"Put-de-lime-in-de-coconut..."

Two team members launch new business venture

2010-09-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Two of our team members, Shelly Kane and Heidi Ellis, have launched a new business venture together -

Moxie Events!

Shelly's event planning experience and Heidi's interior design skills make for a great team!

Visit them on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/MoxieEvents.

Contact information:

- Heidi: getmoxie@eugeneweddingplanning.com
503-917-9342

- Shelly: igotmoxie@eugeneweddingplanning.com
541-221-0608

PO Box 40603
Eugene, OR 97405

GSE team member Shelly Kane joins Rotary

2010-08-22T14:45:00.000-07:00

Shelly Kane has joined the newest club in District 5110 - the Rotary Club of McKenzie After Five in the Eugene-Springfield-Coburg area. Shelly is not only a member of the new club - she is a charter member.

Shelly with PDG John Cox and District Advisor Mike Screen

McKenzie After Five Charter Members

The club was officially chartered on June 30, 2010 (the last day of the previous Rotary year). The charter night was held on August 21 and Shelly was inducted along with her 23 fellow charter members. Past District Governor John Cox presided over the festivities.

Shelly with GSE Team Leader Rick Francona
(Note - Barbados Legion tie)

Presentation in Bandon - July 23, 2010

2010-07-23T18:36:00.000-07:00

Team leader Rick Francona gave a presentation to the Rotary Club of Bandon today. The club was interested in the program - they had sponsored two applicants for the team (none were chosen).

One of the points that Rick made about many of the Caribbean clubs purchasing Shelter Boxes was a big hit. The four South Coast clubs - Bandon, Port Orford, Gold Beach and Brookings-Harbor - are considering a joint purchase of four Shelter Boxes.

Rick asked the club to seek out applicants for the 2010-2011 GSE to Peru.

District 5110 Conference - Eugene, Oregon

2010-05-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Our home district, District 5110, conference was held in Eugene on May 21 and 22. The team gathered once again and, as usual, wowed the crowd.

Shelly and Rick opening for the team. As usual, Rick tried to be funny and Shelly saved the day.

"Anna Leelah Layla" Lillah explaining lawyering in the Caribbean. Lillah's team recently placed third in the classic Bend canoe race.

Heidi brings it home with her "outside in - inside out" GSE experience. In a nutshell, we did not look at the island as most tourists do, that is from the "outside in," but staying with local families gave us the unique perspective of seeing it from the "inside out."

Rick: I now make my living with words. I could not have said it better.

At the GSE teams roundtable:

Liesl (from the District 7030 team) and Shelly with a Carnival mask. Shelly has a whole outfit, but maybe not for G or PG audience....

Liesl, Shelly and Monica at the roundtable - good questions and answers.

Rick said something that everyone seemed to like. To his left is the team leader of the the District 4410 (Brazil) team; to his right is the team leader of the District 7030 (Eastern Caribbean) team.

Heidi, always a crowd favorite, talks about her experiences in the Caribbean.

It was nice to reunite with the team, if just for a short time.

Back home to Oregon

2010-03-30T08:21:00.000-07:00

March 28 - After a month in the Caribbean, visitng Dominica, Martinique, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, a tanned GSE team returned to a significantly cooler and wetter Oregon.

The tanned team at Portland airport

We will be adding more posts to the blog - mostly on the vocational exchange visits - as we sort through our notes and pictures.

The team will also make a presentation on our trip at the District 5110 Conference in Eugene on Friday, May 21 at 3:15pm.

Lawyering on Barbados

2010-03-26T19:25:00.000-07:00

March 26 - I had such a great time on Barbados with the attorneys there. I finally got to go to court with a criminal defense attorney, which was just amazing, and this particular attorney was a notorious character on the island. He participated in the local theater and had been defending the most high profile cases on the island for years.

When I mentioned at the Rotary meetings that I had been with Andrew Pilgrim that day, the whole club erupted in laughter. But he and his associate drove me around to all the small courthouses and showed me first hand how the criminal process works. I also got to hear first hand about the different idiosyncrasies of the judges, which was exactly like some judges I know. In fact, practicing criminal law in Barbados seemed to be the most similar to my practice. We shared the same stories about clients and judges and the criminal process in general. I felt like I was sitting around with my colleagues here discussing another work day. It was wonderful.

I also met another attorney who was close to my age and he was very informative and interesting. He worked for a large law firm that handled corporate litigation, so we had a chance to discuss trial practice as well.

