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Caribbean District News Desk NOMINATIONS are open
VOTE FOR PIVP ADRIAN ELCOCK FOR INTERNATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS By: Patrick Prendagast
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Stay connected
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Leadership Summit 3 Growth
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Anniversaries
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Working with JOOI 9 Nominations
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Contact Us
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ey folks,
We have a brother who you know very well and who is deserving of all our love and effort at this time. Boldness is his trademark. Fun is his DNA. And while leadership in business may be his calling, when it comes to Optimism, he is nothing short of extraordinary. Who is our brother? Optimist Adrian Elcock! I am confident you will agree with me that Optimist Adrian is just a phenomenal human being with a captivating personality and winning formula who believes in making a positive difference all the time – and actually does. His native Barbados knows this by his incredible contribution to both the private and public sectors through his own Elcock Group of Companies and as Chair of the Barbados Tourism Authority. Young people know this because of his many initiatives including the Big Brother Big Sister of Barbados Inc. and the UN Special Convention on Youth. The Caribbean region knows this because at all levels his participation and leadership in Opti-
mism have been at the highest standard – outstanding and distinguished place limits on his numerous triumphs. Now more than ever, the Caribbean District needs someone with currency at the International level and what better opportunity than having someone with a demonstrably amazing track record as club president, lieutenant governor and district governor be our representative on the International Board. Two board seats are up for grabs. I see no reason why Optimist Adrian Elcock should not be voted into one. The brilliance of his tenure as International Vice President and his determined contribution on several international committees make him more than an exceptional Optimist; not just for the Caribbean but the whole Organisation. Yes, he is an Optimist to the core, and yes, he is also Caribbean to the bone – but his quality of service and commitment to duty make him always, ready for the world. (Cont’d on back page )
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Barbican Pines Optimist Club Caribbean District
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Optimist Club of Barbados, Bridgetown Optimist Club of Barbados North Optimist Club of Cross Roads Optimist Club de Ste Lisi Optimist Club of Harbour View Jamaica Optimist Club of North Padmore Optimist Club of North St. Andrew Optimist Club of UWI, Mona Progressive Optimist Club of Barbados Rising Optimist Club of Moneague Royal Optimist Club of Kingston, The (R.O.C.K) South Circle Optimist Club St. Ann’s Bay Optimist Club
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Sunset Optimist Club of Kingston
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Darshani@jillandee.com
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LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
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overnor Nutilia reported that the summit was attended by nearly 130 Optimists from across the District making it the largest to date and thanks you Optimists and the planning team.
OC of Knutsford Circle, JA “I want to be more than an ordinary servant”
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he Optimist Club of Knutsford Circle had its second Annual Church Service at the Torrington United Church in Kingston Jamaica on Sunday, March 23rd , 2014. The club has been assisting the children of the Torrington United Early Childhood Institute and specially invited them to attend. The service which was well attended include a large contingent of international guests who were visiting for the Training Summit the previous day.
The Club awarded grants for the payment of this year's final term’s school fees for six (6) children who are currently attending the school, doing well, but were unable to pay their fees. The cheque for $27,000.00 was presented by Club President Una Tracey to the Chairperson for the school Board, Mrs. Yvonne Campbell. Academic Excellence Award certificates were also presented to each of the six children.
The children did two performances for the congregation, and a group of Club members did the song entitled ‘I want to be more than an ordinary servant’. The children were feted with ice-cream after the service.
International President Ron Huxley, First Lady Debbie, PIP Theo Golding of Jamaica; District Gov Nutilia Simon of Antigua; P G Gene M. Douglas of Jamaica; DST Treasa James of Antigua; LtG Andrea Graham of Jamaica and President Jodana of the St. John’s Club in Antigua.
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SERVICE PROJECTS OC of North Padmore, JA
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he Optimist Club of North Portmore conducted a Devotional exercise at Bridgeport Primary School on Friday April 4, 2014. The School in turn presented
the Club with a Certificate of Appreciation for the work done on the murals.
