It takes time to build a reputation about something and to be known for that something. In this case the something is the Wheelchair Project of the Rotary Club of St. Andrew which started 19 years ago by 3 “accidents”.
Ammesha Brown
As we embark on a new Rotary year, the club’s focus will be on Membership and Continuity under the theme: Membership: Continuity in Service and Service in Continuity.
Our club has been built on a strong leadership foundation, and I am fortunate to have a membership that is fully committed to the Rotary ideal of Service Above Self.
Today I am here because I dear to stand on the shoulders of giants. We shall seek to honour the past but be bold in forging the future of our club.
The handover from one administration to another is akin to a relay. And IPP Audley has handed me the baton in a good position, having run a good leg, in fact, two good legs in a row.
Talk about Continuity in Service and Service in Continuity!
Rotary is evolving. I stand here today as the youngest President of the Rotary Club of St. Andrew. A few years ago, I would not have imagined that a club such as mine would have inducted and invited me to become President of this noble institution. But I am reminded of the words of Paul Harris:
“This is a changing world; we must be prepared to change with it. The story of Rotary will have to be written again and again.”
I plan to write a new Rotary story, built upon the foundation handed to me, one that will inspire all to continue to be our brother’s keeper. As your President, it will be my honour to forge partnerships that will enable us to serve our communities and bring about the meaningful change that we all want to see.
My service to Rotary has indeed changed my life for the better. My hope for my fellow Rotarians and persons who joined us here today is for us to continue to be bold in service as we work towards a common goal that is “Service Above Self.”
The following will be the focus of my administration under the theme - Continuity in Service, and Service in Continuity:
- Membership growth and retention.
- Building the Rotaractors so they can become future Rotarians.
- Re-engage our interactors and earlyactors to start serving
- Create fellowship opportunities so members can grow their network.
- Increase service opportunities for members
- Build sustainable projects that will make a greater impact in the community - Boys Town will continue to be a fixture for the club as we create a lasting impact on the community's social development.
For the upcoming Rotary year, our Club’s major project will focus on the further buildout of the Boys Town Community Centre. The project will see the establishment of a Community Library that will enable students to research, study for exams, use the library as a haven to read and explore the world outside of their communities.
We anticipate that this library will become a monumental feature at Boys Town that will also benefit the nearby Trench Town, Rose Town, Arnette Gardens and other communities.
In running my leg of this Rotary relay, I remain committed to the members of the Rotary Club of St. Andrew in Continuity in Service and Service in Continuity.
Thank you.
Ammesha Brown
President 2021-2022
PP. Robert Drummond has rejoined the Rotary Club of St. Andrew after a few years away from the club.
This was the third in the series with the first having been given by PP Donovan under the theme The People and The Projects, the second by PP Lloyd had focused on The Concept of Voluntarism and Rotary, and now the third was styled to show how Rotary can have a third party impact on club members and their families and external colleagues and thus generate a culture of service outside of the club itself.