I also toured the new Supreme Court building and sat in on a criminal trial. This was great and the building was just beautiful. It also had every piece of high tech equipment a court room could need. I was jealous.

Lillah McBride

Stantec Engineering - Barbados

2010-03-26T16:52:00.000-07:00

March 25 – My final vocational visit was spent with Justin Jennings-Wray at Stantec. Stantec is a Canadian engineering firm with branches in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean.

Justin explained the EIA, or Environmental Impact Assessment studies he does on the island of Barbados. These studies sometimes determine the sustainability of the golf courses’ water drainage and management. I also learned about Barbados's unique water table.

Justin drawing me a diagram during our discussion about the water table of Barbados.

Monica Holzmer

Premier Event Services - Barbados

2010-03-26T13:45:00.000-07:00

March 25 - Jerry Ishmael, part owner of Premier Event Services was my favorite vocational visit on Barbados. This man knows events inside and out! I got to talk to him about 2 very exciting events that his business landed, “The Prime Minister’s Inaugural Ball” and the “Barbados Food & Wine Festival” sponsored by Travel and Leisure Magazine! During my visit, I got to meet the secretary to the Prime Minister as she was in the office to approve the event invitation for the Inaugural Ball, a 450 person plated meal affair. She was very happy to say the least.

The Barbados Food and Wine Festival takes place Nov. 19-22, 2010 and will have three top guest chefs: Chef Tim Love, a true Texan and pioneer of urban Western Cuisine, Chef Ming Tsai, a New York chef who focuses on East-West cooking, and last but not least, Chef Marcus Samuelsson, multi-award winning New Yorker famed as the chef at Obama’s first State White House dinner (the infamous crashed dinner we all know and talk about).

The most interesting part of the conversation was about the wine. Barbados does not produce wine, yet the titles is very explanatory, a Wine and Food Festival. They are importing wines and flying in wine experts from all over the world. Rum will be present at the event of course, as Barbados is very proud to say that Mount Gay is the first rum ever to be produced.

There will be cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, rum shop Safari’s, catamaran cruises hosted by the celebrity chefs, dinner banquets, tastings, music, and all kinds receptions throughout this fun 4 day event. On an international level, the event will promote Barbados as a top tourism destination. Given my culinary and hospitality experience on Barbados, they will have no problem with this!

I really wish I was a part of the Premier Event Services team working on this exciting event. Even more, I wish I had the vacation time to take off and go back to attend this event! I have great confidence that Jerry and his staff will do a fine job!

For more info on the event, pick up a copy of Travel and Leisure Magazine!

Shelly Kane

Barbados Legion

2010-03-26T04:48:00.000-07:00

March 25 - The Barbados Legion is a semi-private veterans support organization patterned after the British Legion. It provides assistance to former members of the British forces from Barbados and former members of the Barbados Defence Force.

The Legion building - The Main Guard, in the Garrison, Saint Michaels

The BDF was formed after independence in 1966. Prior to that, Bajans served in units of the British Army, at one time constituting (with other islands) the West Indies Regiment. Some members supported by the Legion served in British Army, the Royal Air Force and the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II. The first prime minister of Barbados, Errol Walton Barrow, was a WWII RAF veteran with 40 missions to his credit.

Over the past few years, the Barbados government has recognized that having a private organization look after its veterans was not living up to its commitment and now partially funds the organization with about US$100,000 per year. The Legion still sells the poppy reminiscent of the poppies sold on Veterans Day in the United States.

Following an excellent briefing and tour by Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Florence Gettins, the Legion presented me with their organizational tie - I am wearing if in the photo.

Hazzard Engineering and Lime Grove - Barbados

2010-03-25T17:18:00.000-07:00

My third vocational visit on Barbados was in two parts. First being a visit to Mahy, Ridley, Hazzard Engineering Ltd. I met with Gregory Hazzard (below), the director.

His company employs about 10-15 people and their offices are in a building (below)that was originally part of a large plantation.

Gregory was very nice and drove me all around Barbados showing me some of his projects. One was an impressive golf course club house with an amazing view of the ocean (but it was closed at the time, so I couldn't take a photo).

Another project in progress was a large office building that will house an insurance company that fellow GSE team member Lillah's host father, Keith, works for. It's interesting how everyone is pretty much connected to everyone else, since it is such a small island.

In fact, another project underway will be one of the largest retail centers in Barbados, and through my vocational visits I met the engineers, two construction companies, and the leasing office on the job. It's called Lime Grove (below) and is a large commercial and residential development on the west coast of Barbados in the affluent town of Holetown.

