As part of their continued efforts to motivate and inspire our youths to dream and plan for their futures, members of the Rotary Clubs of Princes Town and Pointe-a-Pierre held a Rotary Career Day on Wednesday 10th October 2018.
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President Elect
President
Secretary
Sargeant-at-Arms
Treasurer
Immediate Past President
Club Administration Director
Membership Director
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THE ROTARY CLUB OF PRINCES TOWN
Service Above Self
Regular Club meetings are held on the 2nd, 3rd & 4th Wednesdays of each calendar month @ 7:00 p.m.
Canton Palace Restaurant
Canton Palace Restaurant
Cross Crossing Shopping Complex
San Fernando,
Trinidad and Tobago
San Fernando,
Trinidad and Tobago
Phone:
(868) 764-7945
Email:
District Site
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Venue Map
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MYSTIQUE is here! High Fashion! Great Entertainment! Fabulous Giveaways! Secure your tickets early for an unforgettable experience!
Part proceeds donated to Rotary International's Polio-Plus Fund in support of Rotary's works towards the eradication of polio worldwide.
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On Sunday 30th September 2018, the Rotary Club of Princes Town held its annual Family Day at the beautiful expansive private estate of Mr. Mannick in Dyer Village, Williamsville where our in-house expert chef Rotarian Jamir prepared a scrumptious meal of stew chicken cutters as appetizers, boiled corn, Chicken Pelau and Corn Soup served with a side of fresh salad prepared by President Crystal for lunch. Rotarian Patsy made her tasty, peppery mouthwatering five-finger chow that was quickly devoured by all.
On Thursday 27th September 2018, the Rotary Club of Princes Town hosted its first joint meeting for the Rotary year, partnering with the Rotary Clubs of Pointe-a-Pierre, St. Augustine West, Point Fortin, San Fernando South and Port-of-Spain for an afternoon of Rotary celebration and fellowship. The Clubs celebrated the induction of three new members and benefitted from the educational and riveting feature address delivered by New York Attorney-at-Law, Miss Juanita Headley on the topic of Human Trafficking, particularly the issue of the eradication of sexual exploitation.
In commemoration of International Peace Day celebrated on September 21st annually, the Rotary Club of Princes Town will be hosting its first Youth Peace Day Symposium at the Princes Town West Secondary School specifically geared towards primary and secondary school students by educating them on gun violence, bullying and conflict resolution methods.
The Rotary Club of Princes Town held its first Youth Peace Symposium ―Making our Schools Safe for our Children through Peace Education on September 21st, 2018 in commemoration of International Peace Day and highlighting one of Rotary’s areas of focus, Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution.
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In keeping with the District’s commitment to improved training, District 7030 held its first set of RLI training for the new Rotary year in beautiful Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday 25th August, 2018 and Sunday 26th August, 2018 at Goodwill Industries in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
On the 01st August, 2018, twenty (20) Rotary Clubs, Rotaract Clubs, Partners-in-Service, Family and Friends of Rotary and members from other organizations collectively came together at the Valencia Eco Resort in celebration of Emancipation Day and the 3rd Annual Final Fling. All in attendance enjoyed great fellowship and camaraderie whilst engaging in meaningful discussions with each other about their respective Clubs various projects and fundraiser events planned for the 2018-2019 rotary year.
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On Sunday 29th July, 2018, Rotarians from the Club together with 14 additional professional volunteers conducted a comprehensive medical outreach program for the 93 local residents of Union Village, Rio Claro, who were in attendance.
The Club gives special thanks to Partners -in-Service, Tara Ousman and Narisha Mohammed, children and friends of the Rotary Club and professional volunteers including Dr. Ronald Gobin, Dr. Carlyn Rajnarinesingh, Dr. Kiran Premanand, Dr. Prem Premanand, Dr. Stefan Nanan, Dr. Lindsey Aziz, Nurses Salima Ramkissoon, Debra Brewster-McDowell, Wendy Thomas and Lenore Mitchell from the Victoria County- South District, Pharmacists Andres Villaruel and Sabrina Ramkissoon and Optometrists Giselle Gilkes, Sharon Harripersad, Ibraheem Mohammed and Sachin Singh of the Trinidad Eye Hospital for their unwavering support and participation in making the Club's first service project for this rotary year a grand success.