Students at the devotion
The Head Boy presented the Certificate to Director Laurabelle
North St. Catherine, JA
A
t the joint interschool football competition, the OC of North St. Catherine donated trophies and was also on hand to provide assistance to the event.
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Certificate of Appreciation
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GROWTH Progressive OC of Barbados
OC of Falmouth
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ig plans are in place for growth by the members at Falmouth. To increase their membership, invitations have been sent out, and a special showcase is planned. But there more plans for growth. Here is their To Do list:
11 NEW MEMBERS
TO DO LIST
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he members of the Progressive Optimist Club carefully courted their friends, acquaintances, neighbours, co-workers, fellow parents etc into the message of Optimism for a while.
Then they sent special invitations to attend a NOW meeting in which expectations of volunteers were clearly outlined – financial and personal commitment. On the evening of the 5th April, PIVP Carol Haynes and PLG Michael James as special invitees joined with the members of Progressive in sharing with the prospective members why they should join Optimism.
With a beautiful sunset by the beach (Copacabana), a proper courtship, a demonstration of a fulfilling philanthropic life and a worthy proposal, 10 persons said “I DO” and inked their commitment by signing the dotted line. Congratulations Progressive!!
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Membership Drive—17th April to recruit new members from invitations sent to churches in and around Falmouth. Build JOOI Club – William Knibb High School (Falmouth) Build JOOI Club (Montego Bay)
– Herbert Morrison High
Build adult club – Montego Bay
Meanwhile… busy with the campaign to teach the little ones at Cornwall Gardens to keep it clean.
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ANNIVERSARY fast
Sunset OC of Liguanea, JA
15 years old
O
pro-
grammes, and community health Other
n Tuesday evening, March 25 a small band of Opti-
fairs. projects
such as book mists gathered in Kingston, Jamaica to celebrate a drives, library milestone at an after-work Lyme hosted by club upgrading, president Optimist Tetrice Prendergast and greening of event coordinator, director Optimist Marc-Maurice Frankschool yards, son. mentoring and Fifteen years ago on March 25, 1999, the Sunset Optimist field trips have been done with primary and high schools Club of Liguanea was chartered with Charles Reid as pres- across Kingston, St. Andrew and St Catherine. ident. Charter member Optimist Glaister Green is marking
Hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash and equipment the milestone with pride. "I came over to optimism as a way have also gone to the University Hospital of the West Indies of continuing voluntary work which actually brings a lot of Children's ward in St Andrew and the Annotto Bay Hospital satisfaction... and the fact that we have been able to work in St Mary as well as children hospices Mathew 25:40 and with children in such concentrated manner over the years is Dare to Care. quite fulfilling", reflected past "It's easy to see why the club is still standing strong after 15 president Glaister. years", boasts president Tetrice in a message to mark the Past club president and fellowship anniversary. "We are blessed with dedicated members who chair, Optimist Heather Chinbelieve in service and legacy... I'm certain that with this apWalker, who was the first of five proach our club will still be strong and growing in another 15 club members to serve as Lieutenyears", she continued. ant Governor for zone 4, opened the celebratory Lyme with prayers The Sunset Optimist Club of Liguanea meets on 2nd Thursas is the custom of Optimist gath- days at 6:30 pm for business and fellowship at the Mayfair erings. President Tetrice in wel- Hotel in Kingston. coming club members noted that the club has done a lot over the years and expressed appreciation to the membership for their continued support which has been the lifeblood of the club. Two audio visual presentations were thrown into the mix of light background entertainment. One paid tribute to the presidents over the years and the other acknowledged the tremendous project activities executed. The Sunset Liguanea family of Optimists has volunteered with inner city community basic schools doing infrastructure upgrading, break-
