Rotary Club of Dominica Celebrates Leadership Transition and Confers Prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Recognition on His Excellency Charles A. Savarin

The Rotary Club of Dominica held its annual Investiture Ceremony on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at the St. Alphonsus Parish Hall, marking the formal transition of leadership for the 2026–2027 Rotary year while celebrating another year of outstanding service to the citizens of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Her Excellency President of the Commonwealth of Dominica Sylvanie Burton and Mr. Burton, as well as Former President of the Commonwealth of Dominica, His Excellency Charles Angelo Savarin, and Mrs. Clara Savarin. Their presence underscored the significance of the occasion.

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Kimone Joseph, Head of the University of the West Indies Dominica Global Campus, who challenged Rotarians to continue embracing leadership grounded in service as we seek to create lasting impact. She commended the Rotary Club of Dominica for its unwavering commitment to improving lives and its contribution to national development with the many impactful projects that have been done by the Club over the years.

During the ceremony, Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) Cecil Shillingford was formally installed as President of the Rotary Club of Dominica for the 2026–2027 Rotary year. President Shillingford pledged to build upon the Club's proud legacy of service while advancing new initiatives and programs that respond to the evolving needs in communities in Dominica. His presidential year will be guided by the Rotary International’s 2026–2027 theme, “Create Lasting Impact.”

The evening's most memorable and significant moment was the presentation of the Paul Harris Fellow recognition to His Excellency Charles Angelo Savarin, former President of the Commonwealth of Dominica. The award, one of the highest honours bestowed by Rotary International, recognizes individuals whose lives exemplify outstanding service to humanity and whose contributions have made a meaningful and lasting impact on their country. In presenting the award, the Rotary Club of Dominica recognized His Excellency Charles Savarin's decades of distinguished public service, steadfast leadership, and unwavering commitment to the development and advancement of Dominica. His exemplary contributions to national life embody the values of integrity, service, and leadership that Rotary seeks to promote throughout the world.

Outgoing President, Paul Harris Fellow Dr. Jermaine Jewel Jean-Pierre, reflected on a successful 2025–2026 Rotary year, highlighting the Club's many achievements and impactful service projects. She expressed appreciation to the Board of Directors, committee chairs, club members, partners, sponsors, and volunteers whose dedication made the year's accomplishments possible. She reaffirmed that Rotary's continued success is built upon a shared commitment to the ideal of Service Above Self.

The Club proudly recognized Rotarian Paul Harris Fellow Jasmine Timothy as Rotarian of the Year for her outstanding dedication and unwavering commitment to service, and exceptional contribution to the Rotary Club of Dominica during the 2025–2026 Rotary year.

The Rotary Club of Dominica extends its sincere congratulations to President Cecil Shillingford and expresses its deepest gratitude to Dr. Jermaine Jewel Jean-Pierre for her exemplary leadership during the past Rotary year. The Club also warmly congratulates His Excellency Charles Angelo Savarin on receiving the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow recognition and thanks all members, partners, and supporters for contributing to another memorable chapter in the Club's history.

Supporting the President for the Rotary year 2026-2027 is the Board of Directors who were also pinned as follows:

Vice President: Paul Harris Fellow Annie Rosemary Edwards

President-Elect: Rotarian Galeine Dianna Gordon-Seraphine

Immediate Past President: Paul Harris Fellow Dr. Jermaine Jewel Jean-Pierre

Club Treasurer: Rotarian Katia Lazare-Pascal

Secretary: Paul Harris Fellow Dr. Jermaine Jewel Jean-Pierre

Club Foundation Chair: Reverend Father Paul Harris Fellow Elton J. Letang

Club Young Leaders Contact/Youth Services Chair: Rotarian Michelle Joseph

Club Membership Chair: Rotarian Bianca Payne

Club Public Image Chair: Paul Harris Fellow Darin M Grell

Club Administration: Past President, Paul Harris Fellow Gloria Tavernier

Club Service Projects Chair: Marie-Jose Edwards

Sergeant-at-Arms: Paul Harris Fellow Roslyn Sorhaindo

As the Club embarks on a new Rotary year, it remains committed to creating lasting Impact through humanitarian service, supporting education, protecting the environment, improving health, and strengthening communities throughout Dominica.