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On Wednesday 11th July, 2018, the Club at its first regular meeting for 2018 celebrated with partners in service, family members and friends the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr at the beautiful residence of Rotarian Jamir Ousman. President Crystal Ann Harper welcomed everyone and briefly shared the applicable teachings of Eid celebrations to Rotary as starting anew with renewed energy and spirit as Rotarians engage in projects for the 2018/2019 rotary year.
Guest speaker Imam Skeik Mohammed of the Williamsville's mosque opened with a special blessing and gave an enlightening sermon to members and their families on the teachings of Islam. He emphasized the need to be mindful of how we live in our daily lives with each other and highlighted the similarities in Islam and Rotary as acts of service work in our local communities.
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On the 07th July, 2018, the Interact Club of St. Stephen’s College held its first Installation Ceremony, during which the baton of responsibility was handed over from Outgoing President Akasia Augustine to the Incoming President, Ariel Mahabir. In attendance were Interactors from the Club as well as Interact Supervising Teachers, Amelia Ayoung and Brittany Jackson, Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Princes Town including the current President, Crystal Ann Harper, Immediate Past President, Bashir Mohammed, and Directors Rhea Nobbee and Nazim Mohammed and Partner in Service, Narisha Mohammed, wife of the Immediate Past President, Bashir Mohammed.
The Interact Club of Princes Town West Secondary School held its second Handing Over Ceremony on Saturday 30th June, 2018 at the Princes Town West Secondary School in Princes Town. Specially invited guests in attendance included Immediate Past President Bashir Mohammed and Director of Rotary Foundation for the 2018/2019 rotary year, Dr. Carlyn Rajnarinesingh, both Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Princes Town, Parents/Guardians of Interactors, and the club members.
Outgoing Interact President Kyrie Rampersad made a brief note on her tenure of presidency whilst Incoming President Melinda Ramjattan gave an inspiring acceptance speech. Subsequently, new board members were introduced and pinned individually by Rotarian Dr. Carlyn Rajnarinesingh. The Ceremony ended with a Vote of Thanks and tokens of appreciation distributed to deserving persons who assisted the Club in its projects for the last rotary year.
The 2017/2018 Interact Club members would specially like to thank Board Members of the Outgoing and Incoming Board for their time and creative talents in decorating for the event, President Crystal for her donation of a new Interact President pin which shows details of the Rotary wheel, and to the Parents/Guardians of Interactors as well as Immediate Past President Bashir who generously donated drinks, pastries, cakes and other delicacies to celebrate this auspicious occasion.
The Rotary Club of Princes Town welcomes President Melinda Ramjattan and her new Board of Directors of the Interact Club for the 2018-2019 rotary year! We look forward to continue working together to be of service in our community.
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Annual Presidential Handover Ceremony 2017 – 2018
The Rotary Club of Princes Town celebrated and hosted by far one of the best handovers in Rotary years. The evening started with fellowship with members from Maraval, Port of Spain, San Juan, Penal, Point a Pierre and San Fernando South clubs who came to witness the Presidential Handover and celebrate this milestone.
President Bashir Mohammed presented the audience with a summary of the Club’s achievements during the last year where the Club was awarded President Citation after 7 months, Public Image Citation in April 2018, Youth Service award from International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians and Certificate of Participation from Rotary Zone 34 in People of Action video contest.
The Club conducted Four (4) Medical outreach clinics, granted Twelve (12) scholarship awards to deserving children, celebrated Eid, Divali & Christmas with Three (3) communities, held our open air Christmas concert in Princes Town triangle, sent Eight (8) children to RYLA, planted 150 trees and held Ten (10) Club fellowships, Four (4) of which were joint with our twin club, Rotary Club of Maraval. Our contribution to Rotary foundation continued with $ 6,500 USD towards Annual & Polio funds and 3,500 volunteer hours.
