On a radiant Sunday morning, March 8, 2026, the trails of Chaguaramas transformed into a sea of purple as the Rotary North Cluster came together for the "Step Into Adventure" Challenge. This year’s trek wasn’t just a test of fitness; it was a powerful celebration of International Women’s Day, blending physical determination with the spirit of female leadership.
Reaching New Heights at Bamboo Cathedral
The journey began under the majestic, natural arches of the Bamboo Cathedral, where sunlight filtered through the stalks in golden streams. Clad in purple to symbolise justice and dignity, participants shared tokens of appreciation before embarking on the demanding climb toward the Tracking Station.
The atmosphere was one of intense camaraderie. Leading the charge were four remarkable women who embody the diversity and strength of modern leadership:
· District Governor (DG) Soraya Warner-Gustave- A trailblazer from St. Lucia, Soraya made history as the first Saint Lucian female District Governor for District 7030. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to youth empowerment and regional inclusivity.
· Assistant Governor (AG) Veronica De Souza, representing the North Cluster, Veronica's role as a strategic guide for local clubs showcases the administrative expertise and mentorship critical to Rotary’s success.
· Anne-Marie Lall, President of the Rotary Club of Central Port-of-Spain: Leading one of the city's most vibrant and civic-minded Clubs, she represents the professional excellence found in the capital's corporate and social sectors.
· President Marcia Prince-Assam, Rotary Club of Maraval, who is at the helm of a club chartered in 1993 as an all-female Club, continues a legacy of breaking barriers and fostering deep community bonds.
While the day highlighted the achievements of these incredible women, the spirit of "Service Above Self" was a total team effort. Representing the Rotary Club of Port of Spain, Fitzroy Hoyte, joined the ranks, standing in solidarity with the North Cluster’s female leaders and ensuring the capital's founding club was well-represented on the trail.
These leaders, spanning different generations and professional fields—from public policy to business management—proved that leadership has no single look or age. Together, they made it all the way to the top, proving that when women support each other, no summit is out of reach.
Refuelling and Fellowship at Up-Pick
After conquering the uphill stretch, the group descended for a well-earned celebration at UPick restaurant. Over a fantastic farm-to-table brunch, the conversation shifted from the trail to the future of Rotary. The aroma of fresh food and the sound of shared laughter provided the perfect ending to a morning dedicated to fitness, nature, and the "Service Above Self" ethos that these women champion every day.
