New Rotarians Adanna Narine (Immediate Past President of the Rotaract Club of Maraval), Yvonne Weber and Giselle Holder (Past President of Rotaract Club of POS West) giving their acceptance speeches. Congratulations to you all and welcome to the Rotary Club of Maraval!
We all extend deepest condolences to the family and Rotarian friends of PDG Victor Pilgrim. He was particularly known for his unstinting work and passion in developing Rotaract clubs throughout Trinidad & Tobago.
His funeral is on Monday 11th September at the St Charles RC Church in Tunapuna.
MEMBERSHIP by Shirley Campbell, Membership Committee
Rotary is the ethical motivating force for service through fellowship among the members of the world’s first service club organisation which was born from a simple idea by a young man, Paul Harris, who found himself lonely in a big city. Rotary’s impact starts with its members — people like us who want to be part of making the world a better place. At club meetings in communities across the globe, members come together to strengthen their connections to friends and neighbours and their commitment to improving lives far and wide. Rotary members are connected with a diverse group of professionals who share their drive to give back to their communities. Through regular meetings and events, they:
Discuss a community’s needs and develop creative ways to meet them
Connect with other leaders who are changing the world
Dev Gosine, PP San Fernando Rotary Club, Past Assistant Governor and Past District Secretary, started his presentation by ensuring that all members present had completed his short survey on being a member of our club. He then presented the results in graphic form as food for thought, using the software Google Form which creates analyses in real time. He promised to send the results to President Maureen and PP Joan for sharing with the club.
Both these very informative presentations in this, Rotary's Membership month, generated a lot of discussion and suggestions from those present.
One of our recent members, Joseph Lynch, engaged us all with an account of his life and his sense of values. He studied to be an actuary but actually worked as a statistician at the Central Statistical Office, and travelled the world on business, with an insurance brokerage business on the side. Divorced with 2 children, Joseph got into the Real Estate business "by mistake". He is retired now but still deals in investments in real estate, mostly in St. Lucia. He strives to be humble and "enjoy the journey".
We now have our 20th Anniversary video on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIY5wFf9rcs. In it, CNC3 News Anchor GOLDA LEE BRUCE interviews past presidents from 1993-2013. Sadly President Angela Parillon-Eiffell had already passed away and Dr Norma Andrews died a few weeks later.
You can also view the 2015 presentation prepared by the students who we sponsored for World Affairs Seminar in Wisconsin, USA, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iafPHqbds1c.
This is the response from the ClubRunner Team after I reported that board members had received messages from a spammer:
"Thank you for contacting ClubRunner. This spammer likely used a blind contact from on your ClubRunner website to send you this email. https://portal.clubrunner.ca/4795/SingleEmail/ContactUs. This enables guests and prospective members to send emails to your membership without actually seeing your contact information. Unfortunately, this does provide the opportunity for anyone who visits your site to contact you, so sometimes you will get spam. Please be assured that this scammer does not have your email address or that of anyone in your Club, as the above contact form does not reveal any personal information.
Please delete this email without marking it as spam; since the email was sent through ClubRunner, flagging it as spam will place you on our suppression list."
Our guest speaker last Tuesday was Wendell Etienne from WASA, speaking to us on the "Adopt A River" project.
WASA has been conducting research on the quality of our rivers since 1962 as they are being impacted by logging, quarrying, agriculture, manufacturing, industry and commercialisation. Wendell described how this has impacted flooding in Port of Spain and elsewhere. An interesting fact is that there are complex tunnels under the city for drainage, but many have been capped for security of government buildings, banks, etc. The 'Adopt A River' project enables corporate and domestic citizens to participate in the management of water resources locally. He asked that our club helps with their pilot project in Maraval. The St. Augustine Rotary club and UWI are already partnering with WASA on such a project. He noted that World Rivers Day is 24th September.
At the Rotary International Convention, global leaders and key donors affirm their commitment to ending polio
With polio on the brink of eradication, nations from around the world and key donors pledged more than $1 billion on Monday to energize the global fight to end the paralyzing disease.
Bill Gates, co-chair of The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and RI President John Germ share the recent news about their partnership in the fight to eradicate polio.
The historic pledges of new funds at the Rotary Convention in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, will go toward drastically shrinking the $1.5 billion gap in the funding that the partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative say is needed to reduce polio cases to zero worldwide. Just five cases have been reported this year, the lowest number in history.
Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, said ending polio would be one of the world’s greatest achievements. Gates told the crowd of nearly 24,000 that, starting 1 July, his foundation will extend its 2-to-1 match to cover up to $50 million in donations to Rotary for each of the next three years. The match and donations to Rotary would add up to $150 million per year over the next three years, which will add up to $450 million to the fight. The new funding will go toward polio eradication efforts such as disease surveillance, responses to any outbreaks, and the vaccination of more than 400 million children annually.
"Polio is the thing I spend the most time on. Everyday I look at my email to see if we have a new case," Gates said. "I'm very inspired to be part of this. I'm also very humbled."
Felicia Chang, President Marie and Yvonne Webber, wife of the Canadian High Commissioner who hosted our Easter Bonnet Tea party.
Felicia Chang is the co-founder of Plantain, a company that aims to inspire everyone to want to tell their story. They connect people to each other and to their past by interweaving oral histories with historical and genealogical research, and making this accessible through beautiful printed and video design. Love, loss and resilience connects all stories. They will research your family history and connect you to distant relatives, even arranging DNA testing. Felicia handed round some samples of unique, illustrated books created for local families. Very interesting concept. See more on www.plantain.me.
Nakeshia Quamina, Facilities Manager, and Petra Ramsubhag, Psychologist, spoke about St. Dominic's, a facility for children up to the age of 16 who have generally been admitted by a care order from a court. There are a maximum of 8 children/household with 4 homes being for boys and 4 for girls. Alternative education is encouraged such as culinary, remedial, computer, sewing, art, music, sports, etc., and a homework programme is set up. The facility no longer operates as an orphanage and provides a continual care framework to transition children into society. With the advent of the Children's Authority in 2015, resident homes should be a last resort but this is often not the case. More scrutiny and accountability is needed.
When they leave, boys can go to Marion House but girls have nowhere to go. St. Judes used to provide this transition support for girls, but the nuns have left and the facility was handed back to the church. The manager of St. Dominic's would be interested in running such a facility if one was provided.
A "Sisters Can Cook" fund-raiser for St. Dominic's is being held on 20th May at Holy Name Convent. Tickets are $300.
A lot has been happening in our club recently, so here is a pictorial reminder of fun and good works:
The Flag Ceremony at the opening of the District Conference 2017 in April. This was an outstanding presentation with empowering messages and first class entertainment at NAPA. The PETS, Assembly and Conference took place at The Hyatt Regency Hotel and was a great success. Next year to Suriname!
Winners of the World Affairs Seminar competition, Dexter Blackman of St. Mary's College, Iyana Doyle of Bishop Anstey Trinity College East and Marc Maingot of St. Mary's College being congratulated by project organiser, PP Mary, and President Marie. Congratulations to the organising committee and many thanks to the judges Rotarians Dale, Lorna and Eric (from Central POS club) and participants.
Jazz Under The Stars at the O'Farrell's residence on Saturday delighted patrons despite the occasional drizzle. Many thanks to PE Maureen and her fund-raising team for their tremendous hard work and commitment. This year we added a twist with a small Silent Art Auction which raised an additional $2,350 for our club and $800 for the Rotaract Club of Maraval.
On 23rd March, our members enjoyed fellowship with The Rotary Clubs of Central Port of Spain and Diego Martin with special guest speaker, Justice Andre de Vignes, who entertained us with the highlights of his life while explaining how the T&T justice system works. This is as follows (thanks to PE Maureen for her notes on this):
1. London - Highest Court - Privy Council
2. Court of Appeal
3. High Court (high impact cases, murder, cases above $50,000)
4. Civil Court
5. Family Court
6. Resident Magistrates Court
This court has the bulk of all the cases and is overloaded with some cases taken as long as 15 years for closure.
Civil Proceedings Rule
- He advocated that this be court driven and not lawyer driven to prevent corruption in the system
- Cases can be solved quicker: 2-3 months rather than years in the higher courts
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Other courts of note:
1. Drug treatment Court - for treatment of substance abuse cases
2. Juvenile Court Project - ongoing
This court very busy due to increase in crimes committed by Juveniles
At our meeting on 21st March, Rotaract District Conference 2017 Chairman and Paul Harris Fellow, Giselle Holder, from the Rotaract Club of Port of Spain West, elaborated on the WOW factors for this year's joint District Conference:
- celebrating 25 years of District 7030
- celebrating 100 years of The Rotary Foundation
- first joint district conference with the Rotaract clubs; 3 PDGs attended the last Rotaract Conference and pledged to make this happen
- first time that the ABC islands will be joining the conference
Wendell Etienne, originally in banking and now in communications, is best known for drama and comedy. He recently was employed by WASA in their Communications department and was able to give us a thought-provoking glimpse into the water woes of Trinidad & Tobago.
