Presidential Handover 2016

 

The Rotary Club of  Princes Town hosted its 23^rd annual Hand Over Ceremony in recognition of the successful completion of the term in office of the Club’s Directors for the Rotary year 2015-2016 and the presentation of its incoming Directors for the Rotary year 2016-2017.

 

The gala Ceremony chaired by Rotarian Bashir Mohammed took place at South Napa on Friday 01^st July 2016 and involved outgoing President Dr. Ronald Gobin’s passing of the mantle of leadership to Attorney at Law Debbie Roopchand who would now serve as the Club’s President for 2016-2017.   

 

The Ceremony was well attended by the Club’s Rotarians, their partners in service, members of the recently formed Interact Club of Princes Town West Secondary School, children of Rotary and specially invited guests who supported the Club during the past Rotary year in its many charitable activities. 

 

In special attendance on his first day in office was District Governor Roger Bose who brought greetings on behalf of the District and celebrated the occasion with the Club.

 

At the ceremony outgoing President Dr. Ronald Gobin outlined the Club’s achievements under his leadership.  The Paul Harris Fellow recognition which recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International was awarded to Rotarian Terrance Gopaul and to one of the Club’s active volunteers Dr. Valluri Pattabhi Rama Rao. 

 

The event featured live entertainment by children of Rotary Anushka Ramlogan and Selena Ali both of the Shiv Shakti Dance Company and a rendition of the National Anthem on Steelpan and popular soca song Cheers to Life by Pannist Kyle Ali also a child of Rotary. The Club’s Honorary Rotarian Michael Salickram, owner of the Shiv Shakti Dance Company was in attendance and witnessed his students live performances.

 

American Violinist Tracy Scott wowed the audience with her live rendition of Coldplay’s Viva La Vida. 

 

In closing President Debbie Roopchand announced her presidential theme: “Life’s most urgent and persistent question is, ‘what are you doing for others?’ as posited by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr over half a century ago, stressing its relevance up to today, and welcomed her Board of Directors to centre stage as the sounds of popular soca song “Champion” played in the background.