12 Months Creating Hope in the World — My Life as a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, Jamaica
What happens to our lives when we live from a place of giving over only receiving? For me, life opens up. It has been an incredible journey for me, starting from the moment I took a leap of faith and moved from a cold Toronto to the warm blue waters of Jamaica with my family. Although I had never been to the island before, my nomadic spirit took me on this adventure with open arms. And let me tell you, it has been nothing short of amazing.
Now, as I reflect on what has become some of the most meaningful moments of my life within the last hours left to what we call 2023, I am ever grateful for the opportunities, friendships and collaborations that I have been able to be apart in a country that has accepted and made me feel at home. Moreover the home created within the framework of Rotary International with the Rotary Club of Montego Bay. For anyone who might be wondering: Rotary International is one of the largest service organizations in the world made up of a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves.
Together, with a spirit of shared responsibility:46,000+ clubs work together to solve problems around the world from fighting polio, saving mothers and babies, bringing clean drinking water to villages, bridging peace between nations conflicted by war and bridging basic education and literacy gaps among people of all walks of culture.
With this in mind I share a few memories collected in no particular order, on my journey with the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, that have added to the richness of what becomes possible when we work together:
Giving a talk to Mount Alvernia High School and Cornwall College.
Serving as Guest Speaker for students from the Mount Alvernia High School and Cornwall College, Montego Bay, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Montego Bay. Thank you for being such a phenomenal audience. ❤️ These young women and men are some of Jamaica’s brightest and seeing their avocation for community and building togetherness warms my heart. It was my great pleasure to share a bit of my spark in hopes of igniting even more of yours. Discover who you are! Nothing can ever stop you once you have.
Celebrating a New President
Celebrating the installation of our new President, Rotarian Paul Thompson and I couldn’t be happier to accept the role in service as Director of New Generations (Youth) along with my Rotary Family: Vice President Dominica Pradere, Foundation Chair Yemima Garcia, Secretary Amber Gail, Treasurer Karen Burgess, Fundraising Director, Denton Campbell, Projects Director Joan Johnson, Public Relations Director Valerie O’Brian, Club Administration Director Marcia Nembhard (Rotarian of the Year* Awarded) , Memberships Director Michelle Daswani and our Sargent at Arms Wellesley Gayle.
Giving a Leadership talk to Students of Anchovy High School
In one of Jamaica’s High Schools as part of outreach efforts from the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, it became abundantly clear that by tapping into the potential of high school seniors, we can unlock a world of possibilities to improve the future options for our Youth.
The Wheelchair Project of July 1st
On the morning of July 1st, we saw the creation of hope in the eyes of men, women and children whose story echo with unimaginable hardship peer through in the collaborative efforts of Rotary’s Wheelchair project. I have to admit, this one was hard for me to see. It was as though I was sucker punched into the reality of just how much need there is in the world making it so important that we care enough to set aside our differences to be solutions in the world.
Inter-Club Assembly in Ocho Rios, Jamaica 🇯🇲 District 7020
Here with a few of my fellow Rotarians during our Inter-Club Assembly in Ocho Rios, Jamaica 🇯🇲 District 7020. Never a dull moment with this gang of problem solvers.
Raising Awareness in the fight against Polio at the Irwin Primary School
Raising Awareness on the fight against Polio around the world with a group of Primary School Children at Irwin Primary School
Making it Official! I am a Rotarian February 14th 2023
This whole new world opened up and asked me, do you want to be apart of something bigger? I said yes. Surrounded by friendship and the power of community.
Fellowship and District Governor Visit from Cayman Islands.
We work hard but play too! Fellowship 101. From left to right we have the District Govenor and his lovely wife with host and Past President of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, Denton Campbell. In the middle we have Vice President Dominica and Past President Conrad, all from the Rotary Club of Montego Bay. And to the far right we have an exhausted Past Assistant Govenor Michelle Daswani who carefully curated a selection of delicious food options for which we enjoyed. Thank you Rotarian Michelle! I loved being your Sous Chef. :)
National Tree Planting Day with our Interactors of Mount Alvernia High School
Christmas Drive for the little ones at Flankers Primary with the Interactors of Mount Alvernia High School.
Rotary Club of Montego Bay joined forces with the Interactors, the young leaders of Mt. Alvernia High School, to conduct a heartwarming Christmas Drive aimed at spreading joy and hope in the world.
The Water Tank Project
There are so many other amazing projects and moments that have inspired me. Notable is the commitment from Rotarian Marcia Nembhard who continues to champion the work started years ago by a Past President of the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, Conrad Grant — ‘Water Tank Project’. Over the course of this inspiring initiative, approximately 50 schools have been uplifted by the installation of 50 one-thousand-gallon water tanks, along with two pumps and three refurbished bathrooms. These enhancements have not only improved the learning atmosphere but have also created a conducive environment for teachers and support staff. Together, over 6,000 children are able to pursue their education with renewed vigour.
Driving Conversations and Leadership Skills in Schools
A panel forums set-up by Rotarian Joan Johnson who works to bring so much light and love and hope to children not only through her work with the Rotary Club of Montego Bay but over Jamaica.
In conclusion…
The work to create hope in the world is not an easy one. It is hard work. It tests your resolve and your character. But through and through, the work of a Rotarian becomes a way of life. These tests strengthen and connects us to a reality that reminds us ‘together we are better.’
The stories I have shared with you are just a few glimpses into the wealth of experiences I have had as a Rotarian. Each one has reaffirmed the belief that when we come together with a shared sense of responsibility, we can truly make a difference in the world.
So, I invite you to join me on this incredible journey of service, connection, and personal growth. Let’s tap into the power of giving and unite with millions of like-minded individuals to make 2024 even better!
YIRS (Yours In Rotary Service)
