Celebrating 45 Years of Service, Fellowship, and Impact:
The Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain
Part One
On August 19, 1980, a group of visionaries came together with a shared purpose- to serve their community, to uplift those in need, and to live the Rotary motto Service Above Self. From those humble beginnings, the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain was born.
Forty-five years later, that vision endures and thrives.
Please click the Read More button for this milestone anniversary...
This milestone anniversary is more than a celebration of time passed; it’s a reflection on the lives touched, the bonds forged, and the unwavering commitment to making a difference. It is a tribute to every Rotarian who has walked through our doors, to every project completed, and every child, family, and community that has felt the impact of our work.
Among the many milestones in our Club’s proud history, one stands out as a beacon of progress: the day Astra Da Costa became the first woman to join our Club. The late Past District Governor was known for her trailblazing spirit, broke barriers and paved the way for countless others to follow. Today, her legacy lives on through the Astra Da Costa Medical Relief Fund, a fitting tribute to a woman whose life and service continue to inspire generations.
As we mark this 45th anniversary, we say thank you to the members past and present, to our partners and supporters, and to the wider community. The Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain stands tall today because of your dedication, your trust, and your belief in what we can achieve together.
In this two-part series, we’ve asked some of our members what makes RCCPOS so special or their reasons for joining. Here a few responses:
Lara Quentrall-Thomas- Past President, Past District Governor, Paul Harris Fellow and RCCPOS Hall of Famer
RCCPOS is very special because of our life changing projects. From Model UN to the Beetham Vibrations Steel Orchestra, we impact so many young people in lasting and meaningful ways. AND the lifelong friendships are a wonderful bonus! Many members of our Club are family to me and I cannot imagine my life without them in it. PDG Lara
Warren Sookdar- Past President and Paul Harris Fellow
RCCPOS is, in my opinion, the very best in that it embodies the tenet of Service before Self. Our outreach programs are the widest ranging and serve every demographic in our community. And we have so much fun while we serve! Happy 45th anniversary, and let's keep doing our best and being the best.
Anne-Marie Lall-Salim- Current President
I joined my Rotary Club because of its welcoming atmosphere, the shared commitment to service, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful local and global projects- especially the Model United Nations. The supportive and inspiring members truly reflect Rotary’s values, and I’ve found not just a Club, but a family.
I found it intriguing that RCCPOS had not one but two female Past District Governors and knew that this could be a Club that would guide & support me in any aspiring contributions that I may have to offer in the future that would be Rotary related.
The senior members of my Rotary Club have had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth. Their wisdom, dedication, and decades of service are truly inspiring. They lead by example, showing what it means to serve with humility, integrity, and compassion. Whether offering guidance, sharing stories from past projects, or simply lending a listening ear, they’ve become trusted mentors and role models.
Their passion for making a difference reminds me of the true purpose of Rotary, and their presence has enriched my journey in more ways than I can express. I feel privileged to learn from them and walk alongside such extraordinary individuals.
Bob Gopee- Past President, Paul Harris Fellow and Honorary Member
Rotary offers a wonderful opportunity to have fellowship with business and professional friends, or others who become friends with the objective of making a better world. This is not limited to our own country but extends virtually throughout the world. And fortunately, it need not take much time but can be still very effective and enjoyable.
Susan Philip- Paul Harris Fellow
There are many ways to serve mankind and I have served with many NGOs. Being a Rotarian for the past 12 years, I can sincerely say that I’ve saved the best for last. To me, Rotary not only creates avenues for service, but also allows me to meet wonderful people coming together for fun and fellowship; to give of their talents and to receive support from each other; to be exemplars of humility in leadership. The synergy created allows us to achieve so much with so little, as we work together to create the magic necessary to make dreams come true.
Percy Parker-Williams- Past President and Paul Harris Fellow
Rotary offers an opportunity to work along with a group of outstanding people sharing in the efforts of worthwhile activities to achieve worthy goals. It’s an honour to be a Rotarian.
Ceronne Prevatt- Paul Harris Fellow and Honorary Member
I love RCCPOS from before I joined in 1996. What struck me from the first time I entered an RCCPOS meeting, when I accompanied my then husband who was the guest speaker, was the warmth and friendliness, the camaraderie and interest in working together for the good of Trinidad and Tobago. I was Secretary to three Presidents and enjoyed moving forward our plans with each President. I particularly enjoyed working on Interact and the Astra Da Costa fund with President Prakash who was generous in his time and resources. We have great times together in RCCPOS, confident in being loved and appreciated, as we build goodwill and better relationships. Love and light.
Gerard Mendez- Past President and Paul Harris Fellow
Some years ago, a friend brought me in and the love, work and the fellowship was/is certainly a “win”. I put my past on a spot on the shelf and try to love the doctrine of “service before self”.
Anna Chamely- Current Secretary
I joined Rotary as a great opportunity to network with professionals. Although this has proven true, it has turned into something greater. I found a second family, am surrounded by compassionate, selfless individuals. I also found purpose and I believe in our words putting “service before self”. I wear my Rotary pin proud and I look forward to doing my part for the Club I belong to. I feel a bond to my fellow Rotarians and I know we all have a common goal which is to be a better person and leave this world a little better off then how we met it.
Basil Springer- Past President, Paul Harris Fellow and Honorary Member
In 1986, I was invited to join the Rotary International community, through the Rotary Club of Barbados South. I am still a Rotarian today in the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain to which I was transferred when I became a resident in Trinidad in 2013. I love the very fulfilling Rotary experience as it contributes significantly to fellowship, camaraderie, service, regional and international travel. Since September 2024, I have resumed residence in Barbados but as a virtual honorary member of RCCPOS which I continue to enjoy.
Here's to 45 years of service, and to the future we continue to build- one act of kindness, one project, one life at a time.
Happy Charter Anniversary to the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain.
Join us for Part Two in the next edition.