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SERVICE PROJECTS OC of Harbour View, JA JOOI of ReadingThe Optimist Club of Harbour View
OC of Barbados, South
O
Community Service n March 14th we commenced a schedule of activities with Lily Cot, our adopted children's home that presently house 9 girls aged 5-11 years old. The
schedule started with a "Common Entrance Exam Preparation" for two of the girls which is being spearheaded by Chairperson for Youth Activities and Community Services (YACS),
Optimist Ingrid Lavine and committee member Optimist Philip Pile. In addition, we have added various activities to the "Lily Cot Calender" for the remaining quarters; this continued on Saturparticipates in the Optimist International's "J.O.O.I. of Reading" programme each year. For the second year running we ventured out of town and visited Bybrook Primary School in the rural parish of Portland, some 2 hours’ drive from Kingston. Approximately ten Optimists journeyed to Bybrook on Ash Wednesday, March 5, where we had some positive interaction with the children. We read books, played games, fed the children and presented each child with school supplies. The school was also presented with a set of books and other educational material. It was a day well spent and an activity
day March 29th with a formal introduction of club officers. There was an Ice breaker game that the girls enjoyed and a presentation of gifts to the nine wards. Our next activity with Lily Cot will be on April 26th
- Craft/Kite Making Evening which should
blend nicely during the Easter Break. To date, US$500 from our LimeGrove fundraiser has been allocated to this Lily Cot Home project.
that the members truly enjoyed participating in.
HOT CAKES!!! On February 15th, 2014 OCBS had their Valentines Cake Sale at Big B Supermarket and we had an excellent result, Our bajan fish cakes was the hot item of the day!.
We made over US$650 in sales!!
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WORKING WITH JOOI JOOI of Anguilla Prayer Meeting
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he Junior Optimist Clubs of Anguilla under the leadership of Advisor Emma held a very successful Prayer Breakfast on 3 March in honour of Women's Month which was celebrated in March. Over 150 mothers and their daughters supported the event which was held to raise funds to assist members of Anguilla's JOOI Clubs to attend the upcoming International Convention.
1st Place—Trey Cumberbatch Submitted by the Optimist Club of Bridgetown
2nd Place—Amouy Palmer submitted by the Optimist Club of Rio Nuevo North, JA
3rd Place—Loren Thomas
Plans are already in the pipeline to host a Father -Sons prayer breakfast in June as part of Father's Day celebrations.
Submitted by the Optimist Club of Kensington, JA
Kids for the Future JOOI
Clubs are asked to invite the respective winners to a meeting to read their essays to the members in recognition of their efforts. Make this a grand affair... invite parents, teachers, etc to the meeting as well.
Mid-Term Break Service
K
WINNERS
ids for the Future (KFTF)
Junior
Optimist
Club
members enthusiastically undertook service work at their Campus as they got ready to resume classes after mid-term break. The KFTF JOOI Club is located Campus B of the Albena Lake-Hodge Comprehensive School and operates un-
26th April, 2014 Jamaica
der the guidance of Past LtG, Advisor Emma Ferguson. During midterm break they cleaned their Campus grounds and painted one of the class rooms.
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ANNIVERSARIES
OC of Barbados Bridgetown 22 years old
Induction of New member Michelle Kirton at anniversary dinner
Special 22nd Anniversary Dinner
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PERSONAL GROWTH across the region that
OC of UWI MONA, JA
O.C.U.M. continues to produce leaders in all aspects
AWARDS & ACHIEVEMENTS
T
of
university
life and beyond.
he Optimist club of UWI Mona and its members have been achieving, excelling and breaking new
Undoubtedly we have saved the best for last,
ground within the confines of the University. We are
as this is maybe our
excited to share our stories with you, as members continue to
greatest achievements to date as a club within
develop personally and professionally alongside ensuring that the needs of the communities in which we serve are met.
