Rotary Club of Antigua Installs New Board, Honours Outstanding Members at Annual Handover Ceremony

The Rotary Club of Antigua has officially installed its 2026–2027 Board of Directors, marking the start of a new Rotary year focused on expanding the organisation’s impact across Antigua and Barbuda.

The installation took place during the Club’s Handover Ceremony and Awards Dinner on Saturday, July 11, at The Cove Restaurant at Blue Waters Hotel. The event celebrated the achievements of the outgoing leadership while welcoming a new executive team led by incoming President Anastasia Wilson.

Wilson assumes office under Rotary International’s 2026–2027 theme, “Create Lasting Impact,” which encourages Rotary clubs worldwide to strengthen communities through sustainable service, meaningful partnerships and long-term solutions.

In her inaugural remarks, Wilson pledged to build on the Club’s legacy of community service by strengthening partnerships, growing membership, empowering young leaders and delivering projects that address the evolving needs of communities throughout Antigua and Barbuda.

“Our focus this year will be on creating meaningful, measurable and sustainable impact through service,” she said.

Outgoing President Elisa Graham reflected on what she described as a successful Rotary year under the theme “Unite for Good,” highlighting achievements in community service, youth development, support for The Rotary Foundation, membership growth, leadership training and public outreach.

She thanked the Board of Directors, committee chairs, members, sponsors and community partners for their dedication throughout her tenure and expressed confidence that the incoming leadership would continue to strengthen the Club’s work.

The newly installed Board includes:

President: Anastasia Wilson
Vice President: Denise Armstrong
Secretary: Barbara Jarvis
Treasurer: Rozanne Emanuel
Director – Service Projects: Paul Ryan
Director – Membership: Celia Samuel
Director – Foundation: Delbert Baptiste
Director – Youth Services: Sherwyn Greenidge
Public Image Chair: Dwayne Simon
Immediate Past President: Elisa Graham
President-Elect: T. Samoya Kirby
Club Administrator: Evangeline Allen
Sergeant-at-Arms: Barbara Hesse-Merchant

The evening also recognised several Rotarians and community partners whose service made significant contributions during the past Rotary year.

Rotarian Linda Watkins received the Director of the Year Award for her exceptional leadership as Treasurer, where she was recognised for restoring stability to the Club’s financial operations, maintaining accountability and supporting several committees.

The prestigious Rotarian of the Year Award was presented to Rozanne Emanuel for her unwavering commitment, dependability and outstanding service to the Club, exemplifying Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.”

Past President Evangeline Allen received the Service Excellence Award in recognition of her leadership while serving as both a Club Director and Chair of District RYLA 2025, reflecting her continued commitment to youth leadership development across the district.

The Club also honoured Fitzgerald Ponde with the Community Service Award for his generous support in assisting with the installation of Peace Poles throughout Antigua and Barbuda, a project aimed at promoting peace, understanding and goodwill.

As the new Rotary year begins, the Club says it remains committed to delivering impactful community initiatives in education, youth development, health, environmental sustainability and humanitarian service while continuing its tradition of serving communities across Antigua and Barbuda.