The president of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Komal Ramnauth, was installed as the new president of the Rotary Club of Demerara on June 27. In his acceptance speech, he promised effective leadership and dignified service.
Ramnauth is taking over from Lance Hinds, who was recognised for his distinguished service. Ramnauth said that since his induction 15 years ago, life has turned out to be a Rotarian’s dream.
“I cannot remember my first Rotary meeting vividly, but I know it’s been more than 15 years and I’ve lost lots of hair,” the new president said.
Newly-installed President Komal Ramnauth accepts his charter from Assistant Governor Juman Yassin
What Ramnauth does remember is his first experience in the fields, because it left him with a sense of fulfillment after being met by almost a thousand children and playing a role in contributing to their happiness. He said the memory has had a positive impact on him and his decision to continue voluntary work with the club.
Ramanuth promised his fellow Rotarians to serve to the best of his ability and to fulfill the objectives of the club.
“I am extremely honoured to be selected as president of the Rotary Club of Demerara. I am very humbled and grateful for the confidence my fellow Rotarians have shown in me,” Ramnauth remarked.
Rhonda Crawford was adjudged Rotarian of the Year, while Laurie Lewis and Jeanette Frank were both bestowed with the Paul Harris Fellowship, which is presented to a person whose life exemplifies the embodiment of the club.
The Paul Harris Fellowship Programme has saved and invigorated the lives of millions of people around the world.
The new board members are Komal Ramnauth, Lance Hinds, Marcel Gaskin, Eon Caesar, Ian La Fargue, Ramesh Seebarran, Gail Cheong, Rhonda Crawford, Patrick De Groot, Pam Jardine, Sheneeza St Aubyn, and Kester Hutson.
In presenting a report on the club’s activities over the past year, Past President Lance Hinds said that several medical outreaches were held, specifically in rural and hinterland areas.
He noted that projects for the past year were built around diabetes awareness and prevention. He suggested the establishment of a community diabetic service in light of the growing concern over that non-communicable disease.
Hinds revealed that the club was instrumental in the production of a 30-minute video on the disease, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the Diabetic Foundation.
He pointed out that the Membership Committee worked tirelessly on strengthening its existing membership and encouraging new members to join.
At the District Conference, there was a commitment to a net membership of plus-three, and while the club achieved a plus-two membership, it lost one person from the membership roll.
“Since we felt it would be more impacting and serve a great need. The results were a mixed bag, with students approaching members for guidance on career paths and several other issues,” the past president said. The activity also posed several challenges, including the difficulty in keeping the children focused. Hinds mentioned that, as a result of internal and external forces, community high schools face hurdles which can make an event such as a Career Fair more difficult.
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