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ZONTA welcomes 4 prominent personalities into its membership

- First Lady Mrs Lorna G. Smith, OBE, MA, TEP first Honourary Member to be inducted
ZONTA President Nona Vanterpool-Bonelli is flanked by the new members of Zonta. From left: Chief Executive Officer of Hewlett Wellness Centre- Mrs Lilian Jarales-Hewlett, Director of the BVI Tourist Board – Ms Sharon Flax, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LGS and Associates – Mrs Lorna G. Smith, OBE, MA, TEP and Lecturer of Business Administration and Hospitality - Ma Keshia Davis-Barnes, CHT. Photo: Provided
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LGS and Associates – Mrs Lorna G. Smith, OBE, MA, TEP being pinned by Zonta President Nona Vanterpool-Bonelli. Photo: Provided
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LGS and Associates – Mrs Lorna G. Smith, OBE, MA, TEP being pinned by Zonta President Nona Vanterpool-Bonelli. Photo: Provided
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – The ZONTA sisterhood of the Virgin Islands, ZONTA Club of Tortola, has gained further strength as it continues to work towards its set goals and objectives of improving the quality of life of each other and the community.

At a recent meeting of the group, four new members were inducted; Director of the BVI Tourist Board – Ms Sharon Flax, Chief Executive Officer of Hewlett Wellness Centre- Mrs Lilian Jarales-Hewlett, Lecturer of Business Administration and Hospitality - Ma Keshia Davis-Barnes, CHT and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LGS and Associates – Mrs Lorna G. Smith, OBE, MA, TEP.

All the new members of the club took the oath to provide service at the global level, to improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women, to work for  the advancement of understanding, goodwill and peace through a world of fellowship of executives in business and professions, to promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, to be united internationally to foster high ethical standards, to implement service programmes and to provide mutual support and fellowship for members who serve their communities, their nations, and the universe.

On March 13, 2015 Mrs Smith was a guest speaker at Zonta’s meeting for that month when she offered to work with the ZONTA Club of Tortola to help repair the social fabric of the Virgin Islands community.

Expressing her gratitude at being inducted, Mrs Smith said, “I am pleased to have been made an honourary member and will do all I can to support ZONTA but hope to give special support to young people with special needs.”

Representations of diversity

ZONTA’s President Nona Vanterpool-Bonelli said the four new members are true representations of diversity and their combined skill-sets aptly enables the club to be in a position to better serve the needs of the community.

The other executive members are First Vice President – Ms Portia Harrigan, Second Vice President – Ms Selina O’Neal, Secretary – Ms Marva Titley-Smith, Assistant Secretary – Ms Alicia Davis, Treasurer – Ms Carleen Penn and Public Relations Director Ms Jennifer Potter-Questelles.

The Zonta Club of Tortola, is a service organisation of professional women committed to advancing the status of women through service and advocacy.

At the local level, the club has been championing the cause of women and girls by sponsoring professional psychosocial support.

The club also places emphasis on highlighting International Women’s Day by encouraging women to celebrate other women who have positively impacted their lives in one way or the other, by presenting them with yellow roses. The ‘Yellow’ rose is symbolic of the Heart of ZONTA.

16 Responses to “ZONTA welcomes 4 prominent personalities into its membership”

  • women power (07/10/2015, 17:24) Like (2) Dislike (8) Reply
    Lets go girl!
  • tretretrete (07/10/2015, 17:24) Like (12) Dislike (1) Reply
    Really?
  • ann (07/10/2015, 22:59) Like (2) Dislike (3) Reply
    Yeaaaa Sharon ...
  • cay (07/10/2015, 23:39) Like (11) Dislike (1) Reply
    What made them promenant?
  • ????? (07/10/2015, 23:44) Like (4) Dislike (1) Reply
    Can you tell me how many first ladies does the BVI have? confused. Where does the governor's fit into the list.
  • tretretrete (08/10/2015, 09:21) Like (16) Dislike (1) Reply
    Now I see what they refused to accept me, you want elites. I understand I just wish they was upfront.
  • Past Student (08/10/2015, 09:58) Like (8) Dislike (3) Reply
    Go Mrs. Barnes!!!! Great instructor and role model for young women. She helped me in so many areas of my academic and personal life. You rock and congratulations.
  • Stats Man (08/10/2015, 10:00) Like (13) Dislike (1) Reply
    Please show some diversity in your organization. Each member doesn't have to hold a high position. You should also include members from bottom and the middle of the totem pole.
    • hmmmm....... (08/10/2015, 14:09) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
      Not them. They rather keep it close to the elite and take the critiques that let in someone they usually turn down they nose too.
  • NEVER-EVER (08/10/2015, 13:20) Like (9) Dislike (1) Reply
    That's why I have problem with groups/clubs such at these. Set of people who think their s*@t doesn't stink, just like the initial members. OH PLEASE!!!!
  • HLSCC Student (09/10/2015, 14:29) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats Mrs. Barnes!! She's not only the best advisor and lecturer at HLSCC but a great role model for young women. Wishing you all the best!
  • Observing (10/10/2015, 22:27) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Too many elitist clubs in the BVI. Everybody up in the sky and don't know how to be humble. These clubs can't guarantee eternal life.
  • Lily Ann (13/10/2015, 21:36) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    Well since yall have a problem with ELITES... start your own "Middle Class" group then


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