Lynne Williams (with me below) in residential sales gave me a hard hat tour of the three and four-story buildings, to be complete with a movie theater, underground parking, and retailers including Cartier, Ralph Lauren, and Louis Vuitton, to name a few.

Palm Grove includes more than 10 buildings, plus a second phase to consist of three-story town houses on an adjacent block. It will be a beautiful site complete with three courtyards and roof-top dining. Check out: http://www.limegrove.com/ for some great images and architectural renderings. The center opens December of this year, just in time for some Christmas shopping!

Heidi Ellis

Rotary Club of Barbados

2010-03-25T13:42:00.000-07:00

March 25 - The GSE team attended the lunch meeting of the Rotary Club of Barbados, often called the "big club" or the "old club." The club, with about 80 members, is the largest in District 7030.

Monica - to her left is her host family member Ronnie Ramsey

It is also the home club of Past District Governor David Edwards (seated to Shelly's left), who has invited the team to spend our rest day on his yacht - we said yes.

Lillah presenting

Heidi presenting

The customary banner exchange:

Monica - Springfield Twin Rivers

Shelly - Springfield

Heidi - Eugene Airport

Lillah - Bend High Desert

Rick (wearing his Barbados Legion tie) - Port Orford

Rotary Club of Barbados South

2010-03-25T13:00:00.000-07:00

March 24 – The team attended the lunch meeting of the Rotary Club of Barbados South. During the meeting, the club inducted a new member into its ranks.

Shelly making her presentation

Monica making her presentation

The club is involved in several community service projects, including the adoption of a school for children with special needs.

The team members presented banners from their sponsoring clubs:

Monica - Springfield Twin Rivers

Heidi - Eugene Airport

Lillah - Bend High Desert

Shelly - Springfield

Mark Thompson Group - Barbados

2010-03-24T20:31:00.000-07:00

My second vocational visit in Barbados was to an architect's office, Mark Thompson of the Mark Thompson Group. We started with a driving tour to view some of his completed projects. The Mark Thompson Group has been very successful and has many beautiful projects throughout Barbados.

We ended up at his office, which is a historical building, the "Ronald Tree House." It's a beautiful two-story home, now converted to office spaces, which houses Mark's company, a massage therapist, and a quantity surveyor's office.

Keith Browne, me, Mark Thompson

Which leads me to my second vocational visit of the day: Keith Browne, quantity surveyor. This profession isn't practiced much in the states under that title, but he essentially is an estimator/budgeter/appraiser all in one.

Quantity surveying includes creating a large document of all the individual costs involved in a construction or remodel project. It can be time-consuming, but is very helpful for the contractors to tender (bid). This practice is more common in the UK as well. Keith's company does quantity surveying among other things.

They also specialize in project management, contract review, and valuations. To be a chartered quantity surveyor, there is a three-year program, then two years of training, and a final assessment test. Keith also completed his MBA, which has aided him in running his own business and managing a team.

Heidi Ellis

Barbados Coastal Zone Management Unit

2010-03-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

March 23 – I spent my second vocational day in Barbados with Dr. Leo Brewster PhD, Director of the Coastal Zone Management Unit.

Dr. Brewster showed me a boardwalk project the Coastal Zone Management Unit has been working on around the island to better serve the public and use the natural forces the geomorphology of the ocean exhibits to conserve and maintain the beaches on the island with the most public use. The wooden boards were brought into Barbados from Brazil for their tested longevity. The boulders had to be shipped in from Canada because the geology of Barbados is made up of coral entirely and it is not a favorable material to take the endless pounding of the surf year upon year.

Dr. Brewster and I on a section of the boardwalk on the south coast.

Monica Holzmer

Renaissance Events - Barbados

2010-03-24T13:40:00.000-07:00

March 22 - I spent the afternoon with Andrea Thompson, owner of Renaissance Events. I found Andrea’s career transition to the event industry incredibly interesting. Before the internet, window displays were the leading way to advertise products and services. Andrea was the person to hire when you wanted your window display to take on that perfect look to ensure every consumer who walked had the desire to purchase the product or service.

Soon after the internet, window display space transitioned into expanded space for products. Andrea’s window display business was declining, but she was getting an increased number of inquiries to decorate at weddings. Soon, she found herself working full time in the growing wedding and event industry. Now she works on all kinds of corporate and social events developing wall and ceiling treatments, table and buffet treatments, and sign and design work.

