PRESIDENTS INSTALLATION Kiwanis induct first of three Caymanians
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This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.
See the article in its original context from October 1990.
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The event took place on 29 September at the Pagoda Restaurant amidst many humourous quips between tables. Also attending were Presidents from other Community Service Clubs in Cayman, including Lions, Rotary and the Kiwanis Club of Seven Mile Beach, and Lieutenant Governor Jim Anthony from Florida who installed the new officers. Following dinner and the usual Kiwanis agenda, Past President Paul de Freitas gave his farewell speech and presented the awards. Chris Bain was named Kiwanian of the Year on two counts, first for his leadership of the club's meetings programmes and second for his willing attendance on all Kiwanis projects without being pressured.
To Val Lichtenstein for his dedication to Graffiti's he gave a print of the lighthouse, celebrating this coming year's Kiwanis symbol of light.
To Mr. Anthony for his continuous support, he awarded a crystal eagle's head, as was last year's theme.
Mr. de Freitas' farewell speech quickly went over the highlights of his year as President. He mentioned Marine Conservation Day that "gave us some impetus with a banner patch award for a project which gave the club new publicity... the name of the Kiwanis Club of Grand Cayman appears on every video produced by the National Trust for that event."
Kiwanibike, an annual fundraiser for the club, raised $8,150, and the club provided presents for Santa to give out at each performance of Aladdin earlier this year. The 3rd annual Kiwanis Golf Tournament in April brought in some $3,870, he said. The Kiwanis production of Look, No Hans, performed in the Harquail Theatre after Easter "clearly showed the talent available within our club to achieve almost anything we put our minds to," Mr. de Freitas said.
After expenses the play raised a disappointing $1,000. However, an additional $1,152 was received from the Kiwaniannes due to advertisements in the programme.
Mr. de Freitas also welcomed the lady members who had joined since the dissolvement of the Kiwaniannes, and he added "Let's see you accept responsibility at director level, workload on our projects, and let's look forward to the first lady President of our club." With the new members came a sum of $1,690 which was placed in the Community Fund, he announced.
The Community Fund, which is used to provide financial support to worthy causes started the year, he said, at $8,350 and now stands at $13,000.
Mr. de Freitas described Graffiti's, part of the Kiwanis Youth Activity Centre, as "a spectacular and much talked about success." He said they would like to expand to other social, cultural and sporting activities.
During his year as President the club passed over its 75th Anniversary. Mr. de Freitas spoke of this briefly, saying "Kiwanis has developed from being a businessman's back scratching club into a service organisation whose efforts are felt worldwide because of our support of the Kiwanis International Foundation. "And in every part of an expanding Kiwanis world, it is small clubs like ours which can make so big a difference in the communities in which we live." Mr. Dexter Rivers, from West Bay, the incoming President, gave a short acceptance speech, which began by saying "the fellowship which we share at our meetings truly puts more meaning in my life."
He continued "I find our projects equally enjoyable, whether it is escorting the handicapped children on a submarine cruise, running a soccer tournament, or supervising a teen dance. We not only bring excitement and pleasure to others, but I certainly find it satisfying knowing that we have been of service to others, who sometimes are less fortunate than we are. Some of the best days I have had in years has been spent doing service to my community through Kiwanis projects.
"This club has over the years, although small, made a difference in the lives of quite a few less fortunate people. In these days when the abuse and alcohol is causing a general breakdown in families, and is having a detrimental effect on children, we must continue to serve our community to the best of our abilities at every available opportunity."
Mr. Rivers expressed goals for his years to be additional equipment for the Lighthouse School, sponsorship of a Circle K Club (a college version of Kiwanis), to name a few. Kiwanis International has adopted the slogan "Young children, Priority one" as the major emphasis for this year.
Mr. Rivers thanked his fellow Kiwanians for giving him their confidence and electing him as President. "Now I ask you to give me and your club your support as we strive to make our community a better place to live.
"The main goal of every human being should be to contribute to the enhancement and welfare of our community and its citizens. And when we die we should be confident that we have helped to make the world a better place than what we have found while we were alive."
Other Officers installed at the meeting were Chris Bain - Secretary, Ray Shaver - Treasurer, Roger Bodden - Vice President, and Steve Smith - President E't.
Incoming one year Directors were Ernest Foster, Sandy Perry and Doug Rollings. Incoming two year Directors were Frank Banks, Bob Book, Val Lichtenstein, King McCord, and Balan Murugesu.
