Anguilla • Bahamas • British Virgin Islands • Cayman Islands • Haiti • Jamaica • St. Barth • St Maarten • St Martin • Turks & Caicos • US Virgin Islands
District Governor Deborah Y. Howell and
Dennis A. Howell, Spouse
2022 - 2023
Donate to D7020 Haiti Earthquake Relief via Credit Card/ PayPal through the Disaster Network of Assistance Rotary Action Group. The Disaster Network of Assistance is a Rotary International US registered 501c3 US tax-exempt charity. All donations are tax-deductible. Your donation will go directly to the D7020 Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund. You will receive a donation receipt for tax purposes.
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
First Lady Amanda and I would like to say thank you – thank you to all of the Clubs that welcomed us with wonderful hospitality during the physical and digital District Governor visits. Thank you to the Rotarians, Rotaractors, Family and Friends of Rotary/Rotaract who attended our District Conference in St. Maarten. And lastly, thank you to all of the dynamic clubs in District 7020 for pushing through another challenging year with the Worldwide Covid-19 Pandemic. I would like to give a special commendation to the Rotary Clubs in Haiti and their Assistant Governors for serving their communities throughout the many challenges they faced in Haiti. And another special mention to the Bahamas Disaster Relief Team and to the Haiti Earthquake Relief Committee for their dedication and service.
I am honored to have had the opportunity to serve as your District Governor this Rotary Year. I am very proud of how our District 7020 performed and the many ways that we “Serve to Change Lives.”
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change that you wish to see in the World.” It all starts with one vision, one idea, which in turn becomes projects that can change the lives of many in your community and Internationally.
Let us continue to do good in this World, through sustainable projects and also by inspiring and motivating those around you. Let us showcase Rotary to the World through Social Media, Local Newspapers and Radio Broadcasts and show them that we are not just a service club – we are Rotary Clubs that create lasting change around the World and in our communities. We are the leaders and problem solvers and it takes great commitment and dedication to change the World, one life at a time.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Louis Wever
District Governor
District 7020
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
The theme for April is Maternal and Child Health, which is also one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus. Every day, women risk their lives by giving birth and children under the age of five die each year from preventable diseases like malnutrition, poor health care and inadequate sanitation.
How does Rotary help? We provide immunizations to babies and improve access to basic medical services to vulnerable women and children. Women are taught how to breast feed and protect themselves and their children from diseases.
Some wonderful projects within our own District 7020 are providing baby baskets to mothers in need and school programs that provide medical checkups and nutritional classes carried out by Doctors and Dieticians, to name a few.
Clubs in Japan and Brazil used a Global Grant to equip a hospital with lifesaving neonatal equipment including five incubators, five ventilators, three heated cribs, five vital sign monitors and a super LED micro processed phototherapy unit to treat babies with jaundice.
Another Global Grant was used in rural China to save the children born with congenital heart defects. The Global Grant was used to provide heart surgeries to the children in need.
“If mothers are empowered and healthy, so are their families, leading to an alleviation of poverty and hunger.“ – Robert Zinser, co-founder of the Rotarian Action Group for Population and Development.
YIRS,
Louis Wever
District Governor 2021-2022
District 7020
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
This months’ theme is Water & Sanitation – clean water, sanitation and education are basic necessities for a healthy and productive life. Millions of people die from preventable waterborne diseases in undeveloped countries.
Some great projects to execute this month are educational programs to promote hand washing and other hygiene habits and providing toilets that flush into a safe enclosure. The first Rotary project was carried out in 1907 under the leadership of Founder Paul Harris which was creating a public comfort station (also known as the public toilet).
Another way for Rotarians to make an impact during this month is by joining WASH RAG (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Rotary Action Group) which was founded in 2007. Rotarians from all over the World can join WASH RAG. This Rotary Action Group has facilitated hundreds of projects, by helping clubs find partners, ensuring sustainability and stressing the importance of a needs driven approach. More information can be found at: www.wash-rag.org
And, finally I would like to speak about HANWASH which stands for “Haiti National Clean Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy” which is led by District 7020 and DINEPA (which is the Haitian Government’s National Water and Sanitation Agency) and other NGO’s. HANWASH is a collaborative national initiative to provide thoughtfully managed and sustainable clean water and sanitation to all residents of Haiti. The goal of HANWASH is to facilitate the creation of safely managed access to financially sustainable, potable water and sanitation to every household in Haiti by 2030.
