Rotary International President Visits District 7030 as First Female District Governor Inducted
In what can only be described as felicitous timing, the recent visit to Trinidad and Tobago by Rotary International President Dong Kurn Lee coincided with the Handing Over Ceremony of Rotary District 7030 leadership from District Governor Georges Nouh Chaia of French Guiana to the District’s first ever female District Governor, Astra Da Costa of Trinidad and Tobago.
This was one of the highlights of his visit, the other being a Display of Rotary work organized by Rotary Clubs, and the youth arms of Rotary – Rotaract and Interact Clubs.
More commonly known as President D.K., the leader of the world’s 1.2 million Rotarians, visited Trinidad and Tobago during his brief tour of District 7030. He delivered his Feature Address to Rotarians at the Special Rotary Meeting held on the evening of Monday 25 May at Queen’s Hall where, DGE Astra in formally accepting her new position as District Governor 2009-2010 for District 7030, made history at the same time. A number of Rotarians from across the District travelled to T&T for the function.
Prior to becoming the District’s newest DG, Astra’s history with Rotary was already filled with landmark service. Having joined the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain in 1995, she has served on its Board of Directors several times and held a number of posts before becoming the Club’s President for the 1999-2000 term. She is a Major Donor – Level One.
Meet Our District Governor
A corporate communications specialist, Astra Da Costa joined the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain in 1995. She served as a Member of the Club’s Board of Directors from 1996-2001 and 2007-2009, holding various positions.
Astra played a key role in re-vitalizing her club, raising attendance levels and participation in the club’s various projects. Astra’s term as President saw the club establishing an EmergencyMedical Relief Fund that underwrites surgery and medical treatment for underprivileged youth; enhancing its Adopt-a-Child Programme allowing an increased number of students to receive school books; expanding the reach and depth of the Club’s Vocational Education programme; securing extended support and funding for its Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) project through the Ministry of Education and major corporate sponsors.
In 2004, Astra served as Trinidad and Tobago’s Rotary Disaster Chair, supporting Clubs’response efforts, securing and shipping donations to the island, and spearheading a fundraiser dedicated to assisting with re-building one of Grenada’s major Secondary Schools. At the District level, she has been a facilitator on the District Training Team since 2002, speaking at PETS, Assembly and Conference and at training sessions for Assistant Governors on Public Relations, Rotary’s Image, Time Management and Club Administration. She has served as Assistant Governor, District Public Relations Chair, GSE Chair, Faculty and Public Relations Officer of RLI. Astra is a Major Donor - Level One.
Astra was a founding Board Member of Trinidad and Tobago’s Self Esteem Foundation (SEF) which trained teachers in self esteem techniques for use in schools and mounted a nationwide campaign to bring these values to the wider community. She has served as Board Member and President of FUNDAID, an NGO dedicated to facilitating low interest loans for micro-industry entrepreneurs. She also served as Council Member of The Girl Guides’ Association.
Born in 1946, Astra was educated at St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, beginning her working career as a teacher at Holy Faith Convent, Port of Spain. In 1974 she co-founded the Advertising and Public Relations firm, All Media Projects Ltd. (AMPLE), of which she is co-Owner/Director and now Executive Chairman. In 1990 she served as President of her industry’s professional body – the Advertising Agencies Association of Trinidad and Tobago (AAATT).
Ri President D. K. Lee Visits Rotarians In Barbados
Following his visit to Trinidad and Tobago, RI President D. K. Lee traveled to Barbados where he spent the day with the three Clubs there – RC Barbados, RC Barbados South and RC Barbados West.
He visited several of the main Rotary projects including: Rotary Club of Barbados’ Refurbishment of the Evalina Smith Children’s Ward, St. Philip District Hospital; and Rotary Club of Barbados West’s Haemodialysis Unit Project, Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Here’s some detail on these two projects:
RC Barbados – Refurbishment of the Evalina Smith Children’s Ward
The Evalina Smith Children’s Ward of the St. Philip District Hospital is the home for persons born mentally and physically challenged for life. In 2006 Past President Michael Browne identified an initiative that could improve the quality of life for the Staff and patients. The project had a protracted gestation period and in 2007 President Jerry Ishmael convinced the Board of the merit of the project and took over responsibility for its implementation. Club Service Director Erskine Thompson was appointed as Project coordinator with Community Service Director Commander Willie Kirton.
The successful execution required a series of partnerships thereby demonstrating in a practical way the purpose of Rotary – Working with and for the Community. The approval of the Ministry of Health was confirmed in June. This was the start of a working relationship with the Principal Nursing Officer Mrs. Lolene Rawlins, and the staff of the Children’s Ward.