The Presidency of the Anguilla Rotary Club was handed over from Calvert Carty to Seymour Hodge at a dinner held at Cedar Grove Restaurant on Saturday July 4. Assistant Governor for the Rotary District 70/20, Louis Weaver, put the chain of office on Seymour Hodge and pinned other members of the new board.

New Rotary Board with Louis Weaver at right

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Rotarian Courtney Abel who described Rotarians as giving humanitarian service, having high ethical standards and creating goodwill around the world. He said the Club is a group of professional and business persons who meet weekly. He introduced Rev Menes Hodge, the only founder member present, to deliver the invocation.

The Governor of the District, Wilf Wilkinson, sent a message that was read by Preston Bryan. He gave his apologies for not attending and referred to this year’s Rotary theme, “Rotary Shares” that describes the special common thread that binds Rotarians, the personal commitment to share time, talents, treasure and empathy for the communities of the world.

Top table at Rotary Dinner

“Our compassion and our ability to open our hearts to those in need, combined with our commitment to share our time, talent and treasures for those who are less fortunate, is also what makes Rotary so magical,” he said. He mentioned Rotary’s contribution to the needy of the world and urged members to be proud of their achievements and the part they have played.

His Excellency the Governor Andrew George wished the incoming committee all the best and thanked the outgoing committee for their work. He expressed the hope that there will be no more shooting incidents on the island, saying that the rapid social change has brought about some of the problems. He suggested that Rotary need to help in these circumstances and it is important for the community to all work together. The Governor invited all present to join him in a toast to Her Majesty the Queen.

Louis Weaver investing Seymour Hodge

Harris Richardson proposed a toast to Anguilla and Louis Weaver proposed a toast to Rotary International. Weaver thanked the outgoing board and welcomed the new President and his Board and wished them all the best for the coming year. He said that the Rotary family was very strong and that the theme for this year (“Rotary Shares”) was very appropriate. He said that this year should see the eradication of polio worldwide, thanks to the work of Rotary members.

President Hodge said that he was honoured and humbled to be president and with the help and support of the Board and members he would do his best to meet the challenge. He said there were many worthwhile projects in the community and he planned to make it a fun year while helping youth programmes, improving the public image, creating a five year plan and having programmes for health and education.

Past District Governor Dr Victor Gibbs, thanked everyone for supporting Rotary and helping them to help others. He said that there were 69 clubs in the Rotary District and the Assistant Governor was responsible for Anguilla, St Barths and the three clubs in St Maarten. He wished the Anguilla Club a happy and fruitful year. In recognition of the work of Rotary around the world he presented the President with a plaque and Dr Lloyd with a book of Rotary stamps. He advised, “Love others, make sad people happy.”

Following the investiture of the Board and speeches there was a raffle for several items and door prizes and an auction organized by Rotarian Louis Bardfield. The vote of thanks was given by Rotarian Lester Forman.

The new Rotary Board comprises President Seymour Hodge, Vice President Eustella Fontaine, Secretary Don Mitchell, Treasurer Preston Bryan, Sergeant at Arms Louis Bardfield, International Director Lester Forman, Club Administrator Franklin Lloyd, and Community Service, Anne Edwards.

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