The Rotary Club of Dominica hosted its 48th Investiture ceremony on Saturday, July 02, 2022, under the distinguished patronage of Their Excellences Charles A. Savarin and Mrs. Savarin. The ceremony was held at the Jungle Bay Spa and Resort at Soufriere under the theme “Imagine Rotary”. This theme was unveiled by Jennifer Jones, who is making history for this Rotary year 2022-23 by being the first woman to hold the position of Rotary International President. The theme expressed the importance of dreaming big and using our abilities to turn those dreams into reality and making the world a better place.
The new President, Rotarian Genevieve Rolle was sworn in by the Assistant Governor, Past President Delbert Paris, as the newest female president of the Club and will lead the Club for the Rotary year 2022-2023. She is presently an officer in the Ministry of Finance with advanced training in management and psychology as well as business administration. She is also a pageant enthusiast and a chaperone with interest in real estate, a legacy from her late father.
She reiterated to the club the importance of serving with purpose and intent whilst we Imagine Rotary. President Genevieve Rolle reminded members that purpose is what makes Rotarians commit to making an impact. She said “when you know your purpose as a Rotarian, you will have the drive to perform your role better. She mentioned that “we have a lot of work to do, and this year will a busy one as we see the return of Vosh Eye Mission for August 2022, Creole Village Kitchen during the Independence season and the return of the Souse & Punch in 2023.
Supporting the President for the Rotary year is the Board of Directors who were also sworn in as follows:
- Vice President – PHF PP Lima Jervier
- President-Elect – Rtn Nigel Shillingford
- Immediate Past President – PHF Grayson Stedman Jr.
- Secretary – Rtn Sherine Carbon
- Sergeant –at- Arms – PHF Desiree Elwin
- Treasurer – Rtn Davis David
- Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer – PHF Jasmine Timothy
- Club Trainer – PHF PP Marie-Jose’ Edwards
Directors of Committees
- Rtn Olive Strachan – Public Relations Director
- Rtn Robert Guiste – Youth Services Director
- PHF Rtn Roslyn Sorhaindo – Service Projects Director
- PHF IPP Grayson Stedman Jr – Club Administration Director
- Rtn Galeine Gordon – Rotary Foundation Director
- PHF Dr. Jermaine Jean-Pierre – Membership Director
The outgoing president, PHF Grayson Stedman Jr. gave an overview of the achievement of the Club for the past year and recognized Rotarians who have made an invaluable contribution to the Club during that period.
Three (3) new members – Ms. Shanda Carbon, Ms. Giszelle Carbon, Mr. Gordon Thomas were also inducted to the Club.
The featured speaker for the ceremony Dr. Kimone Joseph, Head of U.W.I Open Campus, Dominica elaborated on the importance of service above self and encouraged Rotarians to remember their commitment to Rotary but also prioritize self-care.
The Rotary Club of Dominica is part of a global network of 1.4 million members who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in communities, and in themselves. The major areas of focus are as follows
- Peace and Conflict prevention/resolution
- Disease prevention and treatment fight;
- Water and Sanitation;
- Maternal and Child Health Care;
- Basic Education and Literacy
- Economic and Community Development’
- Protecting the environment;
The mission of Rotary is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.
