AIRPORT:--- Fanfare and merriment was the order of the day at SXM Airport around when Rotary International President Barry Rassin stepped onto the tarmac around 4:00 pm Wednesday.
He was greeted by a large delegation led by Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport & telecommunication (TEATT) the Honourable Stuart Johnson.
President Rassin was also met outside the arrival hall of the Airport by the District Governor for St. Maarten, his wife, AG, current Presidents, Secretaries and members of the various clubs.
Minister Johnson said "As a Rotarian and a Minister in the Council of Ministers for the Government of St. Maarten, I take great pride in welcoming the Rotary International President to St. Maarten. I am pleased that he has taken the time to visit us here in St. Maarten."
Also part of the Welcome Committee was Rotary Sunset President Jaida, DGND Louis Wever and his wife Amanda Wever, Secretary Elisia along with other members of the Rotary Club.
Rotary Sunset President Jaida presented RI President Rassin with a St. Martin Scarf, which he wore from the tarmac to the arrival hall where he was greeted with a Ponum Dancer performance by 6 students of the NIA (namely Ray Angel Simon, Zacquell Phipps, Tyreke Arrindell, Naomi Jonelle Wasop, and Faith Peterson & Kiara Vanterpool).
Local Calypso Kings Kenyo Baly, King James and King Vers as well as Carnival Queens Shanice, Shakiynah and Michelene were also on hand to welcome RI President Rassin.
Senior Queen, Ms Shanice Powell handed President Rassin some welcome gifts and a few words of welcome. Johnson said following the arrival of the RI President “considering that it is the first visit of the RI President, we want to give him a real St. Maarten welcome and show him the type of atmosphere that this incredible country has which draws people from around the world to our shores.” A strong relationship with Rotary International is significant for the island as there are often many events that the Rotary Club holds annually with its members, and we in St. Maarten can play a major role in hosting these events. We can also benefit from and be part of the Rotary Club International’s many outreach programs.”
RI President Rassin is a member of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas and has been elected Rotary International President for 2018-19. He has an MBA in health, as well as hospital administration and spent 37 years as President of Doctors Hospital Health System. He is a lifetime member of the American Hospital Association and has served on the Quality Council of the Bahamas, Health Education Council and Employer’s Confederation.