Although we are a water-rich country, our supply of potable water faces many challenges due to interference of our watersheds by pollution, deforestation, illegal quarrying, unplanned development (squatting), unregulated septic tanks, etc. He explained the processes involved in purifying the water received by the WASA treatment plants and this is expensive, so water should never be wasted. He warned of the chemicals from pesticides, insecticides, and other heavy metal pollutants that filter into the Gulf of Paria, affecting our sea food as well as vegetables on land. The safest thing is to grow your own food.
He also explained how plastic from water bottles can react with the water inside them, causing symptoms such as anger and dementia. Our citizens need to change their behaviour to protect our drinking water and our food supply. Wendell referred to an Adopt-A-River programme being implemented by WASA for schools, etc. This was a riveting and sobering presentation and we are grateful to Wendell for sharing with us.
During the past 100 years, the Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects making lives better around the world including in our district and here at the Rotary Club of Maraval. It is worth noting and indeed commendable that more than 90 percent of donations go directly to assist our 35,000 clubs as they undertake sustainable service projects that support our six causes.
What impact can one donation have
It can save a life. A child can be protected from polio with as little as 60 cents. Our partners make your donation go even further, e.g., for every $1 Rotary commits to polio eradication, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has committed $2. Another example - $24 is all it takes to provide 1 person with access to safe water.
I encourage you to either make your contribution to President Marie or directly on the Rotary website.
Download this free thought-provoking ebook at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/703889 to read how an American Rotary club doubled its membership in six months, after having dropped to 18 members with only 5 or 6 turning up at meetings.
The club‘s membership decided to:
(1) Reduce the number of regular club meetings from four per month to two in order to free more time for actual service;
(2) Improve service activities, including by building on the professional skills of the membership to make those skills available to local nonprofits;
(3) Lower membership costs, in part by creating new categories of membership;
(4) Invest in local partnerships, in part through the launch a pro bono initiative to work with local nonprofits on the challenges they face;
(5) Invest in the club’s public image through the recruitment of great speakers for club meetings, participation in community events, the organization of its own events, and the publication of articles in the local press;
(6) Tap the club’s members’ networks in order to achieve higher impact and a stronger presence in the community;
(7) Apply for funding from the local community foundation in order to organize high visibility training events on core skills needed by nonprofits;
(8) Monitor progress towards achieving specific targets included in the strategic plan.
Lord Superior (Andrew Marcano) made his debut in 1954 at age 16 singing a hit song entitled "Coconut." In those days he was recognised as the youngest calypsonian to perform locally. He retired from active competition in 1975 after winning the South title on two occasions and placing fourth in the Calypso King competition in Port-of-Spain. He travelled the globe frequently with the Lord Kitchener and Lord Melody while performing steadily for several years in the US Virgin Islands. Lord Superior has been involved in various entrepreneurial ventures for the last 55 years, such as 'Calypsoes and Social Justice - Maintaining the Legacy' and performed in different Calypso Tents between 1966 and 1985.
Last Tuesday (Valentine's Day), we welcomed Deacon Derek Walcott to speak on the subject of "Love". Deacon Walcott is the managing director of a maritime/energy sector company and was ordained in 2010. He is a member of the Catholic Living Water Community and is involved in several community groups, particularly providing support to young men. He is married with children.
Deacon Walcott gave us an inspiring talk on what constitutes true love, such as patience, kindness. non self-seeking, unconditional, everlasting, etc. He challenged us to put ourselves first before the other. This necessarily limits our freedom, which exists for the sake of love. Everyone has a preferred "love language" and we should give love to our partner in the way that they experience Love Language. There are 5 types:
Rotary International has just launched their new website, and also released their updated visual identity guidelines for clubs and districts. Clubs are encouraged to adopt Rotary's new voice and visual identity, as part of an initiative to strengthen the brand. As an Official Licensee, ClubRunner has announced new Rotary themes that align with the new guidelines - Vision and Community. These are two new Rotary approved mobile-responsive next-generation themes available in 7 different color variations each! This is to better showcase our work, the impact our club makes in the community, and engage with our audience like never before. This is very exciting and we will be upgrading our website soon.