Vocalist Chloe Bishop kept the audience entertained during dinner with an inspiring selection of songs as photos of projects completed during the year were projected on stage.
President Bashir recognized Rotarians, partners-in-service, community leaders and businessmen who supported the Club’s fundraisers and medical projects making this Rotary year a success.
Tokens of Appreciation
Partner in Service
Nadira Ramlogan, Tara Ousman, Narisha Aziz Mohammed
and Nabeel Mohammed
Quiet Rotarian Pin:
Sieunarine “Kex” Sanmook, Capildeo Beharry, Amraz Ali Bocas
and Ravi Ramanand
Sharing the Heart of Rotary Pin:
Patsy Chankersingh, Zobida Ragbirsingh, Rhea Nobee
Service Award Pin
Jamir Ousman, Dr Ronald Gobin and Dr Carlyn Rajnarinesingh
Above and Beyond Pin:
Ryan Soodwah
Rotarian of the Year:
Crystal Ann Harper
Tokens of Appreciation – Community
Gowrie Roopnarine, Chairman Princes Town Regional Corporation
Vashti Sookhoo, Councillor, Princes Town Regional Corporation
Imam Shameed Rahim, Kyrie Rampersad, Amelia Ayoung, Anthony Dyer,
Indira Singh, Chloe Bishop, Niel Marcano
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition:
Rishi Ramlogan, Narisha Aziz Mohammed, Andy Deonarine and Atlantic
Honorary Rotarian:
Rishi Ragoonath
President Bashir then proceeded to pin and place the presidential medallion around newly inducted President Crystal Ann Harper who proceeded to give her acceptance speech outlining her plans to continue with signature projects and new ones in moving the club forward all in line with Rotary theme “Be the Inspiration”.
Newly appointed President Crystal Ann Harper formally relieved President Bashir of his duties and presented her board of directors to the audience. During the celebration afterwards, members and guests rejoiced by dancing and congratulating President Crystal on her appointment.
Visiting club members were in high praise of the programme and could not stop talking about the evening proceedings and will share with their club the experience of attending the Rotary Club Princes Town Presidential Handover Ceremony.
CONGRATULATIONS TO CRYSTAL ANN HARPER AND HER BOARD MEMBERS 2018- 2019!
Community Eid Treat at Fifth Company Mosque, Moruga
The Rotary Club of Princes Town held it final project for the Rotary Year 2017/2018 commemorating the festival of Eid at the Fifth Company ASJA Jamaat in St. Mary�s Moruga.
Both the Imam of Asja Jamaat St Mary�s and President Bashir delivered small addresses on the meaning of fasting and Eid celebration, whilst Rotarian Zobida spoke on Diabetes and how to take precaution against this disease.
The Al Faisaliyyah Nasheed Group performed a few quaseedas that moved the congregation, after which treat bags and toys were distributed to the children. What a sight to see the smiles on those children faces!! In addition, the Club also distributed 20 hampers to assist some families in the community.
The Rotary Club would like to thank Reasat Ali from the 5th Company Mosque for his assistance in making this event a reality.
Indeed, this was quite a successful year for the Rotary Club of Princes Town with President
Citation Certificate on hand.
Citation Certificate on hand.
ROTARY MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE LIVES!.jpg)
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SIX CLUBS FELLOWSHIP AT YACHT CLUB
The Rotary Club of Princes Town hosted one of the best fellowships at the Yacht Club San Fernando, which was attended by members of Maraval, Port of Spain West, St Augustine, San Fernando and San Fernando South Rotary Clubs.
The evening was buzzing with light conversation and laughter as members were no stranger to each other. The soft splashing of the ocean water, the soothing music in the background and the moonlit night all created the perfect ambiance for a PERFECT EVENING.
After dinner was served, members from the various clubs tried to outdo each other by giving jokes but at the end Maraval and San Fernando South tied for first place.
Member of the visiting Clubs made many comments regarding the fellowship such as it was good to see members from all corners of the country, a well-planned event, will look at twinning with another club, clubs that fellowship with each other can do projects together.
