Reflecting on the Visit of District Governor 24-25 Dominique Bazin
From September 24 to October 5, 2024, the Rotary Club of Saint-Martin Nord (RCSMN) had the privilege of hosting District Governor Dominique Bazin, under the attentive eye of Georges Gumbs, Assistant Governor for Saint-Martin and Saint-Barthélémy for 2024-2025. This official visit, which is hosted annually in turn by one of the five Rotary Clubs on the island, provided a unique opportunity to share significant moments, experience inspiring encounters, and engage in constructive discussions.
A Warm Welcome
The visit began on September 24 with a reception at the airport, followed by a welcome cocktail organized by RCSMN, allowing the island's Rotarians and the District Governor to meet in a friendly atmosphere. This initial contact set the tone for a visit focused on solidarity, social action, and community development.
Inspiring Encounters
On October 2, Dominique Bazin shared a special moment at the home of Victor Gibbs, a founding member of the club and a former District Governor, in the company of his family. The meeting was marked by the sharing of wisdom, a passion for service, and a commitment to the enduring values of Rotary.
A Day Dedicated to the Club
October 3 was a day filled with activities alongside the Rotary Club of Saint-Martin Nord.
The District Governor visited the Friars Bay Sailing Club, where she observed the sailing lessons for fifth-grade students from the Clair Saint-Maximin primary school, launched in September under the supervision of Antoine Bonna, the president of the sailing club, along with their teacher, Jessica Sabbas. This exchange with the children highlighted Rotary’s commitment to youth and education, a project initiated during the 2023-2024 year and funded through the annual "Wine & Cheese" charity event.
The District Governor also met with several associations supported by the Rotary Club of Saint-Martin Nord, including:
- SASSI (Secours, Accompagnement, Service, Solidarité, Insertion): Mrs. Dormoy, the president of the association, prepared a buffet in honor of the District Governor to express her gratitude to the club. Together, they discussed the increasing needs of beneficiary families, especially evident during the club's two annual food drives.
- SOS Enfants Îles du Nord: Dominique Bazin had the opportunity to talk with Mrs. Yva Osmond, the association's president, and to see the improvements made to the facilities, including a new entrance door funded by the club. They also discussed educational support and plans for school trips for vulnerable children in Sandy Ground.
During her visit to the Collectivity of Saint-Martin, the District Governor was welcomed by First Vice-President Alain Richardson and Second Vice-President Bernadette Davis. This meeting provided an opportunity to discuss the Rotary's mission on the island, as well as social and public health challenges.
To conclude, the club presented its project for the installation of a "Peace Pole" on the Marigot waterfront to the District Governor. This symbol of peace is part of the club's efforts to promote the values of tolerance and peace in Saint-Martin.
Productive Meetings
The day of October 3 ended with strategic discussions with the club members. During a board meeting, each committee had the opportunity to present its goals for the year, reinforcing the club's ambition to drive change. The meeting was followed by the regular club session, which featured a presentation by Dominique Bazin and the induction of a new member, Zaitoune Zairou.
Her presence galvanized our efforts and inspired new objectives, embodying the persistent and innovative spirit that drives our club forward.