Nomination Day for Rotary Club of Maraval is always the first Tuesday in October, explained Past President Susan. The forms are given out so that people can be nominated for the various posts on the board. There will be a President and Secretary nominee elected to serve in Rotary year 2018-2019, the other elected members will serve on the board for 2017-2018. Secretary Elect Pat can act as Returning Officer as she will not be standing for election. She is already to serve as Secretary.
Members were asked to consider carefully who they would nominate to serve in the various posts, and what post they would offer themselves to be nominated for.
President Marie gave an update of the February 2017 Board meeting:
- There is enough money in our accounts to manage our projects, though funding for Club Admin remains a challenge.
- A few people hare outstanding dues for the second half year. Secretary Elect will send out invoices to these members as a reminder.
- Each local Club has to make a contribution to help fund the District Conference as well as raise funds through donations of $50,000.00. A letter has been sent to help with this. Rotarian Jennifer will take the lead in this project.
- The money required to set up the Music Room at La Seiva R. C. School slightly exceeded, by about $3,000.00, the amount donated. The Board approved that the Club should make up the short fall. The official hand over will take place before the first week of March.
- The principal of SERVOL has resigned from the School. How this will affect the future of the School, and our involvement, is uncertain.
- Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain have started the training for the Model United Nations that is run every year. Participants in this exercise are the candidates to be sent to the World Affairs Seminar in Wisconsin, USA, by our Club.
- Planning for Jazz Under the Stars on May 13 2017 is going well.
- A fellowship/fund raiser Tea Party has been suggested for April 17 Easter Monday. Members & friends to come in Easter hats, not just a bought item, but decorated. Tea items to be donated by members and the venue will be a member’s home. $100.00 entrance fee.
Did you know that you can email any club officer from our website www.rotarymaraval.org? Simply click on the name on the list shown to do this. This also applies to any other club using ClubRunner.
Our guest speaker last Tuesday was Mr. Kenneth Listhrop, founder, visionary, teacher, accompanist, arranger, conductor, music director, friend and mentor for the T&T National Youth Philharmonic Orchestra for 15 years. He used the Venezuelan model, developed by Dr. Abreo, which espouses "music for the benefit and blessing of humanity". They have over 130 instruments which are loaned to low and middle class children, and passed on to others when no longer needed. The orchestra practices twice weekly with rehearsals on Saturdays and this requires discipline and dedication. The older children teach the younger ones which requires commitment and passion. He gave us several touching examples of how this programme has changed their lives.
Mr. Listhrop thanked the Rotary Club of Maraval for the donation of the musical instruments left over from our own Empowerment Through Music programme which was also inspired by Dr. Abreo from Venezuela over 20 years ago. They will be touching lives for generations to come. The instruments comprised:
Our guest speaker last Tuesday was Mr. Kenneth Listhrop, founder, visionary, teacher, accompanist, arranger, conductor, music director, friend and mentor for the T&T National Youth Philharmonic Orchestra for 15 years. He used the Venezuelan model, developed by Dr. Abreo, which espouses "music for the benefit and blessing of humanity". They have over 130 instruments which are loaned to low and middle class children, and passed on to others when no longer needed. The orchestra practices twice weekly with rehearsals on Saturdays and this requires discipline and dedication. The older children teach the younger ones which requires commitment and passion. He gave us several touching examples of how this programme has changed their lives.
Mr. Listhrop thanked the Rotary Club of Maraval for the donation of the musical instruments left over from our own Empowerment Through Music programme which was also inspired by Dr. Abreo from Venezuela over 20 years ago. They will be touching lives for generations to come. The instruments comprised:
Treasurer Charmaine is to confirm with PP Susan if the Police Youth Club sent in the letter and got the donation cheque
The DG visit with the North Clubs from August 22-25, 2016 went very well and the DG Cocktail Party at Paprika's was great fun.
The presentation by the World Affairs Seminar students at the DG joint meeting was very impressive.
New shirts/jerseys. The cost of the art work for the new Club logo is $850.00 +vat as a one time payment, this can be used on shirts, polo shirts or jerseys. Shirts available from the same two suppliers as the last time are $106.00 + vat each and are available in mint green, purple and peach from one supplier and lime green and burgundy from the other. Further discussions will be had with Business Boosters re colours and final cost. Polos are also being considered.
