Surrounded by the ambiance and views at Allamanda Estate, the Rotary Club of Tortola installed “Agent Burd” Kelvin D. Liburd as President and a new Board of Directors under a “James Bond” Themed Installation Dinner on Saturday July 1st, 2023.
President Kelvin was inducted as a member of the Rotary Club of Tortola in 2013, and held several board positions before establishing himself as a true leader by becoming the President Elect (2022-2023) for the Rotary Club of Tortola. President Kelvin is an Architect that started his own Architecture Firm KDLdesigns; and, has over a 20 years of experience both locally and internationally, with a reputation of achieving high results for discerning clientele
During his installation speech, President Kelvin stated that the venue was special to him, as one of his crowning achievements, given the view, ambiance, being the architect for Allamanda Estate redevelopment, and having a close bond with management and staff. He also spoke about his experience as the recently Rotary District Conference 7020 held in St. Croix. Pres. Kelvin explained how going to the conference has helped further align his perspective for Rotary and has helped him realize how proud he is to serve as a Rotarian. The presentations he attended, both revitalized his Rotarian spirit and provided him with a wealth of knowledge to lead the illustrious Rotary Club of Tortola for the year ahead. President Kelvin then highlighted the Club’s strategic plans for the Rotary year 2023-2024 which include:
• Strengthen Membership;
• Heighten the Branding of Rotary;
• Improve engagement with our Youth Arms;
• Fostering Community involvement through service projects; and
• Transforming the public perception of Rotary
The Other members of the Board of Directors installed for the new Rotary year are Ixora- Rose Wong-Williams -Vice President, Valerie Georges-Thomas – Immediate Past President, Abby O’Neal – President Elect, Nakema Bell – Secretary, Annie Peliwan – Treasurer, PP Dion Stoutt – Sergeant At Arms, Sherry O’Neal – Secretary Elect, PP Joanna Spencer – Treasurer Elect and Directors Elvon Pope, PP Ian S. Smith, Ellie Crespi, Bernadette Brathwaite, Tashima Barzey and PP Joanna Spencer.
During the evening’s festivities, Youth Service Director Selina “Sherry” O’Neal was named Rotarian of the Year (2022-23), for the second consecutive year, given her commitment and dedication to the Rotary Club of Tortola, Rotary in the BVI, and the youths.
One of the highlights of the evening’s proceedings was the bestowing of Community Paul Harris Fellow on District Rotaract Representative 2023-24 Selvyn T Dawson. DRR Dawson was honored for his dedication to Rotary, serving in many positions both locally and at the district level for 11 years. DRR Dawson first became a Rotaractor outside of the BVI in the Rotaract Club of New England Institute of Technology 2012-13. Upon returning to the BVI he quickly became a member of the Rotaract Club of Tortola in 2013. During DRR Dawson’s 11 years in the Rotary family, he held his first Board position as Club Secretary 2014-15. The following year he became the Community Service Director while additionally accepting his first district position as District 7020 Public Image Chair 2015-16. DRR Dawson eventually excelled to the top position in his club as the President of the Rotaract Club of Tortola 2016-2017. After a successful Rotaract year DRR Dawson was pinned the Immediate Past President while astoundingly accepting 2 other positions as both Club Service Director and District 7020 Webmaster 2017-18. DRR Dawson continued to display his diverse leadership by becoming the Club Treasurer 2019-20 where he also began his term as Assistant District Rotaract Representative 2019-22 which he served for 3 straight years. In 2020 DRR
Dawson also joined the Rotary Club of Road Town as a member. DRR Dawson was pinned Youth Service Director 2021-22 of the Rotary Club of Road Town and nominated as the District Rotaract Representative Nominee 2021-22. He was elected as District Rotaract Representative Elect 2022-23, the following year, and is now proudly serving as our District Rotaract Representative 2023-24.
In a surprise presentation, Past District Governor Vance Lewis, on behalf of Immediate Past District Governor Debrah Howell, presented a token of appreciation to Past District Governor Delma Maduro for the hardwork and dedication she continues to display for HANWASH (Haiti National Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Initiative). An initiative to provide thoughtfully managed sustainable clean water and sanitation to all citizens of Haiti. Past District Governor Delma graciously accepted her award noting how amazing an experience it has been to be a part of HANWASH, and stated it will always be a project close to her heart.
In his closing remarks to attendees, newly pinned President Kelvin reminded attendees of a famous quote by Winston Churchill who said “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give”. He left the audience with some deep thought, stating that we must make a life rather than a living. And, given we exist in a society where much emphasis is placed on personal wealth accumulation, we must always remember the less fortunate among us and the fact that life in abundance, comes as a result of giving ourselves to others.