Rotarians lauded for fight against Polio
“I want to do my part in welcoming you to what I consider to be the most beautiful part of the world, the British Virgin Islands,” Hon. Smith told hundreds of local and visiting Rotarians at cocktail reception he hosted at Quito’s in Cane Garden Bay last evening, May 14, 2013.
In his brief welcoming speech, Hon. Smith underscored the health cause that the worldwide clubs have been championing- the fight against Polio. “I recognize the great value of the Rotary Club International not only because I have been reading about what you have done but because of the work you have been doing in Polio education and because I myself am a Rotarian.”
A number of government officials were also on the ground at the welcome cocktail, including Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Ronnie W. Skelton, Deputy Premier and Minister for Natural Resources and Labour Dr the Honourable Kedrick D. Pickering, At Large Representative Honourable Archibald C. Christian and Eighth District Representative Honourable Marlon A. Penn.
Hon. Smith spoke briefly of some of his most memorable services done in the name of humanity during the Montserrat volcano eruption and the earthquake in Haiti where he had volunteered. The visiting delegation was encouraged by the Premier to use every opportunity to enjoy the vast beauty of the Territory as they set out to achieve their objective of fellowshipping as a unified body.
7020 District Governor Mr Vance Lewis challenged visitors to explore the wonders of the Virgin Islands as they are well deserving of an experience unlike any other because of the hard free labour they have been committing to the cause of the Rotary Club. In a separate interview with Virgin Islands News Online Mr Lewis also alluded to the impact of their efforts in the fight against the dreaded disease Polio. He said there has been a remarkable reduction in the number of reported cases of the disease since taking on the challenge.
Mr Lewis said Rotary started the fight to eradicate Polio in 1985 and as of last month there were less than 12 reported cases of the disease globally. “And that is a far cry of the hundreds of thousands that we use to have 27 years ago. So we are making progress,” said Lewis.
The United Nations has predicted that it will see the end of Polio over the next few years.
The District Governor was also high in praise for the platinum sponsors of the conference Scotia Bank; Lime; and the Government of the Virgin Islands. “The community really poured their hearts again out for Rotary and we are most grateful for that and we want to make sure that we can give something back to the community”.
Mr Lewis, speaking about his notable achievements since being in the seat at Governor, said he has since chartered two new clubs in the District. He said also that under his leadership there has been significant growth in the number of membership.
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