"A Handing Over from 10 to 3pm? I'm accustomed to going home at 11pm. But wait, this way I'll beat the traffic and be safe at home long before midnight!" Thus, discussions flowed and a new way, a possibly new tradition began. “It was sweet!“ smiled a Rotarian from Chaguanas, as she left with her box and new friends.PP Rabindra, Admin Chair and PP Barbara and teams were there early, filled with anticipation after all the preparations. Our guests flowed on from Rotary Clubs from all over Trinidad and Tobago: from Pointe-a-Pierre; Felicity/Charlieville; Chaguanas; Aranguez; Diego Martin; St. Augustine; Port-of-Spain; Port-of-Spain West and Maraval.
THE FUN BEGINS
PP Lennox and PHF Ceronne got the ball rolling in light-hearted fashion, as Rotarians and Rotaractors chatted about what they liked about Rotary and sipped cocktails made from exotic drinks that our Rotarians brought.
CELEBRATING THE OUT-GOING PRESIDENT ELITHA
PP Lesley, inducted into our HALL of FAME, captured the ambience when he wrote thus of the first phase of the ‘Passing of the Presidential Baton!’The Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain came together for a lively and heartwarming Handing Over Ceremony, where outgoing President Elitha Rocke-Maharaj officially passed the leadership torch (well, the “Chain of Office”) to incoming President Anne-Marie Lall-Salim.
President Elitha reflected on a fantastic Rotary year, sharing highlights from her Board’s accomplishments and expressing gratitude to her hardworking team and to every single club member. Your dedication, hard work, and unwavering support have been the foundation of everything we’ve achieved this year. Our resilience and teamwork were rewarded with the Club Excellence Award Gold—proof of what we can accomplish when we stay committed to Rotary’s ideals.
AWARDS HIP HIP HOORAY!
IPP Elitha recognized two outstanding Rotarians whose dedication have truly embodied “Service Above Self.” First, Susan Phillips, for her tireless support of the Beetham Vibration Steel Orchestra, helping to bring music and hope to the community. And second, Richard Thomas, for his continued commitment and selfless service in the Beetham community. In honour of their extraordinary contributions, “it is my pleasure to award both Susan and Richard with a Paul Harris Fellow for their dedicated service to our club and community”.
Then came the introduction of the Hall of Fame to recognize and celebrate a Rotarian whose exemplary service over the years has set a standard for us all: PP Lesley Welch. Bursts of joy from all the company!
The fellowship continued as Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends enjoyed the delicious food, Michelle Bowen.
THE HANDING OVERThe Master of Ceremonies introduced the in-coming President, as a Carnival baby, born during Carnival and full of creativity, fun, leadership and inspirational ability. Our in-coming President spoke of guiding the future of our already amazing club. Profound moments were when she spoke the Oath of Office, promised to follow the Rotary Constitution, and IPP Elitha adorned her with the Chain of Office. You could have heard a pin drop! Applause for President - Anne Marie Lall – Salim before us in blue and smiling.
Our President Anne-Marie Lall of the Rotary Club of Central Port-of-Spain 2025-2026 in her simple yet powerful message, reminded us that when we come together with shared purpose, compassion, and action, we create meaningful and lasting impact in our communities and beyond and live our guiding theme: ‘Unite for Good’. Every service project, every fundraiser, and every small act of kindness gains strength when it is rooted in unity. She made a plea for us to collaborate closely with our local partners, support one another’s ideas, and keep our mission focused on service above self. Great things lay ahead when we serve together—for good.
PINNING OF THE NEW BOARD
The presentation of the new Board was regal and loving as President Anne Marie assisted by Secretary Anna Chamely, pinned each and gave them a hug: President Elect - Alicia Fisher; Directors Club Admin - Rabindra Outar; Public Image - Kimberly De Souza; Membership - Sylvanna Aguilera; Treasurer - Kerry - Ann Erskine; Youth Service – Toni- Re Britton; Service Projects - Richard Thomas; Model UN - Anthony John – Baptiste; Astra Da Costa - Tania Medley and Rotary Foundation - Stephen Wilson.
EXCITEMENTAfter a photo-op, the excitement was tangible. The MC introduced DAVID BEREAUX as a most popular and talented actor, an endearing personality, with a great sense of humour and who is now playing to packed houses in TEN TO ONE IS MURDER! She did not exaggerate as he sang favorite calypsos as he danced among the tables and captivated us all. It was difficult not to join his revelry and dance.
More fun. Our Auctioneer for the DUTCH AUCTION was no other than WARREN SOOKDAR, a stalwart in our Club, leading with stellar work in Rotary. Always helpful when called, and today he was called to be our AUCTIONEER, but he turned out to be a tiger, in exciting all to put more five, ten and hundred dollars towards getting the coveted item at the end. PP PERCY’s two beautiful paintings garnered all of three thousand dollars.
CLOSING REMARKS AND VOTE OF THANKS FROM Master of Ceremonies PHF Ceronne and PP Lennox
As we celebrate the installation of our President Annemarie Lall please remember we are One in the spirit of Rotary International. One in the shared vision to make the world a better place.
This is exemplified in the 4 Way test that guides the life and behaviors of each Rotarian and Rotaractor and especially those in the best club or so we like to think! We live in truth – no gossiping. We move in cooperation and compassion – we help one another in our committees, in our projects. We work with love and kindness in our relationships with our fellow Rotarians, with the persons in our district, in TT, the Caribbean and internationally, to make this world a better place.
Let’s raise a toast to our Rotary Clubs and to Rotary International.
GIVING THANKS - DIRECTOR ADMIN PP RABINDRA
“I was happy to have worked with President Annie and the other committee members on the recently concluded Handing Over Ceremony. Bonding with members is always a rewarding experience. It involved a lot of planning and coordinating many aspects to ensure we had a successful event. Everyone contributed, especially our Master of Ceremonies, Honorary member Ceronne, who ensured we had a smooth flow of activities. Honorary member PP Lennox was also instrumental in providing guidance when required. I must mention Honorary member PP Barbara for allowing us use of her business premises gratis free. Committee members were President Annie, Anna, Keshma, Ceronne, Lennox, IPP Elitha and me. The finance team Gail, Kerry-Ann and Nicole assisted in making timely payments to all third parties. It was great to see the large turnout from our membership and do look forward to a successful Rotary year 2025-2026.”
From PP JERRY
A special “thank you” to Rabindra for his hard work and to Barbara for making the venue available. The entertainment was great as was the auction, food, camaraderie, and everything else. Congratulations to Elitha for an excellent year and to Anne Marie for taking up the mantle. With the club’s support, her success is guaranteed. Last, but by no means least, I wish to congratulate Leslie on being admitted to the RCCPOS Hall of Fame. I can’t think of anyone who deserves this accolade more than him. He is truly my brother in so many ways.
From SECRETARY ANNA CHAMELY
The Handover ceremony filled me with a profound sense of pride and optimism for the year ahead. It beautifully showcased the spirit of service and continuity within our Rotary family. I left feeling inspired and motivated to contribute even more passionately to our shared mission.
The Handover ceremony filled me with a profound sense of pride and optimism for the year ahead. It beautifully showcased the spirit of service and continuity within our Rotary family. I left feeling inspired and motivated to contribute even more passionately to our shared mission.