If you watch the news with any regularity, you'll know all about the good humanitarian work that the 10 different Rotary clubs in Belize do for the general public. They are often on the frontlines of some goodwill gesture for needy Belizeans.
But, what you may not know is that those Rotary Clubs, Rotaract, and Interact, all make up a part of Rotary International, which has a presence in over 200 countries, in the form of 36 thousand different clubs.
The President of Rotary International, Barry Rassin and his wife, Esther, are on a few-days visit to Belize as part of his annual Presidential Tour. And that's a big deal for the Belizean rotarians because it's the first time in 56 years that the highest ranking official in Rotary International has come to visit.
The couple was officially welcomed by Deputy Prime Minister Patrick Faber, Belize City Mayor Bernard Wagner, the head of Rotary in Belize, and a room full of the local rotarians.
A press conference was hosted President Rassin's honor, and here's what he had to say to the gathering:
Bernard Wagner - Mayor, Belize City Council
"President Rassin, on behalf of Belize City, I've been bestowed the honor of presenting to you a key to the City of Belize. This key is very symbolic, and it represents a free entry into the City, at all times."
"And it is only fitting as well, that it be given to you and the organization that you represent, for their significant contribution to the country of Belize, and to the City of Belize."
Barry Rassin - President, Rotary International
"Such a pleasure to be here in Belize, to spend a few days, visit with Rotarians, see some of the work that Rotary is doing here. Our organization is, as you've heard, around the world 1.2 million Rotarians in over 200 countries, 36,000 clubs, but we're very personal and it really is all about each rotary club making a difference, and changing the lives of those who are not only in their own communities, but also around the world. That's what we do, and I especially wanted to come to Belize to say thank you to the Rotarians who are here, doing the good work to help the people of Belize."
"Our organization's top priority is to complete the eradication polio. Only 3 countries are left that are endemic in the world, Nigeria - and they haven't had a case in almost 2 years - Pakistan is another. They haven't had a case in almost 2 months, and Afghanistan unfortunately just had a case last week."
Hon. Patrick Faber - Deputy Prime Minister
"In terms of education, for instance, the Rotary has been influential in terms of literacy over the years. We've worked with rotary clubs here, and also clubs in Canada to see technology being introduced in some of our schools. You know that the also have an initiative where they provide us with playgrounds in several of our communities, and in our schools. We continue to work in a number of areas, putting bathrooms in some of the remote areas is another area, working with water projects. So, I take these opportunities to engage with the rotary very seriously because they are a serious partner in the work of developing Belize."
The Rotary International President and his wife leave near the end of the work week. Up until his departure, he has a packed schedule of events.
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