On May 2, members of the Rotary Clubs of the BVI attended the 51st Annual District P.E.L.S. Assembly and Conference 2025. It began in Florida, with a cultural activity in Miami where delegates represented their country’s cultural diversity.
This great start, saw Rotarians and an impressive number of Rotaractors (Youth Arm or Rotary) boarding Royal Caribbean’s “Freedom of the Seas” where the business of Rotary was conducted.
Humanitarian Work:
Rotarians all over the world embrace “the spirit of service above self” bringing hope and peace to communities, providing clean water, innovative projects in education, health, environmental sustainability, etc.
In addition, the BVI Clubs showcased some of their humanitarian efforts and services, including the Hanwash project in Haiti, donating medical supplies and equipment to Dr. D. Orlando Smith Hospital, refurbishing the Paraquita Bay Board Walk, planting Peace Poles, supporting the peace initiative at Elmore Stoutt High School, cleaning beaches and beautification, providing water tanks and coolers at schools across the BVI, starting and maintaining back yard gardens at schools, recycling programs, starting Interact and Early Act Clubs at school, cleaning beaches and re-planting mangroves, reading programs at schools, scholarships, food supply, financial and other support to those in need, just to name a few.
Rotary contributes significantly to the overall effectiveness of the public by filling gaps, supporting government agencies and various environmental and educational projects.
Awards and Recognition:
All four Clubs: Rotary Club of Tortola, Rotary Club of Road Town, Rotary Club Sunrise of Road Town and Rotary Club Central of Tortola received prestigious diamond awards from the District for the outstanding work they have been doing and continues to do both locally and abroad, during the Rotary year 2024/2025.
Future Leadership:
“We congratulate PAG Elvis (Juggy) Harrigan of the BVI to whom in a line of succession will become the District Governor in 2027/2028.”
Rotary International President for the year 2025/2026 is Mario Cesar Martins de Camargo from Brazil. The District Governor for 2025/2025 is DGE William (Bill) Aiken from Jamaica Assistant Governor. Rosemarie Flax continues in the year 2025/2026.
BVI Presidents for 2025/26 will be –
Rotary Club of Tortola – Rotarian Violet Gaul
Rotary Club of Road Town -Rotarian June Samuel
Rotary Club Sunrise of Road Town – Rotarian Ronn Grant
Rotary Club Central of Tortola – Rotarian Zoe Walcott
Rotary International’s Theme for the year 2025/2026 is “Unite for Good.” Rotary District 7020 includes 83 Rotary Clubs in 10 different countries or territories and worldwide has a membership of over 1.4 million individuals.
The Rotary Clubs are cognizant that there is always a need for help and assistance to Governments and countries; and we are happy to rise to the challenge to provide service where needed.
The 51st Annual Rotary District 7020 P.E.L.S. Assembly and Conference 2025 was a resounding success that energized Rotarians to continue adhering to Rotary’s Motto “Service Above Self”. We look forward in the coming year to work wherever there is a need that we can satisfy.