Shelly Kane

Rotary Club of Barbados West

2010-03-23T18:30:00.000-07:00

March 23 – The GSE team attended the dinner meeting of the Rotary Club of Barbados West at the Bagatelle Great House in Saint Thomas. The club had numerous visiting Rotarians from Great Britain and Canada.

The GSE team at dinner at the President's table

Dessert Monica

Shelly delivering her portion of the presentation

Club President John Hadchity and banner exchanges:

Monica - Springfield Twin Rivers

Lillah - Bend High Desert

Heidi - Eugene Airport

Shelly - Springfield

Rick - Port Orford

GoeOrbis - Barbados

2010-03-23T16:32:00.000-07:00

March 22 – I visited GeoOrbis for my first vocational visit in Barbados. I spent my time discussing the GIS projects GeoOrbis does for their clients with Managing Director Craig Batstone and GIS & RS Coordinator Renee Babb. GeoOrbis has constructed a vehicle tracking GIS application for many companies and government departments to utilize on the island. For commercial endeavors this allows companies to streamline their efficiency. While ambulances and emergency vehicles are the most widely used service vehicle GeoOrbis tracks for the government offices.

GeoOrbis has also supplied all of the aerial imagery for the recently published road atlas of Barbados.

Craig showing me some of GeoOrbis’s aerial imagery.

Monica Holzmer

International Business in Barbados

2010-03-23T14:25:00.000-07:00

March 23 - I met with two business-oriented organizations to discuss the international investment climate in Barbados.

Janette Babb and Ezra Catwell represent Invest Barbados. Invest Barbados is a government body charged with attracting international investments into the country, particularly the “off-shore” – a term they avoid, preferring “international business company” – companies that are registered in Barbados . Companies registered in Barbados as Barbados corporations are able to avoid higher taxation in other (home) countries, especially the United States and Canada.

The organization is also involved in the registration of maritime vessels under the Barbados flag, again for tax avoidance purposes. The two officials pointed out that Barbados is a “low tax, not a no tax” country. The ship registration business is growing – Barbados maintains four offices around the world to facilitate the process.

Barbados is an attractive venue for banks, trusts and especially insurance companies. Most of the international insurance companies registered in Barbados are American, although there has been a slight decrease since a change in U.S. law that applies an excise tax on premiums paid to “foreign companies.”

When asked is American tax laws are beneficial to the Barbados economy, all I got was a smile.

I later met with Henderson Holmes, Executive Director of the Barbados International Business Association, sort of a chamber of commerce for the international companies that are registered on the island. This is a member-funded organization that works to ensure the Barbados government does not pass legislation that hurts the international business companies.

Henderson too allowed that stringent U.S. laws are the reason companies register as Barbados corporations – there are in excess of 3000 of them currently. He just wrote an article in the publication pictured above entitled, “President Obama’s New US Policies – A positive spin for Barbados.” (He’s not expecting an invitation to the White House….)

I appears that every time the United States passes higher corporate taxes or more restrictive regulations, more Barbados corporations are created. Perhaps some of out legislators should come here and research this. Wait, what am I suggesting, members of Congress traveling to resort destinations?

Rick Francona

Soul Mates Barbados and Bay + Wellington Creative Services - Barbados

2010-03-23T13:42:00.000-07:00

March 22 - I had a short visit with Sue Wellington, event coordinator and wedding planner. She owns two businesses: Soul Mates Barbados and Bay + Wellington Creative Services. Soul Mates Barbados, focuses on wedding planning. Wellington Creative Services focuses more on corporate and product launches, award banquets, meetings, seminars, customer appreciations, fairs, tradeshows, and many more events.

Her business is growing and in 2007, she was able to add Beverly to her full time staff. Beverly was hard at work during the visit, but I managed a photo with her near the end.

Sue wants to connect and talk about event standards and education on the island. There is a lack of event education and would like to integrate event standards and teach other upcoming event planners the tools for success.

Shelly Kane

Innotech Construction - Barbados

2010-03-23T07:09:00.000-07:00

March 22 - I had several vocational visits in Barbados, the first of which was to Innotech, a major construction company. Martin Da Silva, the CEO, met with me. Their main sector is hotels and condos, which are prevalent in beautiful Barbados. There is growing interest in building right on the coastlines - Innotech is researching how to build structures that can hold up to the Atlantic waters and with respect to the surrounding environment.