the university. Just last
year, we had two individuals from our club Anthoney Whyte and Ashlee Henry held on March 11 and 12 at the visitor’s lodge housed at being awarded for outstanding service at the annually held UWI, Mona, over 9 members from the organization volunteered at this conference that was deemed a success by or- UWI awards, but this year we have achieved that and more. ganizers, who showed their appreciation for the level of pro- Our club being a certified club on campus, will now receive fessionalism and respect shown by volunteers to disabled an award for outstanding performance in service this being In a recently concluded regional disability studies conference
our first time achieving this hence it shows the hard work we
participants at this conference. The awesome news about this
have done.
act of service by our members The President O’Bryan Leighton continues to excel and surwas not only that we helped prise even himself, as he will now be the recipient of two disabled persons on both days, UWI awards for excellent performance in leadership for both but that we had more members Optimist Club and Governance Society of which he will end participating as volunteers at his tenure as President in both, pretty soon. O’Bryan will this conference than any other also at this event to be held at the UWI, Mona assembly hall 9 on April the 12th, 2014 finds himself collecting a trophy for members received a certificate his second club, Governance Society, for being the most imof appreciation and lovely and proved club/society at the University of the West Indies, Mounique bag that reminds us of the hard work and good char- na making his tally on the day; two individual awards and two club awards and makes him a likely candidate for the acter displayed. premier male leadership award for this academic year. The news gets even more exciting, as we move along, as will be illustrated. Optimist Alex Ogilvie and prospective mem- Should his prayers be answered, he would go down in the bers of our club Richard Davy and Travis White who are all record books as achieving a remarkable feat as a student service
organization.
All
residents on Taylor hall at the University, have now assumed leader and it would sum up a successful end to his university new leadership roles as; External affairs chairperson, Deputy life and life as O.C.U.M. president. block representative and Cultural entertainment affairs chairperson respectively for Block C Roosters and we want to extend congratulations to them as well as make it known
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SERVICE PROJECTS Progressive OC of Barbados
OC of St.Thomas, JA
Respect for Law
Black History
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his picture shows president Annesha doing a power point presentation on Black History and Optimist Monica enlightening students about the Jamaican culture.
O
n Friday 4th April, The Progressive Optimist Club carried out its Respect For Law Program at the Sharon Moravian Primary School. Officer Johnson from the Royal Barbados Police Force engaged the 100 class 3 & 4 students on what respect is and how the children could respect the law. His main message to the children was that they must learn
to respect themselves first.
Reading Hour
OC of Ocho Rios, JA
P
Annual Sports Day On Thursday Mar 20th , 2014 The Optimist Club of Ocho Rios joined the Edgehill School of Special Education for its annual sports Day.
resident Annesha reading for some student at reading hour, picture b: a reading coach reading at reading hour for the children. These children enjoy reading hour.
Oh what a day we had!! Our Special babies participated in all the regular races in addition to some special/unique ones. It was fun. The students were treated to ice cream, cake, a sumptuous meal as well as individual medals (oh the joy on their faces when their names were called over the microphone and when they collected their medals was priceless!!).
Although the Optimist House did not win this year, we all had fun!!!
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Governor Elect Requirements: Presidential Experience, would be good if the person has also served as an LtG but no longer a requirement. Optimists currently serving as LtGs are also encouraged to make their interest known
14 Lieutenant Governors
NOMINATIONS are open Hi Everyone, as your energetic and slightly unorthodox Governor Elect and therefore Chairperson of the Candidates Qualification Committee I wish to remind all members that club elections should be held this month. The offices of Governor-Elect and Lieutenant Governor are the only District offices filled each year by vote of Club representatives at District meetings, and it is with candidates for these offices that the Committee is concerned. The office of Governor is filled by automatic elevation of the Governor-Elect, and the SecretaryTreasurer office is an appointed position.
Requirements: Presidential Experience. If you are serving as president now you are eligible and I’d love to have you on the team Plenty Club Presidents & twice as many Vice Presidents.