Recently, the Rotary Foundation approved the Global Grant of $302,525.00 to modernize the municipal water system in Central Haiti in the town of Pignon which is the third Global Grant national HANWASH Program that is being undertaken with the Rotary Club of Pignon and Champion District 6940 in Florida. Currently, only half of the town receives clean water, with this grant this should raise the percentage to 100%. This grant will help improve the residents’ daily access to safe water and better hygiene and sanitation. For more information, go to www.hanwash.org
Let us continue to “Serve to Change Lives” in our local communities and around the World.
YIRS,
Louis Wever
District Governor 2021-2022
District 7020
It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world.
At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.
As one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations, we have made peace the cornerstone of our global mission. We join the international community in calling for an immediate cease fire, withdrawal of Russian forces, and a restoration of diplomatic efforts to resolve this conflict through dialogue.
In the past decade, Rotary clubs in Ukraine, Russia and nearby countries have transcended national differences and have actively engaged in peace-building projects to promote goodwill and to marshal assistance for the victims of war and violence. Today, our thoughts are with our fellow Rotary members and others in Ukraine coping with these tragic events. Rotary International will do everything in its power to bring aid, support and peace to the region.
Rotary International
25-Feb-2022
https://my.rotary.org/statement-rotary-international-ukraine
25-Feb-2022
https://my.rotary.org/statement-rotary-international-ukraine
Dear Fellow Rotarians,The theme for this month is Peace and Conflict Resolution – as an organization, peace is the foundation of our mission. Rotarians believe that when peace is achieved in communities, it can have a lasting global effect. By doing projects and peace fellowships/scholarships, Rotarians take action to address the original cause of conflict which can include poverty, discrimination, and lack of education to name a few.Nowadays with our World becoming more digital – the young generation can be taken astray by those with malice motives. An Interactor from Brazil, named Gabriel Kenji is a great example of how digital conflict can be resolved. In 2017, he was horrified to learn about an online suicide game called the Blue Whale, which preys on vulnerable adolescents. The game starts off harmless, as the youth are asked to do challenges over a 50-day period, which eventually included self-harm and ended with the teenagers being urged to take their own life. This game was created in Russia and there have been over 130 suicide cases that were allegedly linked to this game. Interactor Gabriel created a new game called the White Whale which helps to boost self-esteem, self-worth and encourages peaceful interactions among youngsters. Challenges included forgiving yourself for mistakes, exercising daily and posting positive messages on social media, etc. Interactor Gabriel says: “We want to show young people that they can make small changes to change the direction of their lives. And, that there is another path for teenagers to take that is far removed from an action like taking your own life.”At the time of the interview, Interactor Gabriel said that over 4,000 people have shared the White Whale’s Facebook page with a reach of nearly 30,000. With the help of fellow Interactors and the local Rotaract Clubs in Brazil, they are spreading the word by handing out brochures at bus stations, busy intersections and family and friends. Interactor Gabriel says: “I’m so grateful that my Club and other people in the Rotary family are taking a small idea and making it big.”In conclusion, for this month of Peace and Conflict Resolution, I encourage you all to continue the great work Clubs in the District are doing in your communities and globally. Every one of us can make a difference, no matter how big or small the action, as we can see in the example with Interactor Gabriel.Yours in Rotary Service,Louis WeverDistrict Governor 2021-2022District 7020
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
First Lady Amanda and I would like to wish you and your family a happy and healthy New Year! Let us continue to “Serve to Change Lives” with impactful and sustainable projects and service in local communities and around the World!
