A very successful charter ceremony was held on French St Martin to welcome its first Toastmasters Club. St Martin Evolution Toastmasters Club joined the over 27.600 Toastmasters clubs around the world during the professionally conducted event at the Grand Case Community Center on Sunday.
The official Toastmasters International Charter certificate was read and presented to Club President Claudine Bide by District 81 Lieutenant Governor Education & Training Rolando Tobias. In addressing the gathering, DTM Tobias commended the group as pioneers of Toastmasters on French St Martin. "You have planted the seed and whether the club continues for the next 5, 10 or 15 years; you should be proud to be charter members of this club. You now belong to an international organization with some 270.000 members in 27.500 clubs throughout the world". He presented all members with their charter certificates and then officially had all members recite the Toastmasters promise.
Area Governor Annette Berkel installed the Club Officers as she congratulated them on taking up the responsibility of leading the first club on French St Martin. She explained the roles and responsibilities of all Club Officers. Club President Claudine Bide then addressed the gathering as she demonstrated her leadership capability with an outstanding address. She laid out her message of inclusion of all sectors of the French community and pledged to make Toastmasters a household name throughout St Martin. She addressed the audience in both English and French demonstrating the professionalism of the Club. President Bide expressed thanks and appreciation to the sponsors Alicia Etienne & Annette Berkel-Marlin, mentors Leona Romeo-Marlin & Emilia Thomas and District Officers Rolando Tobias & Valerie Brazier and Cathering Arrindell-Connor for their support in realizing the Club.
Special invited guest at the ceremony was President of the Collectivite Frantz Gumbs. He addressed the audience focusing on his involvement in education. He emphasized the importance of being prepared and recognized the important role the structured program of Toastmasters provides. He commended the Club on making this very important step to prepare future leaders on the island thru enhancing their Communication and Leadership skills.
Following the official charter ceremony, the new Club members conducted a mock meeting where they demonstrated the educational program of Toastmasters for the benefit of the audience. St Martin Evolution Toastmasters Club is open to the public and meets every first and third Tuesday at the Salle Conseil De Quarter # 5 or the former Evelina Halley School building in Marigot.