On October 28th 2025, the Rotary Club of Sint Maarten-Mid Isle held our General Meeting with District Governor William "Bill" Aiken!
At our meeting, PDG Louis sang Happy Birthday for Rotarian Alex from the Rotary Club of St. Martin Sunset in various different languages!
AG Elisia welcomed everyone and introduced DG William “Bill” Aiken
DG Bill was impressed with the clubs contributions to the community. And he said that we punch well above our weight
He also spoke about Hurricane Melissa and the destruction in Jamaica and he was thankful that his wife stayed behind so she can take care of the five kids
He shared a quote from his Grandfather which was: “For every disappointment, there is good”.
One of the highlights of visiting St. Maarten is seeing the number of interactors and how active they are.
DG Bill said that we need to expose young people to leadership, diversity and integrity . And he said he can’t think of any other island where Interactors are more active than St. Maarten
Notes from RI and District 7020 are for Rotarians to collaborate with other like minded organizations or governments who share Rotary’s Service Above Self.
When we collaborate we can achieve more and
Rotary International is asking for Clubs to partner with fellow Rotary clubs and organizations .
DG Bill said he spoke with Prime Minister Luc Mercelina who said that Rotary is a trusted partner. He was happpy to hear the African proverb: “If you want to go fast you go alone, but if you want to go far you go together”.
Rotary International wants clubs to do needs assessments. And not to be afraid to take on big problems in the community and continue to solve problems in 3 to 5 years. So then Incoming Presidents can continue the good work
DG Bill is asking clubs to increase awareness of cardiovascular disease on socials and risk factors.
Make sure Rotarians are trained for this.
Find a place that had a lot of movement and put a defibrillator, it can save a life.
He also invited everyone to the District Conference in Jamaica.
At that time, already 500 persons have been registered
President Esmeralde thanked DG Bill and AG Elisia. And she mentioned the guests that were present.
She also thanked all of the members who assisted with projects, and mentioned the end polio walkathon that had recently been completed.
New Generations Chair Jon introduced the Interactors present from the St. Dominic High School. President Tanya Halley welcomed everyone and thanked us for the invitation. She spoke about fundraisers and bake sales that were coming up for Interact week including movie night and dress up days, etc.
She also gave her heartfelt sympathies for Jamaica and said prayers for Jamaica.
After that, President Esmeralde presented DG Bill with the pelican painted by the Interact Club of St. Dominic High School
President Esmeralde asked visiting Rotarian Gabrielle from Holland to come forward and presented the Club banner to her.
We met her at the end polio walkathon and she said she would be back with her clubs flag. And she felt very welcome
Towards the end of the meeting, a birthday cake was brought out for Rotarian Alex’s birthday! 🎉 🍰
The Rotarians , Interactors and Guests donated a total of $600.00 USD towards the Jamaica Disaster Fund and this was initiated by IPP Yvette!
AG Elisia welcomed everyone and introduced DG William “Bill” Aiken
DG Bill was impressed with the clubs contributions to the community. And he said that we punch well above our weight
He also spoke about Hurricane Melissa and the destruction in Jamaica and he was thankful that his wife stayed behind so she can take care of the five kids
He shared a quote from his Grandfather which was: “For every disappointment, there is good”.
One of the highlights of visiting St. Maarten is seeing the number of interactors and how active they are.
DG Bill said that we need to expose young people to leadership, diversity and integrity . And he said he can’t think of any other island where Interactors are more active than St. Maarten
Notes from RI and District 7020 are for Rotarians to collaborate with other like minded organizations or governments who share Rotary’s Service Above Self.
When we collaborate we can achieve more and
Rotary International is asking for Clubs to partner with fellow Rotary clubs and organizations .
DG Bill said he spoke with Prime Minister Luc Mercelina who said that Rotary is a trusted partner. He was happpy to hear the African proverb: “If you want to go fast you go alone, but if you want to go far you go together”.
Rotary International wants clubs to do needs assessments. And not to be afraid to take on big problems in the community and continue to solve problems in 3 to 5 years. So then Incoming Presidents can continue the good work
DG Bill is asking clubs to increase awareness of cardiovascular disease on socials and risk factors.
Make sure Rotarians are trained for this.
Find a place that had a lot of movement and put a defibrillator, it can save a life.
He also invited everyone to the District Conference in Jamaica.
At that time, already 500 persons have been registered
President Esmeralde thanked DG Bill and AG Elisia. And she mentioned the guests that were present.
She also thanked all of the members who assisted with projects, and mentioned the end polio walkathon that had recently been completed.
New Generations Chair Jon introduced the Interactors present from the St. Dominic High School. President Tanya Halley welcomed everyone and thanked us for the invitation. She spoke about fundraisers and bake sales that were coming up for Interact week including movie night and dress up days, etc.
She also gave her heartfelt sympathies for Jamaica and said prayers for Jamaica.
After that, President Esmeralde presented DG Bill with the pelican painted by the Interact Club of St. Dominic High School
President Esmeralde asked visiting Rotarian Gabrielle from Holland to come forward and presented the Club banner to her.
We met her at the end polio walkathon and she said she would be back with her clubs flag. And she felt very welcome
Towards the end of the meeting, a birthday cake was brought out for Rotarian Alex’s birthday! 🎉 🍰
The Rotarians , Interactors and Guests donated a total of $600.00 USD towards the Jamaica Disaster Fund and this was initiated by IPP Yvette!