Twin Club Agreement - A First for the Caribbean
In early June 2007, President Owen Chance of the Rotaract Club of Georgetown (Guyana, District 7030) reached out by email to dozens of Rotaractors around the world, inviting them to participate in an international fellowship camp being hosted by his Club. The email was received by Vice President Victor Crumbley of the Rotaract Club of Grand Cayman (Cayman Islands, District 7020), and the rest, as they say, is history.
Intrigued by the geographical reach of such a partnership and similarities such as identically named capital cities, the Rotaract Club of Georgetown and the Rotaract Club of Grand Cayman officially twinned in Georgetown, Guyana on 1 September 2007.
Immediate Past President Dorothy Scott and Rotaractor Cathrine Welds travelled from Grand Cayman to Guyana to participate in the fellowship and the twinning ceremony. During their visit they were fully immersed in Guyanese culture and made a donation of school supplies to the rural Amerindian community of Rockstone where over 50 students are taught in a one-room building with no electricity or running water. In addition, the Grand Cayman Club donated books and supplies to the Georgetown Club's literary project in the Sophia squatter area, an under developed community where there are still many homes with no electricity or water supply and in some areas no proper drainage or roads. After interacting with the Sophia children and parents, the Caymanians toured Sophia with their Guyanese hosts to scout a location for a permanent library - a major community service goal of the Georgetown Club.
In addition, the clubs have embarked on a successful friendship exchange, called the Club-Pals project where members of each club are paired to promote international fellowship and the current RI theme, "Rotary Shares". The project has been particularly useful for the young Grand Cayman Club which benefits from the experience and advice of the 23 year old Guyanese Club.
The Rotaract Club of Georgetown is an active member of District 7030 and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Georgetown. District 7030 spans the eastern Caribbean from St. Kitts to French Guiana.
The Rotaract Club of Grand Cayman of District 7020 was chartered on 15 December 2006 and is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sunrise. The Club was named District 7020 Club of the Year and received a Rotary International Presidential Citation during its charter year. The current President, Mikana Scott may be contacted by clicking the link on the homepage of this website.
Photo Caption: President Owen and IPP Dorothy exchange Club T-Shirts during the twinning ceremony held in Georgetown Guyana.