The Club has agreed to pay the full cost of the Rotaract President to go to the Leaders conference in Guadaloupe.
The new Music Room at La Seiva School is now complete, there will be an official handing over early in the term.
Past President Dale will do a seminar with their teachers on September 29, 2016.
Projects
It was suggested that the violins and other musical instruments that were for the Learning Centre be donated to The Trinidad & Tobago Youth Philharmonic Orchestra managed by Kenneth Listhrop.
The Rotaractors have a project to supply stationary and art supplies to students in La Seiva School and Maraval R.C. School. Past President Joan will order the items wholesale and board members will contribute to the cost.
Fund Raising
President Elect Maureen wants to have a fund raising meeting when IPP Adele returns. There will be more detailed discussions and a calendar of events will be set up so that we can get maximum support from the other clubs as they will know well in advance when they events are.
Some of the suggested events are:
Back in Times party at Chaconia Inn on October 28; Divali is October 29, so planning a Roaring 20s with an Indian theme. – tickets all inclusive $300.00 let the Rotaractors pay what the Hotel charges.
Flea Market with a Book and Bake sale. Try to get a large place to hold the event, and a place nearby to park. Past presidents Joan and Helen will look into this. Donations of clean used items in good condition are needed. Clothes, books and magazines also various baked goods. Stores could be approached to donate one or two slow moving items. Suggested date, December 03, 2016, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Club Admin
Past president Susan will be away until late November, so she will train Sec-Elect Pat to create the Hub for that period.
Other Business
President Marie expressed the thought that for such a small Club (24 members) we had a large board (12 – 13). It was felt that the President Elect could also act as Vice President and all projects come under one Director. This would bring the number to 10 – 11 which would be a little better.
This will be reflected on the Nomination Papers to be handed out in October. The Club By-Laws are due to be updated anyway.
President Marie performs the induction ceremony for new member Harry Hunt, Architect, as his sponsor, Treasurer Charmaine, pins him. Congratulations, Harry, and welcome to our club!
IPP Dr. Adele Springer shared that she is getting back to a work life now that her last child is leaving home. Her dream is to introduce to Trinidad the science of perioperative medicine for patients preparing for surgery as well as during their post-op care.
In a nutshell, the surgical team meets with the patient some time before the surgery to assess his/her fitness, risk factors, etc, and then uses this information to apply an agreed protocol to monitor the patient extremely closely afterwards. See this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BA6ZUsf5jdo&feature=youtu.be for a clear explanation of what's involved.
IPP Adele also talked about applying a coordinated and holistic approach to pain management, e.g., with the help of yoga, chiropractors, clinical psychologists, diet, etc. This was a very interesting talk that generated numerous questions and discussion.
A model of the Multi-Lifestyle club approach adopted by the Rotary Club of Harrogate Brigantes’
By Richard Bosworth, a member of the Rotary Club of Harrogate Brigantes, North Yorkshire, England
At the beginning of 2013, I was serving as membership chair of my club when I realized that we needed to do something to slow the loss of membership. Three years later, we have a vibrant and growing multi-dimensional club – we use the term Multi-lifestyle Rotary Club – that is making full use of the digital age and is discovering smarter ways of operating to secure our long-term future. How did we do it, and what do we mean by a multi-lifestyle club?
What I mean is a club that appeals to and is comprised of members of more than one distinct group, who work “together, yet apart.” Currently, we operate two groups, a traditional evening group and a new business development group. The latter meets over breakfast and appeals to younger, enterprising, entrepreneurs and business executives.
Sun and planets model
Each group operates and manages itself to suit its members: the traditional group with a council and committees, the business development group with a small executive team, using smart technology and social media to connect. The two groups are bonded together by their common belief in and practice of the aims, objectives, and values of Rotary, along with a willingness to collaborate.
That is when the real magic happens. You’ll often find members at each other’s meetings.
Having investigated various models of governance, we are now considering a “sun and planets” approach. The “sun” at the center of the club is the board comprising an elected president, secretary, and treasurer, chosen by all the members of the club, plus the chair of each group. The groups themselves are the planets.
How it works
In this model the role of the board is to lead the club and provide strategic direction, strategic leadership, standards, and accountability. In keeping with Rotary International practices, two full club assemblies are planned for each year. The board is charged with creating the conditions for a growing, vibrant, diverse club where both groups operate within the requirements of RI and collaborate to the mutual benefit of all members, their families, and the local community.
