When the Rotary Club of Tortola became the territory’s first Rotary club in 1968, it was open only to men.
The face of Rotary in the Virgin Islands has changed dramatically since then.
Now the territory has three Rotary clubs, and for the first time this year each will be led by a female president, according to Ms. Maduro, who was also her club’s first female member.
“They are all extremely excited and competent women, and I think they’re going to do a terrific job,” said Ms. Maduro, who will serve as Rotary District 7020’s governor next year. “I expect we are going to have an extremely good year.”
Installations
The new presidents were installed during a series of recent ceremonies.
Monique Peters officially became president of the Rotary Sunrise Club of Road Town during an all-white party at the J. R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens on June 30.
“I think it went very well,” she said, adding, “Everybody really showed out in their glitz and glamour.”
With an all-female board, the club plans several community activities focused on various causes.
“Our club is known for our work with the youth and we want to continue,” Ms. Peters said.
With the Caribbean facing high childhood obesity rates, she added, the club would like to help.
“I would like to focus on helping kids make healthier choices, educating them about what those healthier choices are, and also pointing them in the direction of physical activity and outlets and providing it for them as much as we can,” Ms. Peters said.
“This community has a lot of females who are not in the corporate environment who are doing well for themselves, and I think we should focus on them,” Ms. Peters said. “I would like to run some kind of workshop whereby [young women] can see how a business is run from the ground up. We’re talking about finances, marketing, employees, everything.”
But the club won’t neglect its own needs, said Ms. Peters, who became a Rotarian in 2009 when the club was founded.
“Yes, we want to grow our club, but we want persons who are looking on the outside to look at our club and want to join because we are a strong club,” she said. “You’re not a strong club if your members aren’t happy.”
RT club
Membership was also a major focus for the Rotary Club of Road Town during the last Rotary year, when its numbers increased from 58 to 68, the organisation stated in a press release announcing Geraldeen Johnson as the new president.
In an installation ceremony held July 1 at Treasure Isle Hotel, Ms. Johnson announced plans to continue the legacy of presidents before her.
“We have a great tradition of service above self,” she said, adding, “My aim as your president is to build on the significant achievements of those who came before me and prepare the way for the equally excellent results of my successor.”
But simply being a member won’t suffice, she added.
“A Rotarian helps the club achieve its goals and acts with high ethical standards,” she said. “A Rotarian also participates in the club’s community projects both locally and internationally.”
The club is marking its 26th year.
Tortola club
The following evening, Karia Christopher was installed as president of the Rotary Club of Tortola during an African-themed evening at Maria’s by the Sea.
“As president, one of my goals is to demystify the myth of Rotary being for rich and wealthy men,” she said Tuesday. “It’s a club that’s not for the millionaires or the very rich. It’s a club open to persons who want to do good for the community without discrimination.”
Along with promoting inclusivity, the club will focus on activities for the youth, including literacy programmes, Ms. Christopher explained.
“September is Education and Literacy Month in the Rotary calendar,” she said.
To celebrate that observance, the group will host student activities centered around reading, Ms. Christopher explained.
“We’re trying to encourage them and show creative ways in which schools can further encourage students to read,” she said.
That’s one of the club’s ongoing objectives, according to the Rotarian, who joined the organisation 10 years ago.
“Ten years ago: At that point, it was some place to network and give back,” Ms. Christopher said of the club. “Now it is more than a networking opportunity: I’ve formed great friendships, and it’s a place you use your skills to better the community.”
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