District 7020 Governor, Mrs Delma Maduro has charged all the Rotary, Rotartact, Interact and Early-act clubs in the District and more so those of the Virgin Islands (VI) to ensure that they participate fully in activities which the organisation will be executing throughout the year to ensure maximum achievement of objectives. Photo: Team of Reporters

Hundreds gathered at Scrub Island Resort on July 6, 2019 to witness history for the Virgin Islands as Mrs Delma Maduro, the first female member of the Rotary club of Tortola, ascended to the highest district level – District 7020 Governor. Photo: Team of Reporters

Some of the dignitaries at the installation ceremony at Scrub Island Resort for District Governor Delma Maduro on July 6, 2019, included Deputy Governor David D. Archer, left, Governor Augustus J. U. Jaspert, 4th from left, and Attorney Gerald St. C. Farara QC, right. Photo: Team of Reporters

Newly installed District 7020 Governor Mrs Delma Maduro and husband Audley are flanked by Attorney Gerard St. C. Farara, left, and outgoing District Governor Dr Patrick E. Adizua, IP DG of Jamaica, right, and wife Dr Lesline Cameron-Adizua. Photo: Team of Reporters

Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL), in photo, along with Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9), was among those who attended the ceremony to mark the installation of Mrs Delma Maduro as District 7020 Governor. Photo: Team of Reporters

Mrs Maduro succeeded Jamaica’s Dr Patrick Adizua, IP DG. Her year as District Governor started on July 1, 2019, the official commencement of the Rotary year, but the ceremonial aspect was held last night.

Youths bring enthusiasm, energy & new ideas

In her acceptance speech, Mrs Maduro charged all the Rotary, Rotartact, Interact and Early-act clubs in the District and more so those of the Virgin Islands (VI) to ensure that they participate fully in activities which the organisation will be executing throughout the year to ensure maximum achievement of objectives.

“We really have to embrace our young people. We have to embrace our Rotaractors and our Interactors because whether we want to believe it or not they are our future and they do have a lot to offer. They are quite a few years younger than we are but they do have a lot to offer, they can bring enthusiasm, energy and new ideas and they can help to really revitalise our clubs.

“So let’s really reach out to them, let us embrace them and let us help them help us expand our reach to do good in the world.”

Rotary’s strength has shown in turbulent times- Governor Jaspert

Governor of the Virgin Island, His Excellency Augustus J. U. Jaspert, an Honourary Member of the Rotary Club of Tortola, was present and called for continued unity.

“As we wish Delma well, I want us to make sure that we stay true to Rotary as a family. There is no doing without a family of support, so it is upon all of us to help her in her role, to help support her, to help celebrate the achievement and I know that there are times that there will be difficulties as well.”

Governor Jaspert also attested to the positive contribution Rotary has been in the VI community. “In my short but very rather turbulent, I am not to be blamed, but rather turbulent times in the BVI, I have seen the strength of Rotary come to the fore.”

He continued, “I have seen how people have, despite all of the challenges in their personal lives, put that aside to help others in need.”

Meanwhile, the Guest Speaker for the night was Trinidad and Tobago’s Anthony Carmona, SC, ORTT who also led the “unity call” among others.

Rotary in the VI

Over the past fifty (50) years, the [British] Virgin Islands has been home to three (3) clubs, the Rotary Club of Tortola, regarded as the mother of all the clubs in the VI, and meets on Thursdays; Rotary Club of Road Town, a Dinner Club that meets on Wednesdays; and Rotary Club Sunrise of Road Town, a breakfast club that meets on Tuesdays.

There are two (2) Rotaract Clubs- one on Tortola and the other on Virgin Gorda- and several Interact and EarlyAct Clubs.

Mrs Maduro was originally slated to take the office of District 7020 Governor for the year 2018-2019 but the effect of hurricanes Irma and Maria on the territory would not have allowed her to effectively serve in the capacity then.

Mr Vance M. Lewis, a Belonger, was the first for the Virgin Islands to hold the position. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Road Town and continues to hold several high offices on the international scene.

Among those present at Scrub Island for the historic event last night were Minister for Natural Resources, Labour and Immigration, Hon Vincent O. Wheatley (R9) and Minister for Health and Social Development, Hon Carvin Malone (AL), Second District Representative Hon Melvin M. Turnbull and the first ever president of the Rotary Club of Road Town, former legislator Ronnie W. Skelton.