Found at: http://www.anguillaguide.com/article/articleprint/2844/-1/132/
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Barbadian Businessman Becomes 14th Governor Of Optimist International Caribbean District
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The Caribbean District of Optimist International announces that Adrian Elcock has been elected as its 14th Governor for the Optimist year October 1, 2005 to September 30, 2006.
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Adrian Elcock
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Elcock, 35, is a Barbadian businessman who has been an Optimist member since 1997, and has risen through the ranks of the organization to attain this position. He holds the distinction of being the youngest person ever to be elected to the office of Governor.
As Governor, Elcock will be responsible for charting the course of the District’s 2,000 plus members in seventy plus Optimist Clubs spread over twelve Caribbean countries. Each club is responsible for creating a series of programs that will enhance the betterment of Caribbean youth and communities. The Caribbean District’s primary focus is on educational projects such as reading initiatives; essay writing and oratorical contests, and signing contests for the deaf and hard of hearing.
When asked about his primary concern for the Caribbean’s social development program, Elcock noted that, “across the Caribbean, there continue to be significant challenges for island Governments to create a level of social transformation that would create a platform for our island states to reach a developed status. These challenges remain prevalent primarily because of the inability to separate politics from the equation and, as such, people remain in an ever-present state of cynicism towards many of the initiatives put in place by the Region’s transformation agencies.” Elcock went on to endorse the necessity for all persons to become part of the movement for social change by becoming members of various NGOs and community based organizations. He says: “It is the citizenry of our islands that needs to play a role in achieving this social transformation. It is the only way that our youth and communities will continue to positively develop, thereby making our Region a haven of social and economic prosperity, and the envy of others the world over.”
Elcock indicated that he plans to continue the programs that are already functioning across the Caribbean, but his primary focus will be the development of a Caribbean-wide initiative to continue the focus on the HIV/AIDS pandemic that continues to hinder the social and economic development of the Region. This focus will see the organization’s members working in various programs within their communities to sensitize persons to the disease, especially as it relates to youth. Elcock will also launch the Optimist International Caribbean District Youth Foundation, which will be a Caribbean wide fund to assist the organization in providing educational grants and to facilitate development works in needy communities throughout the Caribbean. It is hoped that the Foundation will attract at least US$100,000 in donations and grants through the support of the Regional private sector and various Caribbean philanthropists.
Elcock acknowledged that the Organization is not easily recognizable to the Caribbean public, although members contribute hundreds of thousands of hours and dollars every year to various projects throughout the Region. As such, he intends to strengthen the publicity arm of the District, so that it is more visible to the media and the public.
The Caribbean District of Optimist International is part of Optimist International, which is the fourth largest service organization in the world. Optimists have been working in the Caribbean for over twenty-five (25) years. All of their activities are done through member volunteers and there is always a need for additional persons to join the organization. To find out more about joining Optimist International email district78@optimist.org.