PHILIPSBURG:--- June 29th, 2020, marked a superb day for members of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset as they celebrated their first-ever virtual Board Installation Ceremony. Distinguished guests, such as Ms. Alicia Liverpool, District Governor Delma Maduro, District Governor Elect Charles Sealy II, Past District Governor Haresh Ramchandani, Rotary International’s Regional Membership Officer Audley Knight, Member of Parliament Sidharth Bijlani, St. Maarten’s very own District Governor Nominee Louis Wever, Presidents, Secretaries and Rotarians and well-wishers of various clubs worldwide from the Caribbean, Europe, United States of America, Africa and Australia were in attendance. More than 200 participants gathered on the Zoom platform to witness this jubilant event. The event commenced with a tasteful selection of Steelpan music played by the sounds of Sweet Pan Entertainment, renowned Kenyo Baly sang the St. Martin’s Song, Road March, and Groovy king, King James, entertained the crowd with some of his hit singles and the party rocker, Dj Siw’roo, concluded the event, whilst dominating the virtual crowd. Masters of Ceremony, Luciana Raspail and Charles Rollan, kept the crowd enthused throughout the event.
The keynote speaker was none other than the dynamic, courageous, phenomenal first female club president in Rotary’s history, Dr. Sylvia Whitlock. Dr. Whitlock inspired the virtual crowd with her speech based on the journey women took to become Rotarians and how she managed to attain the title of the presidency. She went in-depth to explain the importance of wearing the Rotary pin. She even encouraged members to wear their pin on their pajamas. She concluded by encouraging members to focus on inviting new generations to join Rotary.
Immediate Past President Jaida Nisbett proudly gave notice and recognition to the hard work and dedication of all members. Following this acknowledgment, she particularly gave a distinction in recognizing members who displayed an outstanding amount of effort and commitment with the President’s Awards in areas that included fellowship, service above self, board member of the year, and Rotarian of the year. The recipients respectively were Rotarians Lionel Lawrence, Franjesca Bulbaai, Ahisha Nunes, and Michelette Boasman. Rotarian Michelette also received the Paul Harris recognition for her selfless service to the club, the community, and ensuring the club surpassed its goal in giving to the Rotary Foundation.
Past District Governor Haresh Ramchandani installed President-Elect Elisia Lake, whilst Immediate Past President Jaida Nisbett pinned her. President-Elect Elisia Lake delivered a sound address encouraging members to remain focused and committed to serving humanity. The incoming board members proudly pinned themselves in the comfort of their homes while participants cheered them on. The 2020-2021 board members of the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset include:
President – Elisia Lake, Immediate Past President – Jaida Nisbett, Secretary & President-Elect – Norrisa Anatol, Vice President – Jennifer Rombley, Treasurer – Michelette Boasman, Sergeant at Arms – Kathy Africa, Rotary Foundation Chair – Adelena Chandler, Public Image Chair – Jade Maccow, Club Administration Chair – Ahisha Nunes, Service Projects Chair – Georginette Lake, Fundraising Chair- Tamara Wilson-Leito, Youth Service Chair – Kimberley Duzong, Membership Chair- Sabrine Sinclair and Disaster Relief Chair - Antoine Flanders.