January is Vocational Service month, which can help us empower others by using our unique skills and expertise to address community needs. Your work experience, skills and knowledge in your field is valued and recognized during this month. Working together with our various professions makes us a strong team to better the lives in our communities and around the World. Rotary welcomes members from all professions.
This month also focuses on helping others to acquire or refine skills to advance their professional careers. Discussions on Vocational Service can lead to projects that not only develop ethical consciousness of Rotarians but also talents within the communities.
Clubs can promote Vocational Service by:
- Asking members in the Club to do mini classification talks during Club meetings
- Present a Vocational Award to someone in the community who has exemplified outstanding professional achievement while maintaining high ethical standards
- Practice your profession with integrity and inspire others to behave ethically through your words and actions
- Work with local businesses to create mentorship and/or internship opportunities to help young people achieve their career goals
As we navigate the Covid-19 Pandemic, continue to keep yourselves and families safe.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Louis Wever
District Governor 2021-2022
District 7020
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
We are halfway through this Rotary Year and firstly, I would like to commend all of the Clubs in District 7020 who continue to Serve to Change Lives during this challenging time. I have had the opportunity to physically visit some Clubs in the District and it is admirable how the Clubs are adapting during this Covid-19 Pandemic. Keep up the good work and I hope to visit more Clubs in the coming months!
December is Disease Prevention and Treatment month, as Rotarians and Rotaractors we believe in proper healthcare for all. Unfortunately, over 400 million persons Worldwide don’t have access to healthcare or even the basic healthcare. Disease results in pain, poverty and misery for many. That’s why it is important to bring awareness and prevention methods to the public for diseases such as Polio, Diabetes and Alzheimer’s, to name a few.
Rotary International and its partners are doing a tremendous job in eradicating Polio Worldwide. When we eradicate Polio once and for all, this will be a great success for us all. Continue to donate to PolioPlus to help us during this last leg of Polio Eradication!
I would like to mention about the silent killer called Diabetes, which is a chronic long lasting health condition that affects more than 422 millions persons globally. It is important for us to bring about awareness and prevention measures such as proper diet, exercise, cutting out sugar and losing weight (if obese).
We need to continue to support HANWASH which stands for “Haiti National Clean Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Strategy” which is led by District 7020 and DINEPA (which is the Haitian Government’s National Water and Sanitation Agency) and other NGO’s. HANWASH is a collaborative national initiative to provide thoughtfully managed and sustainable clean water and sanitation to all citizens of Haiti. In the past, Haiti received aid funding which mostly focused on providing temporary relief aid instead of building the systems necessary for the country to function.
The goal of HANWASH is to facilitate the creation of safely managed access to financially sustainable, potable water and sanitation to every household in Haiti by 2030. There are many ways to assist with HANWASH such as:
- Be a HANWASH Champion
- Introduce HANWASH to potential partner corporations, other non-government organizations or foundations
- Guide Rotarians or anyone who might be interested in donating to their website which is www.HANWASH.org
- Or, Sponsor a well
As we get towards the end this year 2021, First Lady Amanda and I would like to wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas. Make special memories with your family and friends and get energized for the second half of the Rotary Year!
Yours in Rotary Service,
Louis Wever
District Governor 2021-2022
District 7020
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
November is Rotary Foundation Month, where we highlight the importance of donating and supporting the Rotary Foundation, which is the charitable arm of Rotary International. Not only does the Rotary Foundation have an amazing charity rating, but every donation/contribution received will be transformed into projects that will change lives in your community and around the World.
Rotary International comprises of about 1.2 million members and through the Foundation’s grants are able to tackle challenges such as poverty and illiteracy, to name a few. Rotarians find sustainable solutions that create a lasting change. Rotary has six areas of focus on which the Foundation grants tend to follow which are: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water and sanitation, saving mothers and children, supporting education and growing local economies.
In 1988, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative began with Rotary and its partners and after 33 years, we have seen a reduction of 99.9% of Polio cases Worldwide. For this year 2021, there has been only one case of polio recorded in Afghanistan & in Pakistan. Contributions received not only provided the Polio vaccine which costs about $.60 but also transportation for the Polio Workers, campaign operational costs, technical & laboratory costs, etc.
