In welcoming newly-elected executives of Rotary and Rotaract clubs on Grand Bahama, Minister Darville commended the Rotarians for the difference they make in the lives of Grand Bahamians through service.

Their unstinting service mission that has benefited the Grand Bahama community for many years, he noted, is in spirit “similar to the government’s mandate for Grand Bahama — to place our local economy on the road to recovery; and to ensure that our people are in a good position to reap the benefits.”

He spoke during a courtesy call at his office on July 14 with District Assistant Governor Deborah Delancy; Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise President Felix Bowe, Jr.; Eight Mile Rock Rotaract President Dramaine Major; and Freeport Rotaract President James Burrows.

Rotary service programmes on Grand Bahama are supported through four Rotary Clubs and two Rotaract Clubs. Presidents of the clubs are curently: Felix Bowe Jr., Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunrise; Carol Rolle, Rotary Club of Lucaya; Darren Cooper, Rotary Club of Freeport; and Phillip Armbrister, Rotary Club of Grand Bahama Sunset.  Rotaract Presidents are: Dramaine Major, Rotaract Club of Eight Mile Rock; and James Burrows, Rotaract Club of Freeport. Rotaract Clubs are community-based and comprise the future leaders of Rotary.

Rotary’s presence has been deeply felt throughout the entire island of Grand Bahama because of the commitment and effort of its club members.  Countless projects and contributions continue to positively impact the local communities.

Projects include the adoption of the Beacon School, where a state-of-the-art playground was constructed a few years ago, graciously donated by Rotarian Karen Clarke.

Each year many schools receive books, dictionaries, and backpacks.

The Literacy programme was established to teach adults how to read.

And countless scholarships have been awarded locally and internationally.