|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2017 - 1:45:37 AM |
Over 300 Rotarians from Florida and Grand Bahama attended the Multi-District Conference, May 1-4 at the Grand Lucayan Resort. (Photo by Clifford Bowe)
|
Freeport, Grand Bahama – The island of Grand Bahama was buzzing with community-minded visitors May 1-4 as over 300 Rotary Club members from across Florida came together with the four Rotary Clubs on Grand Bahama for their annual District Conference.
“All in all this conference was an overwhelming success; our Florida counterparts were overwhelmed with the hospitality shown to them by their Bahamian Rotary hosts,” said Mike Stafford, Assistant Rotary District Governor for District 6990/Grand Bahama and conference chair.
“Ellen Blasi, current 6990 District Governor, had attended a District Conference on the island in 2002 and vowed that when her time came she would hold one here. Two other districts joined in for a total of 330 Florida Rotarians joining us for the weekend,” he added.
The four-day conclave featured Mike Webb, RI Director and Past President of Rotary International Ireland and the British Isles, as the official representative of RI President Ron Burton. He spoke to the commitment that Rotarians are making around the world and how close Rotary is to eradicating polio from the planet.
Tim-Mike-Roger - (L-R) Rotary District 6960 Governor Tim Milligan, District 6990 Assistant Governor for Grand Bahama Mike Stafford, and District 6950 Governor Roger Proffer pose with the Rotary bell they rang to get the party started during the Rotary Multi-District Conference, held May 1-4 at the Grand Lucayan Resort in Freeport. (Photo by Derek Carroll)
|
After the event Mr. Webb commented, “The excellent multi district conference comprising Rotary Clubs from three districts in Florida and Grand Bahama was a tremendous success. The organisation of the event exemplified the teamwork between the districts and enabled an exchange of ideas and projects. The whole conference was vibrant, full of Rotary ideas, fun and fellowship. I shall be reporting the success of the conference to the International President of Rotary and encouraging other districts to join together for their annual conference.”
Other speakers included Past General Secretary and Chief Operating Officer of Rotary International Ed Futa, who hails from Hawaii, and past RI Director John Smarge, from Naples, FL. Both men spoke on how Rotary impacts the world in meaningful ways and how successful Rotary is as a result of building relationships leading to better service throughout their various communities and the world.
In addition to seminars and speakers the visiting Rotarians were also able to enjoy true Bahamian hospitality as early conference arrivals were treated to ‘Home Hospitality’ arranged by the four Rotary Clubs on Grand Bahama. Once the official program kicked off the Ministry of Tourism sponsored a fun welcome party on the beach at the newly refurbished Bahamas Adventures.
Many of the dignitaries were able to visit and learn more about the Rotary Water Plant near Hawksbill and how important it becomes after a hurricane affects the island. They were so impressed with the water project that it will be showcased internationally as an example of a sustainable project resulting from on-island clubs, including Rotaract, working in cooperation in their own community.
Worker Girls – Hard-working Rotary Club of Freeport ladies served up hospitality and cake during the ‘Home Hospitality’ night. (Courtesy Rotary Club of Freeport)
|
Jane Goble, District 6960 conference co-chair noted, “There were so many new relationships formed that will last a lifetime, and joint projects were discussed on how clubs in Florida can partner with the GBI clubs. We were also very impressed by the close working relationship between the Freeport clubs. This is truly a very special place with great Rotarians.”
Stafford summed up the weekend by saying that he has received nothing but compliments on the conference and wanted to thank the management and staff at the Grand Lucayan, the Ministry of Tourism, Forbes Charter Company, the four Club Presidents and all the GBI Rotarians who rolled out the red carpet and made this conference such an overwhelming success.
Rotary Club of Freeport member Vicky Martel displays one of the Rotary Water Plant trailers during the Rotary Multi-District Conference, May 1-4 at the Grand Lucayan Resort. (Courtesy Rotary Club of Freeport)
|
Keynote speaker Ed Futa hails from Hawaii. (Photo by Derek Carroll)
|
Rotarians enjoyed true Bahamian hospitality at the newly refurbished Bahamas Adventures sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism. (Photos by Clifford Bowe)
|
Rotarians enjoyed true Bahamian hospitality at the newly refurbished Bahamas Adventures sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism. (Photos by Clifford Bowe)
|
Rotarians enjoyed true Bahamian hospitality at the newly refurbished Bahamas Adventures sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism. (Photos by Clifford Bowe)
|
Rotarians enjoyed true Bahamian hospitality at the newly refurbished Bahamas Adventures sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism. (Photos by Clifford Bowe)
|
Rotarians enjoyed true Bahamian hospitality at the newly refurbished Bahamas Adventures sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism. (Photos by Clifford Bowe)
|
© Copyright 2014 by thebahamasweekly.com
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
