From the desk of the Area Governor of Area 23, Sinatra Rouse, Advanced Communicator Gold (ACG) and Competent Leader (CL).
Today, October 22, marks World Toastmasters Day. As Area Governor of Area 23, I would like to wish all Toastmasters of Areas 23 and 24, both on St. Maarten and in Anguilla, a Happy Toastmasters Day! This is the time to reflect how far we have come since 1924 when Ralph Smedley launched his vision that has, today, helped more than four million men and women from all walks of life to become better communicators and leaders.
St. Maarten proudly boasts of five clubs – The Disciples, Philipsburg, and Soualiga Corporate of Area 23; and Achievers and Saint Martin Evolutions Toastmasters Clubs, of Area 24. The most recent club – Anguilla Toastmasters – also shares in this vision under Area 24. Together, we are solidifying our commitment to an organization that provides the cheapest way for persons to educate themselves and gain confidence, while building our still fledgling nation.
Toastmasters provides opportunities for us to network with friends in the more than 14,000 clubs worldwide, as is evident through the delegation that just returned from the convention in Puerto Rico.
Our membership here on St. Maarten continues to grow ever stronger and we hold our own among the 292,000 members worldwide, despite being one of the smallest countries. Our island has had representatives in top positions in the hierarchy of District 81, which encompasses the Caribbean islands and Guyana. Currently, Senior Administrator of the Government Valerie Brazier, Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), holds the position of Lieutenant Governor of Education and Training in District 81. The Immediate Past District Governor is none other than Rolande Tobias, Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), whose joint efforts have placed District 81 among the top 10 in the world.
So, as we celebrate this day, I would like to tell those members who represented Areas 23 and 24 at the convention in Puerto Rico, welcome back and thank you! To the active members who are growing in their leadership and communication skills and contributing to their clubs, areas and District 81, congratulations! To our guests, inactive members and prospective members, our doors are always open at any of our six clubs.
Reflect on what Toastmasters has done for you and what it can do for you, and on this special day, do your part by inviting guests to our meetings, wearing your pins proudly, and continue to spread the word of what Toastmasters has to offer.
For those interested in joining, please feel welcome to visit any one of our clubs. The Disciples Club meets every second and fourth Sunday at St. Maarten Academy from 4:45pm; Philipsburg Club meets every first, third, and fifth Thursday at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library at 7:15pm; Soualiga Corporate meets every second and fourth Wednesday in the Legislative Hall at 5:15pm; Saint Martin Evolution Club meets every first and third Tuesday in Marigot from 7:15 pm; Achievers Club meets every second and fourth Thursday, at the Philipsburg Jubilee Library at 7:15pm; and the Anguilla Club meets every second and fourth Saturday of each month, at La Vue Boutique Hotel at 6:45 pm.