Rotary Club of NA celebrates 32nd anniversary

As the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam observes its 32nd anniversary, the Club continues to make a difference in the lives of many.
This was highlighted when the Club officially observed its anniversary recently at a simple ceremony during which New Amsterdam’s Mayor, Winifred Haywood, congratulated the Club’s President, Rafeek Kassim, for the outstanding work it had been doing.
Speaking at the event, which was held at Hand-in-Hand lawns in New Amsterdam, Kassim noted that the Club, over the past 32 years, hosts an annual dinner to observe world peace and understanding day where either a Head of State of Ambassador is invited to address the topic of world peace.
In the area of disease prevention and care, the Rotary Club of New Amsterdam has hosted several programmes with the aim of eradicating polio while large sums were spent on securing lens for cataract surgeries in Berbice. The Club, over the years, also held medical outreaches to address diabetes.
“In water and sanitation, a well at was dug at Gangarram which services that entire community. Also, the most recent project is that of its pure water supply project which has so far seen eight schools benefiting from pure filtered water.”
In the area of maternal health and child care, the Club would have built the current Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the New Amsterdam Hospital.
“Last year we did a medical outreach in the Waruni area where PAP smears were done for cervical cancer. A school was build at Manchester by the Club which falls under education and literacy.
“Annually we hold a programme called RYLP [Rotary Youth Leadership Program]; empowering our youths in leadership skills.
In the area of economic and community development, Kassim said the Esplanade Park stands out as the Club embraced the project in its initial stage.
The Mayor, in words of encouragement, urged the Club to continue its good work.
Meanwhile, past President Tajepaul Ajoeda explained that it was the Georgetown Rotary Club which sponsored the New Amsterdam Club. He said the Club now has three more members than when it started 32 years ago. However, the 23 members represent a figure well below the peak of 36 members.
Among the achievements of the Club is the best club award which was presented to the Club in Guadeloupe in 1993.
The Club was nominated in 2018 for a similar award but did not win. In 1994, the Club won an international award for its outstanding service to the community. The Club also received several citations from Rotary International from 1991 to 1994.
The New Amsterdam Rotary Club is also the sponsor of the Corriverton Rotary Club.