North St Catherine Rotary Club installs sixth president

Rasbert Turner, Gleaner Writer

The Rotary Club of North St Catherine has installed Gaynor Downer as its sixth president. Downer succeeds Carliss Carty who served the club for the 2011 to 2012 period.

This changing of the guard took place on Sunday, July 15, at the Ewarton Sports Club in St Catherine, where an anniversary dinner took place.

It was a well-attended affair that saw family friends and service club members headed by Custos Sophia Azan, in attendance.

Guest speaker was Ambassador Evadne Coye, who gave a glowing speech in which she implored the Rotarians to use their services to help and strengthen Jamaica.

"We need positive energy to build the country and change its image. Everywhere we go they think we are drug pushers and gangsters. Although it's only a few persons that are involved, it has to change. It will take a unified approach, so as Rotarians, we must start the work," Coye said

She told the gathering that changes start with a vision and they must instil positive vision in the children of the country as negativity can be destructive.

She said her aunt almost shattered her dream to serve in the Diplomatic Corp and she would not want another child to go through that.

"When I wrote my aunt and told her that I wanted to become an ambassador and that she should find out what were the relevant subjects I had to study, I was saddened by the reply. I was told that I had no social backing and was from deep Trelawny. That made me study even harder and the rest is history," Coye revealed.

In her speech, Downer thanked the membership for endorsing her presidency and promised to work for the continued good name of Rotary International.

Immediate Past President Carty wished her successor the best in her tenure and promised to support her wholeheartedly throughout her reign.