Every dollar contributed, funds humanitarian and educational projects that are sustainable and makes a difference to the local communities and globally. To make your donation, or for more information visit www.rotary.org.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Louis Wever
District Governor 2021-2022
District 7020
Greetings Rotary Family,
We are pleased to announce that REGISTRATION for Rotary District 7020 P.E.T.S., Assembly & Conference 2022 is now OPEN!
Our face-to-face event from May 9th –14th, 2022 at Sonesta Maho Beach Resort Casino & Spa promises to be one you don't want to miss.
Our conference team is already hard at work planning a momentous and safe conference for all of us and look forward to welcoming you to the Friendly Island, St. Maarten.
Rotarians, we do encourage you to take advantage of the Early Bird rate (until 12/31/21) of $250.00.
Rotaractors and Guests, we also kept you in mind with an amazing Early Bird rate (until 12/31/21) of $200.00.
Below are the links to Rotary District 7020’s Conference 2022 promotional video, event page and conference information in which you are encouraged to like and share among your Rotarians, Rotaractors and family in District 7020 and beyond.
Facebook: RotaryD7020Conference2022
If you have any questions please feel free to email us at rotaryd7020conference2022@
We look forward to welcoming you to St. Maarten!!!
Yours In Rotary Service,
District Conference Team
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
As we embark on the second quarter of this Rotary Year, we will be focusing on the area of Economic & Community Development for the month of October. We have all seen the changes brought about by the Worldwide Covid-19 Pandemic, the loss of jobs, homes and security. It is a challenging time Worldwide and through these hard times, there has also been growth through creativity. All over the World, persons who would otherwise be in an office or working the 9-5 job have started their own businesses and tapped into their passions. We have also seen many young entrepreneurs starting businesses online and taking advantage of the digital space.
As Rotarians we can do many things to help those in need, in 2018 the Rotary Club of Guatemala Sur along with the Rotary Club of Barrington Breakfast in the United States started a microfinance program in Guatemala. Microfinance loans are powerful instruments for reducing poverty by enabling people to increase their income and reduce their vulnerability to economic stress. This program was aimed to complement the skills of the indigenous women by financing weavers in Sumpango, Guatemala.
Other ways to promote economic and community development are through trainings, and well paid jobs. One of Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta’s focus for this Rotary Year is to Empower Girls – still, girls and women Worldwide face inequalities in areas including health and education, violence, and disproportionate poverty. Rotary encourages Clubs to prioritize projects that improve the health, well-being, education, and economic security of girls in communities around the World. Rotarians can develop a club-based initiative, District Grant or Global Grant.
Bringing it closer to home, I would like to encourage you all to continue to donate to the District 7020 Haiti Earthquake Disaster Recovery Fund.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Louis Wever
District Governor 2021-2022
District 7020
As we embark on the second quarter of this Rotary Year, we will be focusing on the area of Economic & Community Development for the month of October. We have all seen the changes brought about by the Worldwide Covid-19 Pandemic, the loss of jobs, homes and security. It is a challenging time Worldwide and through these hard times, there has also been growth through creativity. All over the World, persons who would otherwise be in an office or working the 9-5 job have started their own businesses and tapped into their passions. We have also seen many young entrepreneurs starting businesses online and taking advantage of the digital space.
As Rotarians we can do many things to help those in need, in 2018 the Rotary Club of Guatemala Sur along with the Rotary Club of Barrington Breakfast in the United States started a microfinance program in Guatemala. Microfinance loans are powerful instruments for reducing poverty by enabling people to increase their income and reduce their vulnerability to economic stress. This program was aimed to complement the skills of the indigenous women by financing weavers in Sumpango, Guatemala.
Other ways to promote economic and community development are through trainings, and well paid jobs. One of Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta’s focus for this Rotary Year is to Empower Girls – still, girls and women Worldwide face inequalities in areas including health and education, violence, and disproportionate poverty. Rotary encourages Clubs to prioritize projects that improve the health, well-being, education, and economic security of girls in communities around the World. Rotarians can develop a club-based initiative, District Grant or Global Grant.