Cary from Foundation Technologies, Inc., Martin from Innotech, Phil from Innotech, and Frank from Foundation Technologies, Inc.

That day Mr. Da Silva was meeting with two sales reps from Foundation Technologies, Inc a US company from Georgia, to learn about the newest technology in concrete helical pilings and tie-backs. These products would be very useful in marine construction and are new to Barbados.
The meeting was very interesting and familiar. I often meet with sales reps about the newest technology in flooring, lighting, wall covering, or fabric back home.

Heidi Ellis

George Washington slept here - in Barbados?

2010-03-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

March 22 - A little known fact: George Washington lived in Barbados for a short period of time. The team visited the house that is now the George Washington House museum in Bridgetown, Barbados.

The museum account: The young George Washington and his ailing brother Lawrence resided in this historic plantation house, also known as Bush Hill House, for two months in 1751. Barbados was the only country ever visited by the future “First Father” of his country and Bush Hill House the only house he ever lived in outside of the continental United States. The visit is a little known but very important chapter in the life of the then unknown 19 year old man, who would go on to become, as later described by Light-Horse Harry Lee, “first in war, first in peace, first in hearts of his countrymen.”

The bedroom used by George Washington, where he contracted and survived smallpox.

Dining room

Card table

Barbados Defense Forces

2010-03-22T18:52:00.001-07:00

March 22 - I visited two of the three Barbados Defense Force installations today as a guest of Colonel Alvin Quintyne, Chief of Staff of the BDF. The visit was arranged by Rotarian Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Willie Kriton, the former deputy chief of staff of the BDF.

First stop - the Barbados Coast Guard. The BCG has three (two shown here) new 140-foot patrol craft housed at a new facility, HMBS Pelican to complement its small fleet of rigid hull inflatables and smaller harbor patrol craft. The vessels are used for drug interdiction, coastal defense and search and rescue. The 200 strong force appears well-trained and disciplined.

The commander of the coast guard is Lieutenant Commander Sean Reece, a graduate of the US Army parachute school at Fort Benning, and participated with US forces in the invasion of Grenada in 1983.

We then toured the BDF headquarters facility at Saint Ann's Fort in Bridgetown. The land forces regiment, formerly part of the West Indies Regiment of the British Army, has fought around the world. It also participated in the 1983 U.S.-led invasion of Grenada.

The "Pentagon" equivalent - the headquarters of the BDF staff.

The command post and operations building. In national emergencies, this is where the coordination between agencies occurs.

Medical unit - also supports civilian medical emergencies, mass casualty events in the Caribbean and is deployable to other nations if needed...

...and has a new hyperbaric chamber, one of only a very few in the region. Patients are brought here from other Caribbean countries for treatment.

Heading up the hill to the old signal area and Officers Mess for lunch with the officers where I made a presentation on issues in the Middle East.

Rick Francona

The Law and Saint Vincent

2010-03-21T18:52:00.000-07:00

March 21 - On St. Vincent, I again lived with an attorney, Simone Truchot.

She worked for Mustique and was, like all the other people we met, very interesting. She had previously moved to St. Vincent to work as a magistrate and held that position for several years. She explained that corruption and political dealings behind the scenes almost made her walk out many times. But she stated that she did not give in to the pressure and people soon learned that she was a fair judge and respected her for that, even if she had an armed guard outside her home due to death threats.

She arranged for me to tour the prison on the island. That was the highlight of all my vocational visits. Parts of the prison were built in the 1800s and it was amazing that it was still being used without much renovation. However, I have to add that St. Vincent is getting ready to move all the inmates to a new prison that was being finished while we were there. The second in command gave me the tour and as we walked around, all the inmates seemed very happy to see him and all greeted him, um, warmly?

I met a man on death row who immediately began telling me that he was ready to die if that meant he did not have to continue to live in that cell as he was. I was speechless.

After the tour, I met the equivalent of the warden and after I was introduced as an attorney from the United States he asked if I was a human rights attorney. I said oh, no, not at all. He replied, "good, because that is a human rights nightmare back there." Again, I was speechless.

All in all, St. Vincent was wonderful and in my opinion the most interesting.

Lillah McBride

Rotary Club of Bequia, Saint Vincent

2010-03-20T09:26:00.001-07:00

March 19 - Bequia is a small island nine miles south of Saint Vincent, part of the nation of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines - at seven square miles, it is the largest of the Grenadines. The population of just over 5000 supports a small Rotary Club.

