–humanitarian and financial assistance must continue amidst financial challenges, says incoming president
By Leroy Smith
“IN order to retain and improve the human resource base of the Club, we must retain and recruit new members. Our strategies will have to be more reviewed, and would be tailored to ensure that new members are given the necessary orientation, education and guidance to enable them to function effectively, and to rapidly integrate into the Rotary family,” newly installed president of the Rotary Club of Georgetown Central, Orville Fraser, said in his maiden address to fellow Rotarians, guests and other special invitees at the club’s annual Installation Dinner held at the Georgetown Club on Thursday last.
Continuing, Fraser said, “In recognition of the sterling contribution of the Rotary Foundation towards the eradication of polio and the provision of educational and humanitarian programmes, we must continue to provide our share of financial support.”
Fraser appealed to all members of the club to make a firm commitment to providing a contribution to the Rotary Foundation very early in the new Rotary Year.
For the year 2012-2013, Rotarians across the globe are conducting activities under the theme “Peace Through Service”; and Fraser said that he was privileged to serve as president, assured that he was cognisant of the high standard of service delivery expected of all members, and that he would ensure he does his bit.
He added that, with the collective effort of the board and active participation of the club’s membership, he endeavours to lead the club along the path of continued improvement. He also emphasised the need to preserve the club’s true legacy gained over the years.
While the challenges ahead are many, the success of the group will be measured by the measures implemented to resolve them, Fraser explained. He described the board members as persons who have displayed confidence in the management team by entrusting them with the everyday running of the club. The group members are also seen as a combination of youthfulness, team spirit and experience.
The advancement of peace is one of the core values of Rotary outlined in the Objects of Rotary, Fraser stated.
In reflecting on the performance of the former management team, and by extension the club’s former president, Fraser said the year was a challenging one, as some goals set were achieved while others were not.
Among the featured programmes and services of the club are: A dental bus; the Sophia Literacy Project; the kite-flying classic; a wheelchair project; distribution of sewing machines to the CBR programme; Rotary Foundation’s Tree-Planting Project; Carol-singing; World Understanding and Peace; Vocational Service Award; Ambassadorial Scholar; and Family of Rotary.
The former club president (name unknown) listed some of the activities achieved during her tenure at the helm, whilst pointing out that there were some not achieved and it is expected that at least one or two of them will be taken up by the new team.