Virgin Islander Mrs Delma D. Maduro has been elected 7020 District Governor for the 2018/19 Rotary year. Photo: VINO

Some of the persons at the launch of the 7020 District Conference 2019 at Ginny Court Yard, The Moorings on Thursday February 2, 2017. Photo: VINO

His Excellency Governor John S. Duncan OBE (in photo), Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith and other high ranking officials of the club congratulated Mrs Delma D. Maduro and pledged their support for her and the 2019 District Conference to be held in the Virgin Islands. Photo: VINO

Among her duties will be the Rotary District Conference that will be hosted in the Virgin Islands in May of 2019.

2018/19 year will be amazing

Speaking during the launch of the 2019 District Conference in the VI at the Ginny Court Yard at The Moorings on Thursday February 2, 2017, Mrs Maduro said when she was tasked with choosing a venue for the hosting of the May 2019 7020 District conference, she didn’t miss a beat and selected her home country.

This is the second time that the territory has been chosen as host country, the first time was in 2013. She remarked that for Rotarians it will be a time of training, a time to celebrate the good work of the Rotary year, a time to chart the course of the New Year and there will be many opportunities for fellowship, which is one of the core values of Rotary.

On average, over 500 Rotarians are expected to descend on the territory for a minimum of five days.

“By the grace of God, the Rotary year 2018/19 will be another amazing year for Rotary International District 7020, and very much so for the BVI Rotary family and out beautiful British Virgin Islands. I am therefore very pleased that members of the business community, my family and friends have come together with the BVI Rotary family to launch plans for 2018/19 Rotary District year and especially the district conference 2019,” she said.

“I am privileged, honoured and excited and quite honestly a little bit nervous to have been elected to the leadership position of District Governor. While it is an enormous responsibility, I hasten to reassure you that I will give it my best shot and together with my BVI Rotary family and the leadership team from across the district, including past District Governors, we will have an amazing Rotary year as we continue to transform lives in very meaningful ways.”

Meanwhile, Rotary will be celebrating 50 years in the Virgin Islands on January 5, 2018.

Economic benefits

Mrs Maduro said the conference will bring economic benefits to the territory and urged leaders and the entire VI to be ready.

“Needless to say, the District Conference will bring economic benefits as well as the opportunity for the BVI to be showcased in all its splendor. So we are putting you on notice BVI, Honourable Premier and the business community so that the entire BVI can be ready to greet District Conference in May of 2019,” she said.

Mrs Maduro will officially take over as 7020 District Governor in July 2018.

Who is Delma D. Maduro?

Delma D. Maduro is a University of the Virgin Islands alumni who holds a Bachelor of Arts with honours in Business Administration. She recently retired from a  35 year career with Road Town Wholesale Trading Ltd, as the Executive Chairman and CEO.

Mrs Maduro presently manages a privately owned luxury villa on Alamanda Estate, is a member of the BVI Immigration Board, and the BVI Tourist Board.

In the past she has held positions such as the Chairman of the BVI Chamber of Commerce now the BVI Chamber of Commerce and Hotel Association, Member of the Commission on Ministry, Epical Diocese of the Virgin Islands as well as a member of the BVI Airports Authority.

She has been a Rotarian for over 43 years and has been head of top posts in that organisation.

Congratulatory wishes

His Excellency Governor John S. Duncan OBE, Premier Dr The Honourable D. Orlando Smith and other high ranking officials of the club congratulated her and pledged their support.

She will be responsible for about 83 clubs in the Caribbean in 10 countries with over two thousand Rotarians and one hundred clubs containing Rotaracters, Interactors, and Earlyacters.

Examples of Rotary’s good work

According to Maduro, the club’s work includes contributions to the Peebles Hospital, health fairs, support of the Adina Donovan Home for the Elderly, Family Support Network, schools sponsorships, Youth Empowerment Programme, as well as a recent donation of a new vehicle to the BVI Autism Centre.

When questioned on the reason for the early launching of the event, Mrs Maduro responded that it was to sensitise the public for sponsorship and to let the public in on the happenings of the club.