Mr. John Lewis and Deputy Governor, Mr. David D. Archer Jr. were both granted Honourary Membership into the Tortola Toastmasters Club of the BVI, on Friday, March 26, 2021, at Seven at the Pier in Road Town. Photo: Provided

'It’s good to be recognized and it’s good to be loved and I am pleased to be recognized as one who contributes, not only to the Toastmasters Club but to this community as a whole', were the words of Honouree Mr. Lewis, who is well known for being a tower and a beacon to the Club. Photo: Provided

Deputy Governor, Mr David Archer Jr being conferred with a Toastmasters Honourary Membership. Photo: Provided

They have conferred this honour for their continued support and alignment to Toastmasters’ purpose and overall educational goals in the areas of communication and leadership.

The afternoon opened with our Treasurer, Toastmaster Weslene Walters, gracing the occasion with an opening prayer to commemorate this historic moment President, Toastmaster Portia Stout welcoming the Honourees, Toastmasters and guests.

This occasion was regarded as history, as it was the first time in the history of the Tortola Toastmaster’s Club, that such an honour was bestowed. 

 At the event, toastmasters heard what it meant to be an Honourary Member in the Toastmasters’ Club from Secretary, Toastmaster Patricia Blaize-Adams as she stated that although as Honourary Members, they are not required to pay dues, will not have any voting rights within the club or hold any office, this honour allows them to continue to attend any of the regular meetings or events to inform, inspire, motivate and encourage the leadership mindset and growth of our Toastmasters. 

Vice President of Education, Toastmaster Melony James introduced our Honourees and expressed how their individual qualities exemplified the mission and core values of Toastmasters.  This was followed by the pinning of each recipient by President Portia Stout as she reiterated, “this is indeed an historic and auspicious occasion”.

The highlight of the afternoon was the honourees’ responses as they shared their gratitude and sentiments.  

“It’s good to be recognized and it’s good to be loved and I am pleased to be recognized as one who contributes, not only to the Toastmasters Club but to this community as a whole”, were the words of Honouree Mr. Lewis, who is well known for being a tower and a beacon to the Club.  

Deputy Governor, Mr David Archer Jr., a master communicator, followed.  After testing the general knowledge of Toastmasters about the Club spoke about hope asking, “so what does hope look like and what does Toastmasters’ embody?”  He answered stating, “not just the ability to speak publicly but the ability to inspire, provide hope, show confidence and create new and amazing leaders”.  

The mission of Toastmasters is to provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth. The Toastmasters International motto is “Where Leaders are Made” and these were stated by our Sergeant At Arms, Toastmaster Hector Cruz Jr. as he recited the mission of Toastmasters. 

The event ended with our Vice President Membership, Toastmaster Linda Maglorie giving the Vote of Thanks.

The honour of becoming an Honourary Member of the Tortola Toastmasters Club can be conferred upon persons from within the community who aligns with our Toastmasters’ educational goals and purpose or any past Toastmaster in good standing, who is no longer able to attend meetings on a regular basis but who commits to the leadership growth of Toastmasters. 

The Tortola Toastmasters Club meets every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesday of the month at 6 pm (GMT -4) via ZOOM. Due to the current pandemic protocols, the club is currently not having face to face general meetings as members are committed to staying safe as we all navigate through this new normal.  

Anyone wishing to join the meetings can use the following zoom meeting credentals -

Meeting ID: 542 445 4411                            Passcode: Toast 2021

The 2020/2021 Executive Committee includes:

President                                    Portia Sylvester-Stout

Vice President Education              Melony C James

Vice President Membership          Linda Alexander-Magloire

Vice President Public Relations     Sharona A Pickering

Secretary                                   Patricia Blaize-Adams

Treasurer                                   Weslene Walters

Sergeant at Arms                        Hector A Cruz Jr.

Immediate Past President            Ernald George