The Rotary Club of Grenada proudly celebrated its 57th Charter Anniversary with a ceremony that honoured more than 5 decades of service to the nation, while also marking the launch of the Interact Club of the St George’s Institute (SGI).
This is the second Interact Club sponsored by the Rotary Club of Grenada, following the successful establishment of the Presentation Brothers’ College (PBC) Interact Club.
In her remarks, Rotary Club President Julia Lawrence described the evening as a moment of pride and renewal:
“To our newly chartered Interactors: you are now part of a global movement that believes in the power of doing good, in the strength of community. You are the heartbeat of tomorrow’s Rotary.”
The new SGI Interact Club, led by Charter President Naje Drakes and her executive team, will provide young people with opportunities to develop leadership skills, serve their communities, and live out Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self.”
A legacy of service
The anniversary celebration also reflected on the club’s history since its chartering on 23 August 1968, under the leadership of Dr John Watts, who later became a District Governor. Over the years, the Rotary Club of Grenada has spearheaded transformative initiatives, including:
- Establishing the Grenada School for Special Education in partnership with Canadian Rotary Clubs
- Supporting polio eradication efforts that helped eliminate the disease from Grenada
- Rebuilding homes for families affected by Hurricane Ivan and providing aid after Hurricane Beryl and other disasters
- Transforming Quarantine Point into a national park and recreational space
- Delivering health care support such as wheelchairs, eye care initiatives, and community health fairs
Fellowship and commitment to youth
A hallmark of the evening was Rotary fellowship — more than just a gathering, it was a living tribute to shared purpose, enduring friendship, and the spirit of service that binds Rotarians together.
The Rotary Club of Grenada has long invested in youth development through scholarships, mentorship, and leadership programmes. The sponsorship of the PBC Interact Club and now the SGI Interact Club underscores this commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders.
“As part of Rotary International’s 1.5-million-member global network, the Rotary Club of Grenada remains dedicated to uplifting communities and empowering youth,” President Lawrence noted. “Our Club is not just a chapter in our island’s history — it is a living testament to what we can achieve when we serve with purpose and lead with heart.”
The evening included the official presentation of the Charter Certificate to the Interact Club of SGI and culminated with an inspiring keynote address by guest speaker Dr Neals J Chitan.
Dr Chitan, a Grenadian-Canadian Social Skill Consultant and Crime Reduction Specialist, is president of MOTIV-8 For Change International. With more than 25 years of experience working across North America and the Caribbean, he has led groundbreaking initiatives to reduce crime and violence. His address emphasised the power of respect, responsibility, and positive behavioural change — values that echo Rotary’s mission of service and community upliftment.
The celebration closed with a toast to the Rotary Club of Grenada’s enduring role as a beacon of service, unity, and hope.
Rotary Club of Grenada
