Day 3 District 7030 PETS, Assembly & Conference 2015

Yet another exciting day in Suriname.

Day 3 started off at the Torarica Hotel conference room at approximately 9am today. We heard from RI's representative Dominique Dubois who shared with us her history in Rotary as from her joining the organization in 2000 but her experience of being "in" Rotary since 1964 when she was still a teenager and her father created a Club. She reminded us that we have chosen to "live in Rotary" because we are ordinary people doing their best to do extraordinary things and help enlighten other people's lives.

We heard from DG Elwin Atmodimedjo who reminded us that April was world Autism month and thanked all clubs for picking up the challenge of doing a project involving Autism.

DG Elwin reminded us that today April 10 was the day the first polio vaccine was administered. The eradication of Polio remains the focus of Rotary International and Rotarians the world over on a daily basis continue to raise funds for the eradication of this dreadful disease in the hope that it would soon be the second epidemic after smallpox to be eradicated.

At the Assembly DG Elwin received a donation to the District of $5,000 USD from the DE SURINAAMSCHE BANK N.V. who made their famous garden available yesterday afternoon for the reception after the opening ceremony at the Cathedral Basilica.

PDG Lara Quentrall Thomas reminded us of the importance of giving to the Rotary Foundation, bringing the audience to laughter with her quick sense of humor at times but reminding us throughout her speech of the responsibility we have as Rotarians to assist those in need and to support the Rotary Foundation.

She imparted that the main cause of death in India of children with Polio was that of snakebites as a result of their inability to run from the snakes and again emphasized the importance of giving to the Polio eradication fund and other funds forming part of the foundation.

Her sentiments were echoed by PDG Cees Dilweg.

DGE Milton Inniss reported a 2 percent increase in membership in the District and urged clubs to add at least 2 Rotarians to its fold in the upcoming year.

PDG Stephen Ramroop updated the Assembly on POLIO and Rotary's efforts to date at eradication. DGN Roger Bose shared with the Assembly his vision/outlook on successful Rotary Clubs and in conclusion DG Elwin took the opportunity to specially recognize Rotarians by the presentation of awards for their efforts during his Rotary year.

Rotarians who attended the conference expressed their satisfaction and left looking forward to an afternoon of cultural entertainment at Sana Budaya.

Debbie Roopchand
Press Office