Bringing it closer to home, I would like to encourage you all to continue to donate to the District 7020 Haiti Earthquake Disaster Recovery Fund.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Louis Wever
District Governor 2021-2022
District 7020
CALLING ALL ROTARIANS, ROTARACTORS,
FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF ROTARY
District Governor Louis Wever and his conference team hereby invites you to join us for a time of inspiration, fellowship, training, and a memorable experience at the 2022 District 7020 PETS, Assembly & Conference in St. Maarten/St. Martin.
Be sure to save the dates: May 9th -14th, 2022
Below are the links to Rotary District 7020’s Conference 2022 video, event page and conference information in which you are encouraged to like and share among your Rotarians, Rotaractors and family in District 7020 and beyond.
Facebook: RotaryD7020Conference2022
For more information please contact the conference team at:
We look forward to having you join us!
Yours In Rotary Service,
District Conference Team
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
I would first like to commend the Rotarians and Rotaractors of District 7020 for banding together once again in the face of a natural disaster to assist our fellow brothers and sisters in Haiti after the devasting 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake on August 14th 2021. District 7020 Earthquake Response Chair Haresh Ramchandani and his team have been working tirelessly in assessing and assisting where possible and they are also doing a fantastic job with keeping the District and Rotarians and Rotaractors Worldwide up to date on the progress and needs of Haiti. I would like to wish all of those who have been affected by the Earthquake much strength during this difficult time. Let us continue to donate the District 7020’s Haiti Earthquake Recovery Fund, and please spread the word to family and friends. Nap mache men dan la men avèk nou! (“We walk hand in hand with you” in Haitian Creole).
September is Basic Education & Literacy month, it is stated on Rotary.org that 17% of the Worlds adult population are illiterate – that is about 775 million people over the age of 15. The Rotary Foundation supports education through scholarships, donations and service projects. Rotary Clubs around the World are making their impact on education by doing actions such as:
- Teaching adults to read, Rotarians in the United States partnered with ProLiteracy Detroit to recruit and train tutors after a study showed that more than half of the adult population was illiterate.
- Making schools healthy by providing clean water to public schools in Lebanon so that students can be healthy and have a better education
The Rotary Foundation promotes education and literacy for all by ensuring children have access to quality education, reducing gender disparity in education and strengthening the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, to name a few.
I have seen Clubs in our District do amazing projects to improve Literacy and Basic Education some of them are:
- Spelling Bee Competitions (which are known to improve a child’s confidence and improve their vocabulary)
- Hosting virtual or in person reading sessions for kids (which helps to develop a child’s brain, ability to focus, along with social and communication skills)
- The Butterfly Storybook Contest (which provides young students with a catalyst to achieve success, promotes literacy and provides books to Primary Schools across developing countries)
- Installation of Free Little Libraries (which improves access to books and helps to tackle low literacy rates)
I look forward to seeing the impactful projects that the Clubs in our District have planned for the coming months and I also want to encourage you all to share your projects and fundraisers with District Newsletter Chair Rosemarie Flax as we continue to Serve to Change Lives.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Louis Wever
District Governor 2021-2022
District 7020
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
Please see below a message from PDG Haresh who is the District 7020 Haiti Earthquake Response Chair:
My friends, the death toll continues to rise from the aftermath of the 7.2 Magnitude Haiti Earthquake on August 14, 2021. Now, with at least 304 dead and over 1800 injured, The Rotary District 7020 Earthquake response committee has done an initial assessment of the damage and secured logistics to provide aid.
Now we need your help. Cash is always the easiest way to get aid to those who need it now. We also have a list of needs, of which many can be sourced locally. This will not only help with relief, but also will support the local economy. See attachment for ways to donate via check or wire transfer. To Donate by Credit Card / PayPal, click here: https://www.paypal.com/
If, however, you’d like to provide help in kind with the immediate needs, here is a list of what is most needed right now. We have arranged swift clearance of all items that will be sent from this list to get it quickly into the areas in greatest need.
