Training highlights for Q4 District Convention

THE SECOND call for Caribbean District Convention 2012 is out and so too are the training highlights. The quarterly district gatherings are great opportunities for personal growth and improvement, fellowship and networking; but the Q 4 conventions - as is customary in the Optimist movement - are specially designed for that and much more.
One of the special Q4 features is the training for incoming officers which is aimed at ensuring that the new team are well prepared for their special assignments in advancing the welfare of Caribbean children. This objective also means that the trainers who are selected are among those recognized by the movement as exceptional in their area; they are able to bring the kind of expertise that will  guarantee all delegates a meaningful and productive experience.

Among those set to take the training to a different level at the Power-of-One Convention 2012 are:
Past International Vice President and 2011-2012 New Club Building chair for Optimist International, James "Jim" Oliver (Optimist club of Van Nuys-Airport, California)

Past International Vice President  and 2011-2012 District Chair for Leadership & Development, Edwin Wint (Optimist club of Kingston Breakfast)

International Vice President Designate and Certified Club Trainer
Sonia Anderson (Optimist club of St Ann's Bay)

Past District Secretary-Treasurer and Certified District Trainer,
Barbara Arrindell (Optimist club of St. John's, Antigua)

Past Lieutenant Governor, Faith McFarquhar-Gordon (Optimist club of Sunset Kingston)

These facilitators are outstanding Optimists in their own right; but they also bring to the convention professional and academic qualification of the highest quality in leadership, management, and human resource development from both the public and private sectors. Together they make an awesome team whose sessions should not be missed. The conference planning committee is promising all delegates to the Caribbean District Convention 2012 "the best experience ever!".
Friday August 24
2:00 - 6:00 PM

LIEUTENANT GOVERNORS TRAINING

Saturday August 25
8:00 - 9:15 AM

CLUB ADMINISTRATION

2:00 - 3:30 PM (Concurrent Sessions)

LEADERSHIP PARADIGMS 

PRESIDENTS AND SECRETARY-TREASURERS

ORIENTATION FOR NEW OPTIMISTS

Sunday August 26
9:00 AM (General Session)

GROWTH IMPERATIVES - CLOSING THE DEAL

Governor's Jamaica50 Indepedence Message

August 6, 2012
Kingston, Jamaica

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE Fellow Optimists,
I hope that none of you were affected by the recent passing of Ernesto; that you are all safe and dry.
As we celebrate our 50th anniversary as an independent nation, we can look back on all the positive achievements that we have enjoyed. Yes, there are some negatives as well, but let us focus, let us shine our light on the positives, as Optimists do (to look on the sunny side of everything), to light a trail for the leaders of tomorrow, our youth.  We have a lot to thank God for: the gift of life, the ability to help others, the ability to dream and realize our dreams. It is my wish that you all enjoy this independence holiday and really feel liberated and empowered as optimists, and realize the tremendous influence that you wield.
If you observed both the 100 meters men & women finals, you would have noticed that the winners, Usain & Shelly-Ann, came from behind, pressed forward and became victorious, and achieved their objective. Likewise, the Caribbean District needs to emulate these two sprinting stars, to come from behind, press forward and finish STRONG. Yes, you have been hearing this phrase and rally cry for some time now (Finish Strong). What does it mean to finish strong?
To Finish Strong, we as clubs need to ensure that we recruit and admit like-minded individuals to our clubs to assist us in our optimist work; to ensure that all the paper works are done and reports sent in on time; that we are dues compliant - both OI & District; to expand the movement to areas where there are no clubs to serve the communities; and just to continue doing the wonderful projects in an effort to aid and encourage the development of Youth.
At this time I want to encourage you all to register for the convention in August, which promises to be an enjoyable and memorable one, so that as a district, we can truly Finish Strong.
All the best, and take care,
Gov. Dwight
The Power of One

National Pledge of Jamaica

Before God and all mankind, 
I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart, 
the wisdom and courage of my mind, 
the strength and vigour of my body 
in the service of my fellow citizens; 
I promise to stand up for Justice, 
Brotherhood and Peace, 
to work diligently and creatively, 
to think generously and honestly, 
so that Jamaica may, under God, 
increase in beauty, 

fellowship and prosperity, 
and play her part in advancing the welfare of the whole human race.

The fastest man on earth... BOLT

This is how we beat them...good and proper!

A JAMAICA WE COME FROM.

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce: Making history

Two in a row and one more in the bag of triumph over adversity. Congrats.

 http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5itU_m41jzlqHS8vV6y3k45KUnpNw?docId=ac52d5f39d2847038eebf656085d7024

http://www.nj.com/olympics/index.ssf/2012/08/london_olympics_shelly-ann_fra.html

Sunset Jamaica Grande for Caribbean District Convention

THE OPTIMIST International Caribbean District Convention 2012 is set to unfold at the Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa this August 24 - 26.

My first District Convention in 2008 was actually at this same resort; and as Optimists we have been there many times before. Recently, it was the resort of choice for Past International Vice President Adrian Elcock to hold the Southeast region Parallel District Conference in November 2010. But the history notes also tell us that the first ever Jamaica Convention in August 1993 unfolded at the Jamaica Grande. To many, this property is the centre-piece of tourism in Ocho Rios, St Ann; and with justification.

For starters, the resort is a great weekend escape to a fantastic all-inclusive fare of enchanting comfort, exquisite dining, and fun-filled activities. From waterfalls to plunge pools and swim-up bars to sensational water sports, full-service spa, air conditioned fitness centre, and unparalleled night time entertainment, fun time and fellowship are easily covered. A choice of six restaurants and a couple grills provide a full range of gastronomic cuisines and flavours.   And guess what? You can take the children and not worry about their having a whale of a good time! 

Of course, the more than 30,000 square feet of indoor meeting space make it the largest in Jamaica. With all meeting rooms located on the same level and with the support of modern technology convention delegates can be guaranteed ease and convenience.  
District Conventions are always must-be-at events. Inspiring. Breath-taking. Stimulating. Empowering. Motivating. If that's the experience you are looking for this August then the Power of One Caribbean District Convention at Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa promises that and more - much more!

Book now and let there be no empty beds!

Freedom!... for the children too.

As Jamaica celebrates Emancipation Day this August 1, let us as Optimists remember children across the world who are enslaved. The historians tell us that the reading of the emancipation proclamation on the morning of August 1, 1834 ended slavery in the British colonies.  History also tells us that full free did not come until four years later August 1, 1838.  On this Augus mawnin 2012, let us not take our freedom of the last 174 years for granted. Neither should we ignore the evidence that millions of people around the world are still being enslaved; and among those in slavery most are children.  We have a responsibility, especially as Optimists, to use freedom as a platform for advancing the inherent right of every child to human dignity and harmonious development. When all is said and done, if all our children are not free then where are we as humanity? Freedom for the children; freedom for all.