A special “Thank You” to our Sargeant at Arms for a well planned and executed evening.
This was the PERFECT END to our ROTARY YEAR 2017 – 2018!!
JUBILEE CELEBRATION!
Create your legacy by caring for others”.
The Charter members of Rotary Club of Princes Town have indeed created their legacy for the past 25 years leaving their footprints on the sands of time and inspiring our future as a Club by supporting the recent younger Rotarians to make a difference in our community.
Our Charter members’ faith in humanity, vision and sacrifice started this club 25 years ago. Our traditions enable us to honour the past, celebrate the present and provide a legacy for the future. What we owe the past are two things. Firstly, we owe our Charter Members our deepest appreciation for their magnificent accomplishments over the last 25 years for our Club and secondly, we owe to the past fidelity to the heritage which has been passed down across the generations.
Members teared up as projects, fundraisers and fellowship for the past twenty-five years were proudly highlighted on a screen reminding us of our purpose and why we chose to become Rotarians and for those that was taken away from us to be in Heaven.
This milestone was celebrated together with the Rotary Club of Maraval at the Australian Residence in Moka where chartered members Rotarian Jamir, Vilma, Ronald, Capildeo and deceased Wayne were honored.
Guest speaker Mervin Assam and District Governor Waddy gave moving speeches about the continuity of Rotary work and the impact of our service projects to the community.
Members from both clubs and their guests enjoyed an evening of Fellowship, Distribution of Awards and Fine Dining. At the end of the evening members were proud to say
Rotary club of Princes Town will continue twinning with Rotary club of Maraval in the future for joint projects and fellowship. Something to look forward in 2018 – 2019 Rotary year!.
I AM MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES!
I AM PROUD TO BE A ROTARION!!
District 7030 Conference in Suriname
The District 7030 26th Conference was held at Royal Torarica Hotel in Suriname from 25th – 28th April 2018 where 71 clubs were represented from the District.
During the day members attended PETS, Assembly and Conference listening to other clubs as they presented their signature projects, sharing their experiences and knowledge so that all present can take away something to their own country and club. RI Representative Brad gave a motivated speech on “WHY become a Rotarian” that left members in tears, whilst District Governor Waddy gave his report on clubs meeting their President Citation for 2017 -2018 and recognized the Rotary Club of Princes Town as achieving President Citation. WHAT A PROUD MOMENT!!
District Governor Elect Dominque Venere announced her Board members for 2018- 2019 and club member Debbie Roopchand was presented as the incoming Assistant District Governor for the South Cluster 7030 Trinidad.
Night time in Suriname was an experience never to forget. Rotarians were treated to a hospitality suite at T-VAT where members mingled and listened and danced to local Rotarians music band, and new friendships cultivated.
The opening ceremony took place at the Cathedral Basilica followed by fellowship and live performances by the Interact Clubs at the Tropical Garden Party at DSB Garden. The following night was a grand Tribal experience at Owroe Cul Complex where members were treated to some local dishes especially the signature dish PEANUT BUTTER SOUP!
The final day of Conference …Oh what a sad day indeed! as you bid farewell to friends from other countries, however there was one last event to enjoy together, the Masquerade Ball at Chamber of Commerce. Rotarians who extended their visit to do a little sightseeing in Suriname , were treated to an evening of winding down with Eats and Drinks and Dancing courtesy DG Waddy and his wife Shirley.
Lifelong Friendships Built!! Knowledge Gained!! Rotarians reminded of their purpose!!
The members of our club also extend their condolences to the Bhaggan Family on the loss of Past President Prakash Bhaggan who passed away in Suriname.
The Rotary Club of Princes Town would like to express a heartfelt thanks to District Governor Waddy and the planning committee for ensuring our safety and comfort and most of all giving us memories to last a lifetime.
Maraval meets Princes Town
The Rotary Club of Princes Town hosted Rotary Club of Maraval at the San Fernando Yacht Club on Wednesday 11th April 2018. As members were previously acquainted, the room was buzzing with small groups having conversations about the ambiance, the upcoming Anniversary celebration and building and strengthening friendships.