Eau / Drinking water
Tentes et baches / Tents and tarps
Nourriture / Food
Kits d’hygiene / Hygiene kits
Entran sanitaire /Medical Materials
Medecin / Doctor
Couvertures de laine / Wool blankets
Jerrycan / Large, portable water container
Kits de nourriture / Food kits
Volontaires, secouristes / Volunteers, first responders
Materiels de premiers de secours / First aid kits
Entran sanitaire /Medical Materials
Kit covid 19 / Covid-19 kit
Kits de cuisine / Kitchen kits
Seau / Bucket
Frais de fonctionnement pour le COUD / Operation fees for the Departmental Emergency Operation Centre (COUD)
Please email rotary7020relief@gmail.
Rotary District 7020 Disaster Preparedness Resources
As PEOPLE OF ACTION, being prepared for emergencies at the individual/family, club and district levels and helping others out in disasters are critical objectives that Rotary District 7020 has long strived to achieve . We encourage Rotarians to take action BEFORE, DURING and AFTER disasters. Here is a summary of these ACTIONS that our district takes concerning disasters
The D7020 District Disaster Preparedness Committee encourages all Rotarians and clubs to be prepared and provides the following informational resources and references to assist in this.
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
Welcome to the second month of the Rotary Year where we celebrate Membership & New Club Development. Being a Rotarian is the best choice you will ever make – Rotary is not only a Service Club, it is also a network of business professionals with high ethical standards. Being in Rotary you learn about cultural awareness, people skills, leadership skills and public speaking. Rotarians are the movers and shakers of our communities, we are the problem solvers who share ideas, and take action to create lasting change.
At this moment there are over 1.2 million Rotarians in over 35,000 countries Worldwide. For almost 116 years, Rotarians have bridged cultures, and connected continents to champion peace, fight illiteracy, and poverty, promote clean water & sanitation and fight diseases.
Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta’s call for action is “Each One Bring One”, his goal for this Rotary Year is to increase the membership to 1.3 million by June 2022 – all it takes is for one person in each Club to bring in a new member! We can do more service when new members join our Clubs by assisting financially, and bringing new ideas for projects and fundraisers.
On the other hand, we also need to retain the existing members which is very important. The Members are the backbone of the Clubs and each Rotarian has something valuable to contribute. There are a few ways to retain existing members such as making Club Meetings fun, and humorous without losing sight of Rotary’s mission, ask members for their feedback, provide leadership opportunities and put the member’s skills to use and recognize them for their efforts.
I encourage you all to also tell your Rotary Story, of why you joined Rotary, your most memorable moment of being a Rotarian and what makes your Club special. In doing so, let’s inspire others around us to join and commit to “Serve to Change Lives”.
Yours In Rotary Service,
Louis Wever
District Governor
District 7020
Dear Fellow Rotarians,
Welcome to the New Rotary Year 2021-2022! Firstly, I would like to congratulate Past District Governor Charles on a successful Rotary Year. It was another challenging year, but Rotarians have found innovative ways to carry out Club Meetings, Projects and Fundraisers. It is important for Rotarians to continue learning and growing, so that we can adapt to the new normal. The World is changing everyday, and we must change with it.
Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta’s theme for the New Rotary Year is “Serve to Change Lives”, where he is encouraging members to become more involved in service projects. And, in serving others it is the best way to live, because it not only changes the other person’s life, but also our own.
One of the goals of Rotary International President Shekhar is to grow Rotary to 1.3 million members Worldwide, the call to action is “Each One, Bring One”. Impact starts with our members; we are the leaders who are improving not only our communities but also Internationally!
In a quote by Harriet Tubman: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience and the passion to reach for the stars and to change the World.”
First Lady Amanda and I are looking forward to working with each and every one of you. Our District is amazing, welcoming and one of a kind! And, I am proud to be part of this dynamic District 7020!
Yours in Rotary Service,
Louis Wever
District Governor 2021-2022
District 7020
District 7020