Monday, August 26, 2013

Reflections from OI-CDC 2013

Governor Lynden says: 
It was indeed another successful convention with everything coming together like an orchestra in performance, the bass keeping the background rich and enjoyable, the strings and wind instruments adding their flavour keeping the melody and harmony, the percussionists filling any gaps with interesting sounds, the tympani; lots on high pitch but adding to the flare and excitement (you can work out who played where - smile).  
Lets now go and ensure that we pass the baton successfully so the next runner can shout enthusiastically, GOT IT!"

GD Nutilia says:
We've got it!! The convention was quite good; packed with training. The injection of fellowship, fun and excitement during the closing session brought out the true spirit of our Optimism. I was a bit disappointed that a number of leaders for our 2013/14 year did not make it to convention. I am pleading with all Optimists; let us make ourselves available for training and do share the information given. The training that is being offered is also for our own personal growth and development. A hearty thank you to all who participated. Congratulations to LDC Barbara on being selected Governor-Elect (2013-2014). As committed Optimists we will continue the great work of our District.
GE Barbara says: 
So much energy in one place, so much enthusiasm, so many people doing good things and these same people itching for opportunities to do more …. People ready to share their ideas and wanting to celebrate the success of others. All of this and yet I was only able to experience one day of the District Convention. 
I want to congratulate all of the officers who attended training. I’m looking forward to working with you over the next twenty five months and beyond.

PDST Heather Says: 

As we re-energize to 'Make a difference...one child at a time', the just concluded Caribbean District Convention reminds us that 'We Got it'! As Optimists we must now dig deep beyond our circumstances and recruit new members to keep the blood line of our organization running.   
I was happy to see the members of our newest club, Sunrise Optimist Club of Newport, out in their numbers...their future is bright and indeed the children they will serve will be better with them as part of our supreme organization.

CP Diana Morrison says:
As someone who is always on the outside (working) at conferences my impressions of the conferences are guided by the feedback I get from the members. For this conference the positive feedback outweighed the negatives. Members, especially the first-timers, were impressed with the workshops offered and the presentations by the  Guest speaker, Mr. Horace Wildes.  
For me the enthusiasm  displayed by the first-timers (especially the members from Sunrise Newport) is something we need to cultivate and return to our more seasoned members. 

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Ready for District Convention...

 i AM READY… r U?
                          EXECUTIVE MEETING  Saturday, August 24 @ 7:30 a.m.



People should be at district convention because it is the BEST WAY to recharge your optimist batteries and you NEVER leave with the same amount of knowledge that you came with... Unless you wanted to! – Claude Reynolds (UWI-Mona)




BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING  Saturday, August 24 @ 3:40 p.m.



Optimists should attend convention and take advantage of the opportunities for fellowship, sharing of best practices with other clubs, and the training in areas that advance their personal growth and development while empowering them to execute projects that bring out the very best in our children. – Lt.G Maxine Francis Riley (North Portmore)




                                               DISTRICT PROJECT Sunday, August 25 @ 1:40 p.m.





Optimism has brought different and unique persons together for one great cause, let us redouble our efforts in unity at this convention to continue the mandate as 'Friend of Youth' while we fellowship with the persons we have also made lasting friendships with.PDST Heather Chin-Walker (Sunset Liguanea).




                   HOUSE OF OPTIMISM  Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 am 

Monday, August 12, 2013

Select Activities of OI-CDC 2013

FRIDAY 23RD AUGUST 2013
Governor's Welcome Reception

SATURDAY 24th August 2013
Opening Ceremony
Set to begin at 9:30 in the morning this event features guest speaker, Mr Horace Wildes, Branch Manager, Jamaica Money Market Brokers (JMMB), Ocho Rios. The countries from which member clubs make up the District will be recognized in the usually exciting Parade of Flags.
The First General Session is scheduled for 11:00 am to be chaired by District Governor Lynden Buchanan. Committee reports on the life of the district will be taken. At 2:00 p.m. is Presidents-elect Training to be followed by the Board of Directors’ Meeting at 3:40.
At 8:00 in the evening, the gala affair that promises to be another of the traditionally unforgettable activities of the convention is the Installation Ceremony at which Governor-elect Nutilia Simon and her team of Lieutenant Governors and Chairpersons will take their oaths of office and outline their plans for the 2013-2014 Optimist year.

SUNDAY 25th MAY 2013
At 9:00 am, join the team for Inspirational Moments - a multi-denominational devotional exercise that awakens the spiritual energies.
The Second General Session is set for 9:45 at which time the business of the District will further take shape. Along with the strategies on how to finish strong, the election of the 2013-2014 governor-elect will also unfold.

Sunday, August 4, 2013

R U ready for OI-CDC 2013 @ Jewel Runaway Bay?

THE OPTIMIST International Caribbean District Convention - OI-CDC 2013 is one of those events not to be missed. It is packed full of fun, fellowship and masterful training that enhance personal development as well as inspire Optimism. Voluntary service and leadership sure make for an awesome combination.

The children, to whom Optimists have an unflinching commitment and resolute mission to serve, are obviously  priority throughout the year; but when it comes to the annual convention, this is when individual Optimists sharpen their skills, strengthen the collective, and chart new and exciting ways forward on the path to bringing hope and positive vision to the world. Incoming leaders for the 2013-2014 year and fellow Optimists will converge for what strictly speaking should be the 17th such gathering since the Jamaica district was elevated to Caribbean district status in 1996
This year the District Convention will be held at the beautiful and enchanting Jewel Runaway Bay Beach and Golf Resort in St. Ann, Jamaica and generally we are looking forward to what tradition says should be an engaging and fulfilling weekend. 
The confab kicks off on the evening of Friday, August 23 with talent-giving expose of a welcome reception. Saturday morning's edu-taining display of pomp, pageantry and public oratory in the opening ceremony kicks off the official business of the convention which include the training sessions for officers-elect, as well as the general sessions, development workshops and special meetings. Fabulous comes to town on Saturday evening for the enchanting Installation ceremony for the 2013-2014 team to be led by incoming governor, Nutila Simon.  And ending the confab will be the high-energy spirit raising closing session on Sunday August 25. 
Well guess what?  I AM READY… R U? 
Here are a few good reasons why you too should be there:



District convention is an opportunity to charge our batteries! Fellowship, training, motivation… help decide the future of our beloved district. I will be there; you should be too! – IVP Sonia Anderson (St. Ann’s Bay)

Convention 2013 will be invigorating! Join us as we reflect on the impact we have made on our youth so far and welcome the 2014 team in style. Finish strong! – Governor Lynden Buchanan (Mamee Bay)



We should be at convention for ongoing training, fun, fellowship, meeting the leadership team for 2013/14, excitement, and total involvement. – Governor-Elect Nutilia Simon (St Johns, Antigua).


It is the best way I know to catch up with my Optimist family... to hear all that is happening and has happened over the last year. Awesome fellowship, great training opportunities, and a feeding frenzy of Optimism – PG Joe Benfield (Barbados, Bridgetown).




Convention is the best place to network with peers in your district and foster symbiotic learning about the organization.  – Club president-elect Tetrice Prendergast (Sunset Liguanea).