President Robert Bull welcomed everyone to our May 20^th meeting.  This was our 48^th meeting of this fiscal year.  We had over seventy in attendance with guests from far away, such as England, India, Pakistan, Germany, Nepal, Bhutan and Slovenia.

 

Don Van Orsdel gave a moving invocation.

 

Joseph Schumaker, District Governor-Elect led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the USA. 

 

Lisbeth Knowles led us in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas.

 

Today is National Quiche Lorraine Day.  Robert showed a Quiche that was just taken out of the oven and he promised to eat it soon. 

 

Birthdays: Hugo Montaudon and Dave Skinner has birthdays earlier this week.  Today is Shirley Pardon’s birthday.  Coming up we have Rosa Carroll’s and Linda Singer’s birthday on the 24^th, with Randy Lichtman’s birthday on the 25^th.  Happy Birthday to all!

 

Keynote Speaker: Robin Shelley introduced our keynote speaker, Past President of Rotary International, Barry Rassin. During his term, 2018-2019, the Rotary Theme was Be The Inspiration.  Barry lives in Nassau and has been deeply involved in the recovery efforts of Grand Bahama Island and his community.

 

Barry’s words were very inspirational and he reviewed many of this issues that GBI has faced because of Hurricane Dorian.  People needs were so basic but important.  They faced issues like fixing their roof to stay dry, getting drinking water and washing their clothes.  Barry thanked our District 6990 for all the help we have sent and specifically Phil Seipp for the fundraising of the GBI Rx program.  Over $350,000 were raised.  Now while still working on refurbishing the Rand Memorial Hospital, the current focus across the Bahamas is addressing COVID.  Every was so impressed with this comments.

 

Immediately afterwards, Robert Bull thanked Barry Rassin for being our keynote speaker and then proceeded to announce that Phil Seipp, who has been a member of our Club for over forty years and has helped many positions is now being recognized as Rotarian of the Year 2020 – 2021. 

 

The Honorable Consul General of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Linda Mackey, then thanked Phil and presented him with a Certificate of Appreciation.

 

Lisbeth Knowles, the Chairperson on the GBI side of this project thanked and congratulated Phil.

 

Ms. Sharon Williams, the Administrator of the Rand Memorial Hospital expressed her gratitude to Phil and invited him to visit the hospital as soon as possible.

 

Billy Jane Ferguson, Area Governor for Grand Bahama thanked Phil and told him that the people of the Grand Bahama Island are so grateful for his assistance.

 

Miami Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, who is also a Rotarian, thanked Phil for his achievements and was so proud that through Rotary we are able to help our neighbors in GBI.

 

Phil Seipp then emotionally thanked everyone for their best wishes and being recognizing.

 

Happy Dollars: Several Rotarians and visitors congratulated Phil on this achievement.  Happy Dollar donors included Robin & Susie Shelley, Noreen Timoney, Patti Urban, Steve Dutton, Diane Landsberg, Robert Bull, Linda Mackey, Joe Schumaker, David Williams, and John Fulton. All funds raised will be added the GBI Rx project.  Norby Rudel offered Phil Seipp a bottle of whiskey to celebrate his accomplishment.

 

Christine van der Linde led us in the Four-Way Test to end our meeting.