Kingston mayor embraces Rotary’s ‘Unite for Good’

“Could not be more fitting”.

That’s how Mayor of Kingston Andrew Swaby has summarised the theme of the upcoming Rotary District 7020 Conference ‘Unite for Good’, as he welcomed Rotarians from 10 northern Caribbean countries to the Jamaican capital, which, this year, will host the annual session.

Swaby was addressing the press launch of the conference, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Friday. Close to 600 people will converge on the city, known regionally and globally as the cultural capital, for a full week of leadership training, fellowship and networking from April 27 to May 2.

“In a world where communities continue to face complex challenges from natural disasters to social and economic pressures, the spirit of unity and service is more important than ever,” he declared, emphasising that Rotary’s commitment to uniting people around such causes “is a powerful example of how collective efforts can create lasting change.”

Highlighting Rotary’s response to the devastation by Hurricane Melissa, the Kingston mayor hailed the international service organisation for the role it has played in nation-building, philanthropy and leadership development in Jamaica.

“Rotary continues to support communities and uplift those in need,” he said.

Several clubs across Jamaica partnered and collaborated with other service and charitable organisations to deliver immediate relief to Jamaicans in the western end of the country. Rotary International (RI) through Rotary District 7020 has also provided millions in aid, which is being poured into various projects to restore hurricane-battered communities. These initiatives have been targeted at early childhood institutions, water access and sanitation, climate resilience and economic restoration.

“As mayor, I wish to affirm the support of the Municipal Corporation as you prepare for what promises to be a successful and impactful conference,” he avowed.

A moment of purpose

Setting the stage for the conference, district governor for Rotary District 7020, Professor William ‘Bill’ Aiken, described the occasion as more than a launch.

“It is a moment of purpose,” he affirmed, “signalling a gathering of minds, hearts and hands, across our diverse Caribbean region committed to uniting for good to create lasting impact, as we recognise needs and transform lives.”

He defined the strength of District 7020 as its collective makeup, which leverages the resilience, creativity, innovation and compassion of the 10 island states and territories which comprise its body. As such, he cautioned that “the conference will be by no means routine”.

“It will be a convergence of ideas and action, a space where we reflect on our impact over the last year, reimagine our possibilities, and recommit to Rotary’s enduring mission,” he said.

Over the one week of conference, he said the district will be celebrating the impactful work of the more than 90 clubs and their members, confront intra-district and club challenges to sharpen the focus of Rotary in the district for years ahead.

“We will engage in meaningful dialogue on the issues that matter most: health, education, youth empowerment, environmental stewardship, disaster preparedness and economic resilience in our Caribbean territories,” he further outlined, adding that emphasis will be placed on post-disaster mental health management also.

This year’s conference, with primary sponsorship from Marathon Insurance Brokers, will include a starring cast of Rotary leaders from the district and the organisation’s highest level, Rotary International (RI), including President-nominee, Larry Lunsford, who will serve as RI President for the 2027-2028 Rotary year, and Past RI President, Barry Rassin, who hails from The Bahamas, one of the 10 countries in District 7020.

Rotary remains the largest service organisation of its kind worldwide with more than 1.3 million professionals, businesspeople and community leaders who pool their skills, finances and time to promote peace, sanitation and hygiene; provide clean water; fight disease; improve maternal and child health; protect the environment; grow local economies; and support education.