Members enjoyed a delicious meal under the beautiful moonlit sky to the sound of gently splashing waves. After dinner, the two clubs celebrated Rotarian Jamir’s and Pam O’Farrell’s birthdays by cutting a specialty cake in their honor.
Presidents Bashir and Maureen shared updates on the upcoming Anniversary celebration as members were very enthusiastic about this Jubilee celebration. It was a soothing and relaxing atmosphere and members were in no hurry to go to their respective homes especially the members of Maraval Club. As President Maureen said, “this partnership doesn’t end here!”
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RYLA 2018, organized by the Assistant Governors in Trinidad, was held on Thursday 12th April 2018 and Friday 13th April 2018 at the YTEPP Building, Woodford Lodge Compound located in Chaguanas. This year, the RYLA committee allowed 4 participants from each Interact Club to participant in the two-day event. The Rotary Club of Princes Town sponsored eight (8) students from our Interact Clubs of Princes Town West Secondary School and St. Stephen’s College to attend RYLA this year.
The facilitators/presenters included PDGs Lara Quentrall-Thomas, Steven Ramroop, Roger Bose, PAG Abriham Daniel, Deborah Jean-Baptiste, Surrendra Maharaj, and John Dasent. Some of the topics presented included Opportunities in TT for young entrepreneurs, Rotary Focus on Youth, Conflict Management and Problem Solving and Ethics of Positive Leadership.
The Interactors expressed positive feedback and were grateful to the Club for the exposure and experience. They enjoyed themselves, made new friends whilst learning new material regarding leadership that can be useful in their daily lives. They all especially raved about the preference of the interactive method used in the presentations to convey the information as opposed to the traditional lecture style of presentations.
Princes Town West Secondary Annual Beach Clean up in Moruga. Special "THANK YOU" to Prince of Moruga Eric Lewis for the opportunity to place our branding on Christopher Columbus Monument and our sponsor Rotary Club of Princes Town for your on-going support .
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Interact week began on the 5th of November, where Vice President of the Interact Club of Princes Town West Secondary, Kyla Horsford and Interactor Kareem Swan attended the Tea and Fashion Show at the Hyatt Regency which was hosted by The Rotary Club of Princes Town. Vice Pres Kyla graced the stage and showed off her talent by performing a dance.
Our week continued with the installation of a Banner in our school`s office area. The banner was crafted by the Interact Board members and the banner contains the Four-Way Test and the Interact Grace. We, the board members encouraged the Interactors to plant trees around the area of their homes as well as to continue being supportive of reforestation.
Our final project, keeping in line with the motto “Service above Self”, the Interact board members and Interactors came up with the idea to feed the homeless in Princes Town. We decided on feeding 6 homeless persons and with the help and Guidance of Rotarian Rhea and Rotarian Crystal we succeeded.
That faithful afternoon after a hard day at school, the Interactors really understood and became grateful for what we have and what God Blessed us with.As we continue on this journey of ¨Service above self-¨ our goal isn´t only to carry out selfless acts but to encourage others to carry out selfless acts for others.
Kyrie Rampersad,
President,
Interact Club of Princes Town West.
On November 8th 2017 the Rotary Club of Princes Town inducted Nazim Mohammed into the Rotary family whose classification is Education – University. Nazim has a PHD in organic chemistry from McGill university and is currently an Assistant Professor at the University of Trinidad and Tobago. He had been attending weekly meetings for the past weeks and shown tremendous interest in becoming a Rotarian.
Nazim was pinned by Assistant District Governor Vilma Bellamy. The Rotary Club of Princes Town welcomes Nazim Mohammed into the Rotary to our club and look forward to working together making a difference in people’s lives.
WELCOME NAZIM MOHAMMED!
The Rotary Club of Princes Town hosted its “signature fund-raiser” – its annual Tea & Fashion Show 8 on 5th November, 2017 at the Hyatt Regency Port of Spain. The event was well attended by friends, family and supporters of Rotary causes which includes: Promoting peace, fighting diseases, providing clean water, sanitation and hygiene to communities, saving mothers and children, supporting education and growing local economies.