What next? This year’s president is from the business development group and more groups are planned.
Do you like our model? What would you think of becoming a multi-lifestyle club?
Join Rotary International President John Germ and Vice-President Jennifer Jones for a Facebook Live chat on 11 August, 10:00 Chicago time, as they discuss club flexibility and what they are excited about this Rotary year.
Each Rotary Club of Maraval member has a unique logon to our ClubRunner site. ClubRunner hosts and manages our website www.rotarymaraval.org as well as all the data necessary to run the club. Click on "Member Area" at the top right hand corner of the website to access this data. You can view and edit your own profile, print a member directory, send emails to other members and much more.
If you don't know how to log in to the member area or you have forgotten your password, then view this video by clicking on the link below. It tells you exactly what to do:
The 2016 Council on Legislation may well be remembered as one of the most progressive in Rotary history. Here are some of the highlights of new legislation approved:
- an increase in per capita dues of $4 a year for three years. The increase will be used to enhance Rotary’s website, improve online tools, and add programs and services to help clubs increase membership.
- clubs can decide to vary their meeting times, whether to meet online or in person, and when to cancel a meeting, as long as they meet at least twice a month.
- clubs have more flexibility in choosing their membership rules and requirements. A member simply has to be a person of good character who has a good reputation in their business or community and is willing to serve the community.
Did you know that in 2015 the Rotary Foundation received 4 stars out of a possible 4 stars for the eighth year in a row from Charity Navigator, the largest and most prestigious independent evaluator of nonprofits in the United States? This exceptional designation differentiates the Rotary Foundation from its peers and demonstrates to the public that it is worthy of their trust. It shows that the organisation adheres to good governance and other best practices that minimise the chance of unethical activities and consistently executes its mission in a fiscally responsible way.
On Tuesday, November 24, the Ladies of the Rotary club of Maraval got together for another exciting fellowship with a repeat of the Experience they were exposed to in September at the Mahiki Hawaiian themed bar off Ariapita Avenue. Laughter filled he air as 10 ladies and 1 Friend of Rotary, found various topics of interest for discussion, including a few club matters.
Business aside, members indulged in the short order menu, sharing their choices with each other as in a loving family. Cocktails were as interesting as the first time around, even though Charmaine decided not to test fate this time and order the triple rum Zombie! Despite the very obvious absence of a few persons including members from the other Rotary clubs, the evening was filled with fun and conviviality and the team bonding was great!
Rotaract IPP Amanda Daisley addressed our club last Tuesday on her role as Rotaract District Disaster Preparedness Officer for 2016-17. Her focus is on educating the public on how to prepare for different types of disasters such as earthquake, storm and flooding. The Rotaract Club of Maraval organised intensive training last year at the La Seiva School for first responders and this included First Aid, fire safety, risk analysis and management, and much more. Club members also cleaned drains and cut bush in the area This project received acclaim from the Rotaract District in 2015-6.
This year the club is rebranding their image with a new logo, website and social media look for a better emphasis on disaster preparedness. They will promote ODPM seminars and plan to create their own video on how to make a survival kit. Amanda closed by challenging us all to know where our nearest Disaster Shelter is located and evacuation routes, no matter where we are at any given time, as we don't always know when a disaster might strike.
We all look forward to being more educated on this important topic with the help of our Rotaract Club.
Our guest speaker last Tuesday was Dr. Priya Marajh who is currently the Manager of Research and Communications at the Energy Chamber, and has a PhD in International Relations. She started off by noting that the situation regarding the oil price crisis is not as bad as the media makes out. Oil & Gas companies were prepared for the current situation with the mantra "lower for longer". They started scaling back non-essential expenses some time ago, with staff cuts being the last resort. At the moment it's mainly contract and temporary staff who have been let go. The large operators like BP and BG (now Shell) have committed considerable funds in the sector. It's the government that now has to follow through to make sure that the the projects happen, and this will lead to more jobs. There are almost 400 service companies in the energy sector who are still doing well and employ a sizeable workforce.
There is a very strong downstream sector (industrial manufacturing plants) but gas curtailment by the upstream operators could mean that these plants are moved to another country. The Energy Chamber advocates diversification within the energy sector by encouraging exporting of our oil and gas services, and several trade missions have been organised to Africa as well as Guyana and Suriname. Our local companies must look for opportunities during the downturn.