Lieutenant Generals You are also asked to nominate someone for the position of LTG in your zone. That person does not have to be a member of your club. At that point, please please send me your LtG nominee, also submit the name to you current LtG. Optimist International needs to know the results of your club elections and I need to know it also, as I’m looking forward to communicating with these poor souls who are going to spend the following year having so much fun that everyone else will be wishing that they had volunteered to be president or LtG for 2014/15 Optimist year. A Bigger question!!!!!!!!!!!!
Governor Elect To all clubs who shared this month. Keep on sharing!
Who will be our Governor after me … ???????? Send me your recommendations QUICKLY!!!!! Email: barbaraarrindell@yahoo.com Details on next page.
Transferring membership is as easy as 1-2-3: 1. The member transferring needs to be deleted from the club he is leaving. 2. The new club adds him to the roster with a $5 processing fee sent to OI. 3. Club Roster Adjustment Form can be sent to OI or emailed to bakerc@optimist.org indicating change. (Include member’s information on the CRA form and check “Transfer”. IF the member is a Life Member, indicate on the CRA. Transfers cannot be done online)
NOMINATIONS criteria District Candidate Qualifications Committee Its responsibilities are to solicit candidates for each office, consider the Qualifications of each candidate and act as a Nominating Committee at the time of the elections.
Elections and Voting: Lieutenant Governors are elected at Zone meetings to be conducted at or shortly before the District meeting held in the third quarter – at which time each Club President, or other official Club representative in attendance, shall cast the votes to which his/her Club is entitled. The method and means of voting at convention shall be established by the District Board of Directors. Convention rules shall be adopted by a majority vote during the first business session of each convention. The Governor-Elect shall be elected at the annual or a special duly called convention by a majority vote of the votes cast of the accredited delegates present and voting at the time of the election. The Governor-Elect shall not serve in any other elective office in the same year she/he is GovernorElect (Optimist International Bylaws, Article VII, Section 6C).
Seeking Candidates In inviting Clubs to submit names of potential candidates the Committee should emphasize the need for background information in order to properly evaluate each person whose name is submitted. The following specific data should be requested in the notice which is published in the District Bulletin: • Name and address
• Date enrolled as an Optimist
• Office for which this person is being recommended (Zone No. if LTG) • Club name
• Club offices held and dates
• Business or profession
• Educational background
• Trade or professional affiliations
• Marital status
• Children (names and ages) job?
• Can this person devote the required time to the
• Is this person willing to serve if elected? To insure itself of sufficient time for evaluation and consideration, the Committee should issue its call for names and encourage responses well in advance.
Purposes of Optimism
To develop optimism as a philosophy of life utilizing the tenets of the Optimist Creed;
Optimist International Caribbean District
ernment and civic affairs;
to inspire respect for the law;
to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all
The Secretariat
people;
36 1/2 Lyndhurst Road, Kingston 10
to promote an active interest in good gov-
to aid and encourage the development of
Phone: 1-246-836-9005
youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s
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self in service to others will advance the
darshaniworkman
E-mail: Darshani@jillandee.com Whatsapp: 1-246-836-9005
well-being of humankind, community life and the world.
Bringing Out the Best In Kids We’re on the web! http://oicaribbean.wix.com/ caribbeandistrict#!
ADRIAN ELCOCK IS OUR MAN FOR OI BOARD OF DIRECTORS He is indeed our man for the Board. And guess what? This year voting is as easy as easy can be. For the first time Optimists do not have to be at the International convention in order to vote. Why? Online Voting is now official. All we need to do is make sure our club is up-to-date with its financial obligations and that our club president is prepared to cast our votes. Voting opens on June 1 and runs for 30 days. See www.optimist.org/e/member/elections1.cfm Let us show that we’ve got it, folks. Our MO at this time must be to get our man, Adrian Elcock on the Optimist International Board. He is our brother and our friend, and he has our votes.
Adrian Elcock – the quintessential Optimist from the Caribbean, to the world!