The event was opened by a live rendition of the National Anthem on steelpen, played by Kyle Ali, the son of the Club’s President–Elect, Terry Ali. President Bashir Mohammed welcomed the guests and delivered a brief synopsis on the purpose of Rotary Foundation and the works of Rotary locally and internationally.
Radio personality Maria Sawh and comedian Kenneth Supersad were our hosts for the afternoon. Our guests were serenaded by the melodious voices of Quattro Musica, Folk Dance performances by Interactor Kyla Horsford and the Artistic Dance Theatre, Belly Dancing by Raeanna Ramdhanie and modelling by Kids of Rotary whilst enjoying the sumptuous tea plates provided by Hyatt.
Featured fashion houses included Charu Lochan Dass, Zadd & Eastman, Kids Zone, Daronte, She Rocks and Judy’s Formal & Bridal. Their designs were showcased by the beautiful and elegant House of Jacqui models. In addition to the numerous door prizes, our patrons vied for the fabulous raffle prizes sponsored by Florida Prime Properties, Caribbean Airlines, Magdalena Grand, Tradewinds Hotel and Madame Maharaj School of Cosmetology.
The Rotary Club of Princes Town would like to extend its sincerest thanks to all of the gracious sponsors who contributed in a most tangible way in making this event a success and by extension making a difference in people’s lives.
In recognition of World Polio Day on October 24th 2017, The Rotary Club of Princes Town embarked on a drive to inform the public of Rotary International’s participation in the eradication of Polio. The event took place at Gulf City Mall, San Fernando from 3:00 pm where the Rotary Club of Princes Town joined live streaming of World Polio Day festivities at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation at Downtown Seattle, Washington U.S.A.
Rotary has been working to eradicate polio for over 30 years, and continues to do so until the world is polio free . Only 11 new cases have been reported so far in 2017, located in the areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The upcoming movie “Breathe” is based on the true story of a polio survivor who became an advocate for others starring Claire Foy and Andrew Garfield.
Rotarians and their Partners-in- Service shared knowledge verbally to shoppers at Gulf City Mall regarding Rotary worldwide; our Club’s involvement in the eradication of Polio and information on how to join Rotary and become a Rotarian.
Later that evening Rotarian Seunarine Sanmook graciously hosted the Club’s fellowship and meeting at his boardroom, overlooking the beautiful City of San Fernando.
Four Rotary Clubs of The South Cluster District 7030 which includes Penal, San Fernando South, Pointe a Pierre and Princes Town collaborated in assisting recently affected residences of Avocat, Penal, San Francique and Barrackpore, flowing the recent severe flooding.
Now in the aftermath of the severe flooding in these areas and in the midst of cleanup activities, the Rotary Clubs mobilized its members and supporters to provide assistance in the form of distributing cleanup supplies, basic medical supplies, personal hygiene kits to the affected residences. In addition, Rtn Dr Carlyn Rajnarinesingh conducted health assessment of each family while walking through the areas.
The Rotary Clubs in evaluating the situation, identified assisting the affected residences in the form of their medical needs, providing basic medical supplies such as vitamins, cold & cough syrup, ant-itch cream with basic cleaning supplies added value.
The Rotarians, Interactors and Partners-in-Service assembled at the home of Rotarian PDG Stephen Ramroop on Saturday, October 28, 2017 to pack the items for distribution. And again, on Sunday, October 29, 2017 the Rotary Club members gathered to conduct the distribution of the items as well as Rotarian Dr. Carlyn Rajnarinesingh volunteered her medical expertise and went door to door offering medical services to some residents in Barrckpore area.
In keeping with Rotary’s 2017/2018 theme of “Making a difference”, the Rotary Club of Princes Town partnered with the Jones Street Community to celebrate Divali on Saturday October 14th, 2017. It was indeed a perfect night for lighting deyas, with the blanket of stars above and the warm and welcoming atmosphere in Jones Street, Garth Road, Williamsville.