The government is consulting with the upstream operators and incentives for investment is being advocated. It's important that we don't create a hostile environment, for example with stringent local content policies. The Energy Chamber has solutions for the unemployed such as training to move into the manufacturing sector which is doing well. They are lobbying for stipends to facilitate this training at the NESC (National Energy Skills Center).
Priya's prediction for a return to reasonable oil prices - early 2017 with a price of US$50/barrel possibly. We shall wait and see. This was a most informative and encouraging presentation.
If any club member has anything they wish to be published in the Hub, please contact the editor, Susan, to arrange.
November is Rotary Foundation Month
Nigeria is declared Polio-Free!
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on 25 September that Nigeria is now polio-free and has been officially removed from the list of countries where polio is endemic. It’s been 14 months since any cases of polio caused by the wild virus have been detected there.
With Nigeria’s historic achievement, polio remains endemic in only two countries: Afghanistan and Pakistan. That means transmission of the virus has never been stopped there.
“Rotary congratulates Nigeria on its tremendous accomplishment in stopping polio,” says RI President K.R. Ravindran. “On behalf of the entire Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), we thank volunteers, health workers, and parents in communities across Nigeria for their tireless commitment to ensuring every last child is protected against this devastating disease. In the months ahead, their dedication will remain as important as ever, as we work to keep Nigeria polio-free and to eliminate polio from its final strongholds in Pakistan and Afghanistan.”
Nigeria’s success is the result of several sustained efforts, including domestic and international financing, the commitment of thousands of health workers, and new strategies that reached children who had not previously been immunized because of a lack of security in the country’s northern states.
Type 2 poliovirus gone for good
In other encouraging news, an independent global health commission officially verified on 21 September that wild poliovirus type 2, one of three strains of the wild virus, has been eradicated worldwide. Although the last type 2 case was detected back in 1999, the confirmation is an important milestone, as Rotary and its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative prepare to switch from a form of the vaccine that targets all polio types to one that does not protect against type 2.
The announcement by the Global Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication confirms that only two strains of the wild poliovirus remain. Of those, type 3 wild poliovirus hasn’t been detected in almost three years, and wild poliovirus type 1 is endemic only in Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Funding increase needed to reach final goal
On 25 September, the GPEI's Polio Oversight Board met to determine the next steps needed to eradicate polio. The group concluded that $1.5 billion in new funding is needed to help Rotary and its partners end polio in the next few years. With Nigeria now polio-free, spending will focus on the most vulnerable children in Afghanistan and Pakistan, while continuing to shield millions of children already living in polio-free countries.
“With a fully funded program and global commitment to ending this disease, we have the opportunity to interrupt transmission of the wild poliovirus in Pakistan and Afghanistan in 2016, opening the door for certification of a global eradication in 2019,” says Michael K. McGovern, chair of Rotary’s International PolioPlus Committee. “With [Rotary members’] continued support, we will soon see our dream of a polio-free world realized.”
One day my mother was out and my dad was in charge of me. Someone had given me a little 'tea set' as a get-well gift and it was one of my favourite toys. Daddy was in the living room engrossed in the evening news when I brought him a little cup of tea', which was just water. After several cups of tea and lots of praise for such yummy tea, my Mum came home. My Dad made her wait in the living room to watch me bring him a cup of tea, because it was just the cutest thing!". My Mum waited and, sure enough, I came down the hall with a cup of tea for Daddy. My mum watches him drink it up, and then she says (as only a mother would know): Did it ever occur to you that the only place she can reach to get water is the toilet?"
“You can have anything you want - if you want it badly enough. You can be anything you want to be, do anything you set out to accomplish if you hold to that desire with singleness of purpose.”
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We welcomed visiting Rotarian and past Rotaract Club President Helena and heard from our President on some of her plans as it pertains to fellowship, citations and upcoming meetings for the month of July.
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Partner-in-Service John and Rotarian Joseph with celebratory desserts at Rizzoni's Restaurant in September
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Rotaract IPP Amanda Daisley addressed our club last Tuesday on her role as Rotaract District Disaster Preparedness Officer for 2016-17. Her focus is on educating the public on how to prepare for different types of disasters such as earthquake, storm and flooding. The Rotaract Club of Maraval organised intensive training last year at the La Seiva School for first responders and this included First Aid, fire safety, risk analysis and management, and much more. Club members also cleaned drains and cut bush in the area This project received acclaim from the Rotaract District in 2015-6. .jpg)
