PHILIPSBURG:--- The members of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset celebrated a significant moment as they held their 2024-2025 Board Installation Ceremony at the Melange Grill on June 22nd, 2024. Distinguished guests, including the 2024-2025 Assistant Governor of St. Maarten and Anguilla, Elisia Lake, and the Assistant Governor of St. Barthelemy and St. Martin, George Gumbs, as well as Past District Governor Louis Wever and his wife Amanda Wever, and President Jharna Dialani of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten, President Yvette Hart and Secretary Jon Hart of St. Maarten Mid-Isle, President Jean Marie Renard and Secretary Valerie Renard of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Nord, joined well-wishers at the restaurant to share and engage in fellowship. The evening was filled with various activities, and attendees enjoyed a delectable three-course dinner buffet. Rotarian Daniella Arrindell captivated the crowd with a beautiful rendition of the St. Martin Song, while Ms. Geraldine Hanson serenaded the audience with an inspiring song for the Rotary year 2024-2025. Mistress of Ceremonies Luciana Raspail kept the crowd enthused throughout the entire event.
During her reflective speech, outgoing President Kimberley Duzong, expressed how pleased she was to have served for two consecutive years. She also applauded the club members for their determination in carrying out Rotary International’s motto, “Service Above Self.” Following this acknowledgment, she particularly highlighted members who displayed outstanding commitment throughout the Rotary year with the President’s Awards in areas that included Rising Star, Rotarian of the Year, and Board Member of the Year. The recipients were Rotarians Jamila Boirard, Kathy Africa, and Michelette Boasman-Rogers.
Assistant Governor Elisia Lake proudly installed Rotarian Franklyn Salomons as the club’s president for the new Rotary year, while Salomons installed and pinned the incoming board for the 2024-2025 term. President Franklyn delivered an inspirational message to all attendees, emphasizing the "WHY" of Rotary. He spoke passionately about the importance of being a Rotarian, connecting with others, and his reliance on the board members, Rotarians, and the community at large to help him effect change not only in St. Martin but also around the world.
The 2024-2025 board members of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset are as follows:
President Franklyn Salomons, President-Elect/ Secretary and Fundraising Chair Alex Pierre, Immediate Past President and Membership Chair Kimberley Duzong, Vice President/President Nominee and Public Image Chair Jade Maccow, Treasurer Jaida Nisbett, Rotary Foundation Chair and Club Learning Facilitator Elisia Lake, Sergeant at Arms Kathy Africa, Service Projects Chair Magdiona Gumbs, Club Administration Chair Cheryl Dangleben-York, Youth Service Chair Fabiana Beauperthuy-Richardson, Wellness Chair Linaisa Mardenborough, Disaster Relief/Environment Chair Chair Jason James.
The Rotarian wives Fabiana Beauperthuy-Richardson and Alia Mathew-Young awarded their husbands, Mr. Dimitri Beauperthuy and Mr. Leonidas Mathew, with the Rotary spouse’s pin. Rotarian Kathy Africa and Rotarian Jamila Boirard were awarded the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) for their outstanding commitment to the ideals of Rotary. Continuing the legacy of Rotary’s founder, the Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
The Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset meets on the second and fourth Monday of the month at Carl N Sons Unique Inn and Conference Facilities in Cole Bay at 7:30pm. The club can be contacted via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via the official Facebook page at facebook.com/rotarysxmsunset.