The evening was dedicated to a late member of the community, Lawrence Gayadeen who was an active member of the Village Council, with his wife collecting a beautiful token on his behalf.
The celebration started from 4:00 pm with the Puja officiated by Pundit Rohidass, followed by the lightening of deyas at 6:00pm. It was a compact programme that captured the crowd’s attention. The program was conducted by the youth group where attendees were treated to Bhajans, Invocational Dances, Poems, Tassa, Modelling of beautiful Indian wear, Pick a Pan game, a three-act skit and crowning of Junior and Senior Raja and Rani.
President Bashir Mohammed spoke on the significance of Divali and wished the community Shubh Divali after which Councillor Ms. Vashti Sookhoo thanked the Rotary Club of Princes Town for assisting in the funding of the Divali celebration and distribution of twenty hampers to needy families in the community. Rotarian Capildeo also sang one of his favourite Bhajans whilst Rotarian Rhea selected the Junior and Senior Raja and Rani from the crowd.
Guests enjoyed a tasty dinner of paratha roti, curry channa, pumpkin, bodi, curry mango and traditional sweets such as kurma and barfi.
The evening was well attended by the community who left at the end of the program very contented that the values and traditions of the community would be continued in the good hands of the younger generation.
The Rotary Club of Princes Town together with eight other Rotary Clubs joined the Rotary Club of Felicity/ Charlieville at their Divali Celebration at the Namaste India Restaurant in Freeport on Tuesday October 3rd, 2017.
President Geeta Lakhan of Felicity/Charlieville welcomed all Rotarians and their guests who partook of the delicious authentic Indian buffet provided by the restaurant. President Bashir Mohammed brought Divali greetings from our Club together with the Presidents of all Clubs represented at the event. Also present were all Assistant District Governors for Trinidad and greetings were given on behalf of them by ADG Rabindra Outar.
Guests were entertained by the wonderful dances and serenaded by the melodious voice of Dale Ramjattan, lead singer of the Band Dil Se. Pundit Gajendra Kumar gave the feature address on the meaning of Divali and the program culminated with the lighting of deyas by all Presidents and Assistant District Governors of the Rotary Clubs.
We thank the Rotary Club of Felicity/Charlieville for their warm hospitality and for allowing us the opportunity to forge new friendships with members of the other Clubs and look forward to more fellowship in the future.
In keeping with the District’s commitment to improved training, District 7030 held its first set of RLI training for the new Rotary year in beautiful Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday 23rd September, 2017 and Sunday 24th September, 2017 at Goodwill Industries in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad.
The two day training sessions were co-ordinated by PDG and RLI Director Hervé Honore and all the Assistant Governors of Trinidad, AG Rabindra Outar (North Clubs), AG Gary Williams (East Clubs), AG Lisa Francis (Central Clubs) and AG Vilma Bellamy (South Clubs). The two day training sessions were facilitated by distinguished Rotarians of District 7030 namely DG Waddy Sowma, PDG Roger Bose, DGE Dominique Venere, Natalie Gilles and PP Sonya Alleyne. In attendance were twenty Rotarians from the RC Port-of-Spain, the RC Arima, the RC Sangre Grande, the RC Charlieville, the RC San Fernando, the RC San Fernando South, the RC Point Fortin and the RC Princes Town.
The feedback from participating Rotarians was superb – they thoroughly enjoyed the interactive learning style, and felt the entire two days were well organized and sessions were most informative. The two-day event also created an opportunity for great fellowship with fellow Rotarians from all clubs throughout Trinidad and a few of their 7030 District Leaders. Many Rotarians left feeling energized and renewed to be of service to their clubs and the community at large
The Rotary Club of Princes Town in collaboration with the Mayor of the City of San Fernando His Worship Junia Regrello and The Mediation Board of Trinidad and Tobago hosted “A Call For Peace” on 21st September 2017 in celebration of World Peace Day.
The Honourable Mr. Justice Vasheist Kokaram, Chairman of the Mediation Board of T&T delivered the feature address on the concept of a Peace City and special guest Rotarian Geoffrey Little of Sydney Australia, the present Dean of the Ambassadorial Chair of the Rotary District 9700 Peace Communities Programme presented to the audience the concept of Rotary Peace Cities/Communities and their establishment through this Rotary recognised programme.
