Under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency President Charles Savarin and Mrs. Savarin, the Rotary Club of Dominica held its annual investiture ceremony on Saturday, July 1, 2023, at the Villa Copthall. This significant event marked the beginning of the 2023/2024 Rotary Year, coinciding with the induction of the new leadership.
Taking the helm of Rotary International (RI) this year is RI President Gordon R. McInally, whose visionary theme of “Create Hope in the World” sets the tone for impactful global initiatives.
The Rotary Club of Dominica, an integral part of Rotary International, proudly inaugurated Nigel D. Shillingford as its president for the 2023/2024 Rotary Year. With a remarkable twelve years of service as a Rotarian, President Nigel reflected on the precise moment he caught the “Rotary bug” during his heartfelt address to fellow Rotarians and esteemed guests. He vividly recounted how a senior club member’s invitation to attend meetings sparked his passion and enthusiasm for Rotary, as he witnessed the profound impact of the club’s projects on the community.
Speaking eloquently and from the heart, President Nigel expressed his vision for the year ahead. He fervently advocated for joint social activities and collaborative projects among the Rotary Club of Dominica, the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, the Rotaract Club of Roseau, and the three interact clubs (Dominica Grammar School, St. Martin Secondary School, and Wesley High School). He believes that by fostering camaraderie among members from different clubs and pooling their efforts, there will be an amplification of the impact and outreach of the clubs to diverse communities across Dominica.
Immediate Past President Genevieve Rolle showcased a remarkable array of achievements during her tenure in the Rotary Year 2022/2023. A highlight among her endeavours was the successful organization of the Souse and Punch event, which generated substantial funds to sustain and advance the impactful projects of the Rotary Club of Dominica. Moreover, under IPP Genevieve’s guidance, two VOSH missions were conducted, providing hundreds of Dominicans with comprehensive eye tests and affordable spectacles. These initiatives played a vital role in improving access to vital eye care services within the local community, leaving a lasting and positive impact.
The members of the board of Rotary Club of Dominica 2023/2024 are:
President: Nigel D. Shillingford
Vice President: PP PHF Annie Edwards
Immediate Past President: Genevieve Rolle
Secretary: PP PHF Grayson J. Stedman Jr.
Treasurer: Davis David
Assistant Secretary/treasurer: PHF Darrin Grell
President-Elect: Luana Laurent
Membership Chair: PP Aylmer Irish
Club Admin Chair: PP Cecil Shillingford
Youth Services Chair: PP Delbert Paris
Rotary Foundation Chair: PHF Jasmine Timothy
Service Projects Chair: PHF Roslyn Sorhaindo
Public Relations Chair: Oudin N.B. Samuel
Sergeant-at-Arms: Galeine Gordon-Seraphine
Club Trainer: Olive Strachan
The Rotary Club of Dominica was chartered on July 1, 1974, and is a member of District 7030, which spans from St. Kitts to Suriname, comprising 75 clubs and over 3200 Rotarians. The District Governor for the Rotary Year 2023/2024 is Brian Glasgow from St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Embracing diversity and inclusion, Rotary believes in leveraging a variety of skills and perspectives for greater reach and impact. To learn more about the Rotary Club of Dominica and its projects, visit www.rotary-Dominica.org.
