Local News
Annill Daniel Assumes Presidency of the Rotary Club of Central Tortola
– Past District Governor Vance Lewis Honoured
The Rotary Club of Central Tortola (RCCT) has inducted Annill Daniel as President for the 2024/2025 Rotary Year. Daniel steps into the role following the successful tenure of Sanjay Surtani, who now serves as the Immediate Past President.
In his inaugural address, Daniel expressed gratitude to all RCCT members for their unwavering commitment and contributions, emphasising the collective growth and success that define the spirit of Rotary excellence. “We embark on this journey together, poised to make a meaningful impact on our community and beyond,” he remarked. “It is through our combined efforts that we will achieve extraordinary results.”
The Rotary Club also introduced its newly elected Board of Directors, a distinguished group of seasoned professionals bringing extensive corporate experience and a fervent passion for community service in the Virgin Islands. The incoming board members include:
- President-Elect: Zoe Walcott
- Immediate Past President: Sanjay Surtani
- Secretary: Gaelle Maduro
- Treasurer: Andrae Adams
- Sergeant-at-Arms: Claude Skelton-Cline
- Directors: PDG Vance Lewis, PP Nelcia St. Jean, PP Shan Mohamed, Shaquilla Smith, Laura Greces, Andrae Adams
The evening also honoured two exceptional Rotarians for their stellar contributions and achievements. Past District Governor Vance Lewis received the prestigious Rotary International Citation Award for achieving Major Donor Level 2, a recognition granted to individuals who have donated over $25,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Lewis’s generosity and dedication have profoundly impacted the community and beyond.
Additionally, Rotarian Vajendra Bharat was named Rotarian of the Year for the 2023-2024 term, celebrating his outstanding commitment and contributions to the club’s mission. Bharat exemplifies Rotary’s core values, embodying the spirit of “service above self” in every endeavour. His unwavering dedication and exemplary service inspire all and strengthen the Rotary community’s fabric.
The Rotary Club of Central Tortola extends its congratulations to Annill Daniel on assuming the presidency and expresses profound gratitude to Sanjay Surtani for his invaluable service as Immediate Past President. The successful installation of President Annill Daniel and the entire board for the 2024/25 term was celebrated at the Installation Cocktails event at Coco Maya, Virgin Gorda. The event, set against a stunning beach backdrop with vibrant “Beach Chic” attire, was a night to remember.
A heartfelt thank you was extended to everyone who attended and made the evening special. From the ferry’s departure to the wonderful conversations, delicious food, and refreshing cocktails, the event was a testament to the magic of Rotary and the spirit of community service.
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Local News
British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission Welcomes New Leadership
The British Virgin Islands Financial Services Commission (BVIFSC) has announced new appointments to its governing board, with Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC stepping in as Chairman and Ms. Patlian Johnson as Commissioner. The appointments, confirmed by the Ministry of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, mark a new chapter for the commission as it seeks to strengthen the territory’s financial services sector.
Mr. Gerard St Clair Farara KC has been appointed to a three-year term as Chairman, effective August 1, 2024. A seasoned legal expert with a distinguished career, Farara currently serves as a Commercial Court Judge for the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court and leads the litigation team at the BVI office of COLLAS CRILL, formerly Farara Kerins. Farara’s prominence in the legal community is further highlighted by his appointment as Queen’s Counsel in 1996, cementing his standing as a leading figure in the Virgin Islands Bar and the broader Eastern Caribbean.
Ms. Patlian Johnson will serve a one-year term as Commissioner, also beginning on August 1, 2024. Johnson, a Strategy and Policy Advisor with extensive experience, currently holds the position of National Coordinator for the UNDP Project Office. She brings an impressive academic background, including a Master of Science in Economics and Finance from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Accounting with First Class Honours from the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus.
The pair will replace outgoing Chairman Mr. Robin F. Gaul and Commissioner Mr. Melvin A. Turnbull, whose terms have concluded. Minister of Financial Services, Labour, and Trade, Honourable Lorna G. Smith, OBE (AL), praised the new appointments, stating, “I am delighted to welcome Mr. Farara and Ms. Johnson to the BVIFSC Board of Commissioners. Their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to navigate the challenges and opportunities facing the financial services sector.”
Smith also expressed gratitude to the departing board members for their significant contributions to the growth and stability of the territory’s financial services industry. According to the Government Information Service (GIS), these appointments underscore the Virgin Islands’ commitment to maintaining a well-regulated and competitive financial services sector.
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