Highlights of the event were the creative performance in dance and on steel pan of Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World” and the candlelit peace walk around Harris Promenade led by the Petrotrin Cadet Corps and District Governor Waddy Sowma, Club President Bashir Mohammed, Rotarian Geoffrey Little, Mayor Junia Regrello and Justice Vasheist Kokaram at the front line.
In recognition of World Peace Day, The Rotary Club of Princes Town invited fellow Rotarian Mr. Geoffrey Little, also know as the Smiling Policeman, as part of a peace project to speak on the topic of how to establish Rotary Peace Communities/Cities. Mr. Geoffrey Little visited the City of San Fernando where he directed traffic, visited schools and in collaboration with the Mayor of San Fernando and the Police Service spoke to the media about crime prevention and the Rotary peace program.
At our Club meeting on September 13, 2017, the Rotary Club of Princes Town awarded a tertiary scholarship of $10,000.00 to Cervon Cooper who is in his last year at UWI pursuing his Medical Degree.
The Rotary Club of Princes Town is committed to promoting education and endeavour to assist deserving students achieve their goal of completing their studies.
President Bashir expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the members of the Club for their hard work and support at the recent Chokha Fest fundraiser with a cappuccino cheesecake for dessert on Wednesday September 13, 2017.
The Club also recognized the birthdays of September with Rotarians Vishnu
On Saturday September 16, 2017, the Rotary Club of Princes Town sponsored an Eid-ul-Adha programme at the Union Village Mosque Hall, Rio Claro. The programme was open to all members of the community to enlighten them on the meaning of Qurbani or sacrifice that is performed on Eid-ul-Adha.
Imam Shameed welcomed the packed audience and thanked the Princes Town Rotary Club for sponsoring the program. He then introduced President Bashir Mohammed who spoke of Rotary’s commitment to making a difference in their community. The feature speaker, Maulana Atif Majeed, recounted the story of Abraham and Ismail and their selfless sacrifice in serving God. Hafiz Ismail Khan then eloquently recited verses of the Holy Qur’an. The evening came to an end with the distribution of twenty hampers to deserving families and then all the invitees partook of the very tasty dinner provided by the mosque.
The Rotary Club of Princes Town as peacemakers was pleased to be one of the collaborators for the 7th Annual Mediation Symposium hosted by the Mediation Board of Trinidad and Tobago (“MBTT”), which took place during the 11th to 13th September 2017 at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain.
Over the three-day period the Club conducted a Rotary booth on site displaying information as to the upcoming World Peace Day celebrations on the 21st September 2017 which is being hosted by the Club in collaboration with MBTT and His Worship the Mayor of the City of San Fernando Mr. Junia Regrello.
Rotary booklets on peace and Rotary programmes that are geared towards youth involvement were shared with visitors to the booth over the three day period and a number of persons sought information as to Rotary and becoming a Rotarian.
The Rotary Club of Princes Town graciously hosted the Pointe-a-Pierre Club on September 6, 2017 at Canton Palace Restaurant, Cross Crossing San Fernando.
At this joint meeting, Rotarians had the opportunity to rekindle old friendships and make new ones. President Bashir and President Bobby Indar reminisced about the camaraderie that existed between both Clubs and pledged to strengthen the bonds of Rotary between the Clubs.
Mr. Carl Ryan, a Mental Health Consultant and Founder of the Nicer Foundation enlightened the Clubs through a digital presentation on Mental Health and Depression and promoted the week of activities for Mental Health Day on October 10, 2017.
On Saturday 26th August, 2017, the Rotary Club of Princes Town hosted its 24th Annual Chokha Fest at the grounds of the picturesque San Fernando Hill.
Patrons enjoyed a variety of tasty traditional East Indian choka dishes accompanied with hot sada roti (prepared and cooked on-site), fry bake and pepper roti served by Rotarians, their Partners-In-Service, potential Rotarians and friends of the Club.