The Rotary Club of Georgetown Central held its 41st Installation Ceremony on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the Herdmanston Lodge. The Georgetown Central family attended the event – Inner Wheelers, Rotaractors, Interactors from the Interact Clubs of Queen’s College and Bishops’ High School, along with members of the Rotary Guyana family, distinguished guests, and sponsors.
The new board comprises Jagdesh Haripershad as President, Ricardo Stuart as Vice President, Peter Pompey as Immediate Past President, Lloyd David as President-Elect, Waheeda Ali as Secretary, Nichole Haynes as Treasurer, Keisha Chung as Club Administration Director, Judy Semple-Joseph as Service Projects Director, Ruth Quaicoe as Membership and Foundation Director, Thalissa McClure as Public Image Director and Ronald Robinson as Sergeant-at-Arms.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Manzoor Ender, was the guest speaker. His emphasis on the value and importance of humanitarian service.
In her remarks, Assistant Governor Elizabeth Cox congratulated the Club for the well-deserved recognition. She also extended her gratitude to the members for their service and best wishes to the incoming board.
Outgoing President Peter Pompey thanked the membership for their support and alluded to the significant projects executed during the year 2023-2024, including Medical Outreach at Timehri, South Ruimveldt Literacy Initiative, Wellness Space at the National Park and upgrading of the facilities at Uncle Eddie’s Home. Additionally, backpacks with stationery were distributed to children of the Timehri community and footballs and basketballs were shared with youth groups and children to help inculcate exercise in their daily lives and prevent Childhood Obesity.
The club held a transformative retreat bringing together 35 local and migrant girls between the ages of 10 and 17 years. The girls were immersed in a series of empowering presentations, covering topics such as planning for success, setting goals, self-discipline, the importance of having the right mindset, understanding and being true to self, building confidence, character, and credibility; and being consistent, honest and bold. The retreat also addressed crucial issues of self-care, personal hygiene, Digital Wellness, and the implications for Mental Health, leaving a lasting impact on the girls’ personal development and wellness.
A literacy project involving migrant children and the GROW environment project were collaborated with the Rotaractors.
The Club successfully met all its Rotary International goals and received the platinum recognition for Zones 33 and 34 Public Image Citation and the titanium award for District 7030, both of which are the highest honours available.
Incoming President Jagdesh Haripershad thanked the new board members for stepping up and accepting the challenge. It was alluded that we will continue to grow and advance the ongoing projects, which exemplify the spirit of Rotary and our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
Members were urged to rediscover the magic that brought them to Rotary in the first place – the magic of service, friendship, fellowship, and making a difference. They were reminded of the commitment and dedication to Rotary are what make the Club exceptional. They are expected to continue to make a positive impact, one project at a time, one life at a time, to bring about lasting change in their communities and around the world.
Incoming President Haripershad emphasised young leaders are the future of Rotary, and their energy and creativity are invaluable. “We will continue to mentor, support, and collaborate with them to build a lively and dynamic Rotary community,” he stated
The Rotaract Club and Interact Club of Queen’s College received high recognition for their outstanding work throughout the year.
The Club said the achievements would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors and partners: Tropical Shipping, Latter-day Saint Charities, Institute of Private Enterprise Development, Eureka Medical Laboratories Inc, Brass Aluminum & Cast Iron Foundry Limited, Imex International, Mr. & Mrs. David Olton and family, Sterling Products Ltd and Food for the Poor.