New St Andrew Rotary president to bolster support to Allman Town Primary

The newly installed president of the Rotary Club of St Andrew is planning to expand support for the Allman Town Primary School Literacy Programme, to include professional assessments for students with learning challenges, conflict resolution workshops, and broader community involvement in reading initiatives.

Sonia Nicholson was officially installed as president of the club for the 2025–2026 Rotary year during a banquet ceremony held on July 9 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

With the theme ‘Unite for Good’, Nicholson’s inaugural address reflected on her journey to Rotary leadership, her personal values of service, and the club’s continued commitment to national development through literacy and community engagement.

“My journey to this moment began without even realising it,” she said. “Helping others was always a part of daily life. I stand on the shoulders of those who came before me — Rotarians, family members, and especially my grandmother and grandfather, who shaped my passion for service.”

Nicholson said the literacy programme, which is the Club’s flagship project, has transformed the lives of more than 50 students and their families.

“Literacy is not just a school problem — it is a national one,” she declared. “And, in the true Rotary spirit of partnership, we’re calling on local and international clubs, stakeholders, and friends to join us in tackling this issue. We’re not just changing lives — we’re transforming communities.”

Nicholson’s address was met with enthusiastic support from a full house of Rotarians, guests, and dignitaries, including District Governor Professor William ‘Bill’ Aiken, who brought greetings and encouraged members to live the theme of Rotary District 7020: ‘Recognise Needs, Transform Lives’.

Guest speaker Marian Ross-Ammar, vice-president of trading and investment at Sterling Asset Management, shared how Sterling was born during a time of national and global crisis and has continued to thrive and remain profitable through each challenge it faced. She noted the parallels between Sterling’s resilience and the Rotary spirit of service, highlighting the importance of building a strong foundation and staying committed to a long-term vision, even in the face of adversity.