PHILIPSBURG:--- Minister of Public Housing, Spatial Planning, Environment and Infrastructure (Ministry of VROMI) Hon. Maurice Lake would like to congratulate Toastmasters Rolando Tobias (District Governor), Valerie Brazier (Lieutenant Governor Marketing) and Raymond Romeo (District Treasurer) for a well done in representing Sint Maarten abroad.
The aforementioned Toastmasters comprised three of the top Toastmasters on the District 81 Executive who made history by successfully leading the District to #7 out of 89 Districts world-wide for the term 2012-2013.
Tobias is the first District Governor to head Toastmasters District 81 in its 10-year history.
Brazier as Lieutenant Governor Marketing saw District 81 expand from 17 to 20 territories, as clubs were started on Antigua, Anguilla and Dominica.
While the District has goals set for growth in three categories of three per cent, five per cent and eight percent, Brazier achieved 12 per cent growth in new clubs and 10 per cent growth in member payments as a result of her marketing campaigns and initiatives.
Romeo was lauded for being among the top three district treasurers in the world when it came to financial accountability and reporting. As a result of his prudent attention to details and Toastmasters International financial accountability, the District ended the term with the highest surplus of dues collected in its 10-year history.
"I am very proud of Tobias, Brazier and Romeo for what they have further been able to achieve as being part of Toastmasters. Congratulations on behalf of the Council of Ministers and the people of Sint Maarten.
"They were already dynamic people within our community, and their thrust and contribution as being part of Toastmasters has made a regional impact. This is testament that we can achieve anything. Work hard and you will reap the benefits.
"Tobias, Brazier and Romeo started from the premise of back to basics. They worked from the bottom up. The mission of Toastmasters is to help people learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking, the aforementioned seen as the basic vital skills to promote self-advancement of oneself that leads to the betterment of mankind.
"Tobias, Brazier and Romeo, you have done your country well as well the St. Maarten Toastmasters Club. You are in your own right leaders and role models for young adults in our community to follow. Congratulations to you once again and to the homegrown club as well, and continue to shine and make our country shine along with you," Minister Hon. Maurice Lake said on Sunday.
District 81 comprises 122 clubs in 32 Areas forming six Divisions spread throughout the Caribbean in 20 territories.