Heather Chin-WalkerOI-Caribbean District Secretary-Treasurer
KINGSTON, Jamaica:
THE THIRD quarter regional meeting in Barbados held on Saturday May 26, 2012 can only be described as a huge success. The team in Barbados absolutely out-did themselves with the planning of this meeting. From airport pick-up to the social at Lantern's Mall on Friday; hosting of a very engaging and productive meeting to the evening Lyme at President Marcel's home on Saturday; and Sunday's island tour the experience was not only on point but very refreshing and exciting.
There were 57 registered members in attendance including 20 first timers and eight life members. Past International Vice President Adrian Elcock and Past Governor Carol Haynes provided strong leadership and were especially good at facilitating the very informative and interactive training session on Creative Problem Solving.
Delegates were also thrilled by the performances of our young people: 15 year-old Jamal Slocombe rendered a song while Deshon Griffith, the winner of the district essay competition, and Janeil Odle, second place in district oratorical competition presented their pieces to a very receiving audience which included other contestants and their teachers. The two contestants were also featured in an article published by the Nation News on the meeting along with special references to the keynote speaker, Kemar Saffrey and planning committee chair, Lieutenant Governor for Zone 12, Jo-Ann Jordan.
Saffrey, a young man of 23 years is making
a name for himself with his charity, Barbados Vagrants and Homeless
Society. He started this charity on his own after seeing the need of
the homeless and reaching out to help them with a meal, clothing and
shelter. His efforts demonstrate how the 'Power of One' can make a difference and underscores the theme for the 2011-2012 year. The power-of-one-Governor,
Dwight Phillips also made a courtesy call on Acting Governor
General Elliott Belgrave, who will be officially taking office on June
1, 2012.
Governor Dwight and I were
happy to attend the meeting and thank all delegates for making it Barbados. The
planning committee led by LtG Jo-Ann was truly outstanding and
deserving of our deep appreciation. Special mention to
the Masters of ceremonies Michael Jules (Mike1) and Michael James
(Mike2) who guided everything so smoothly; Optimist Margot Aquan and her team for the elegant and delicious lunch at 3Ws Oval on the UWI, Cave Hill campus; President Marcel for his "Taste of Barbados" home and Presidents Michael Jules and Richard
Winckler along with S/T Darshani Workman for the tour; and GA Avon Carty and CP
Nutilia Simon who represented Anguilla and Antigua respectively.
This year the third quarter regional meetings take place in Barbados and Jamaica and so now we move to the second round at Idler's Rest in Black River, Jamaica on Saturday, June 2, 2012.
This year the third quarter regional meetings take place in Barbados and Jamaica and so now we move to the second round at Idler's Rest in Black River, Jamaica on Saturday, June 2, 2012.
 |
| L-R:OI Caribbean District Governor Dwight Phillips and Actg. Governor General of Barbados Elliott Belgrave |
It was truly a pleasure having Gov Dwight, DST Heather, GA Avon and CP Nutilia with us in Barbados. Even though the numbers of visiting Optimists were low, we had a blast and we look forward to another opportunity to host. Perhaps a full conference weekend this time around? LTG Jo-ann (Zone 12)
ReplyDelete