Since the Bequia club meets on Tuesday evening and the island is accessed only by ferry from Saint Vincent - or "the mainland" as Saint Vincent is called by the Bequians - the GSE team spent the good portion of a day with two of the Rotarians, Sylvester and Clinton.

Maintaining a Rotary club on a small island presents challenges. This includes keeping a viable active membership, raising funds for local projects, and trying to be part of the district that at time can seem like an ocean away.

Event Planner at Ministry of Tourism - St. Vincent

2010-03-19T07:52:00.000-07:00

March 18 - I met with Camille, who surprisingly has a very similar story as me! She works full time (Monday- Friday) at the Ministry of Tourism, owns her own wedding and event planning business, and is a Mom!

Camille, however was just baptized Seventh Day Adventist so she is unable to take on weddings since most weddings in Saint Vincent are held on Saturday. Instead she focuses on corporate events. Like the support and flexibility I receive from Lane Community College, she too receives the same from the Ministry Tourism.

We spoke of the different events she has planned or been apart of the planning around the island. She explained that the island has a very small scope for event planning business, but she is trying to change that. She is trying to set event standards that should be met on the island. Camille is still growing her business and is adding a tabletop (linen/centerpieces) aspect to her business.

I've noticed that many folks on all the islands we've visited practice more than one line of business. When I asked why that is, Camille explained it beautifully. She said on small islands such as Saint Vincent, "One hand can't clap." She advised that many need more than one line of business or job or position to make a good living.

Another example of 'One hand can't clap.'

Shelly Kane

TVA Consultants - Saint Vincent

2010-03-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

March 16 - I visited TVA Consultants in St. Vincent, although they also have offices in Barbados and Grenada. There are two chartered architects at the St. Vincent office and I met them both: Trevor Thompson and Desmond Cox. There is also a technician, a secretary, and an accountant at this office.

TVA is the oldest architecture office in St. Vincent and was started in Barbados in 1965. Desmond showed me their portfolio and I was impressed when I saw their work on prominent buildings in St. Vincent including the National Library, historical courthouse, a community college, General Hospital, several schools, Ace Hardware, and Arnos Vale Sports Complex, which is the cricket stadium.

They are very experienced in building hurricane shelters and building on the slopes of mountainous St. Vincent. They also ofter incorporate cisterns to catch rainwater to increase the water supply, which is very important during the dry season in St. Vincent and especially on the smaller islands of the Grenadines.

What a great learning experience!

Heidi Ellis

Rotary Club of Saint Vincent

2010-03-18T04:12:00.001-07:00

March 18 - The GSE team attended the weekly lunch meeting of the Rotary Club of Saint Vincent in Kingstown. The club is involved in a variety of service projects. Today we learned of their donation of sewing machines to both the men's and women's prisons, and dental care provided to a special-needs school by Rotarian Dr Francois Truchot (coincidentally Lillah's host family).

President Kirk De Silva listening to the GSE team presentation. Kirk and his wife hosted Monica.

Lillah with a visiting Canadian Rotarian from District 7090 (Niagara Falls, US and Canada).

Shelly making her portion of the presentation.

Monica making her portion of the presentation.

Heidi conducting the banner exchange with President Kirk.

Visiting Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Nashua West exchanges banners with President Kirk.

Visiting Rotarian from Canada receives a club banner from President Kirk.

Shelly and Monica at Rick's host family's house writing this article....

Land and Survey Department - Saint Vincent

2010-03-17T19:15:00.000-07:00

March 16 – In Saint Vincent I visited the Land and Survey Department with Osborne Browne. He uses Cadastral data that is overlayed on an orthophoto compression.

Saint Vincent has an interesting problem with collecting a complete ortho of the entire island because there is constant cloud cover in the mountainous, volcanic areas. They have the best possible composite of the entire island at this point.

I especially took interest in the orthophoto of the Tobago Cays as we traveled there the next day.

Osborne Browne showing me the government owned land parcels and the topographical terrain of the island.

The only aerial orthophoto views of the Tobago Cays and the Grenadines available to St. Vincent.

Monica Holzmer

News Coverage of GSE Team Visit - Martinique

2010-03-17T13:15:00.000-07:00

March 16 - This article appeared in the March 16 edition of Nord Caraibe (in Frrench).

Click to view a larger version.

Event Venues on Saint Vincent

2010-03-17T06:13:00.000-07:00

March 16 - My host family took me to the Saint Vincent botanical gardens to show me where they host many wedding ceremony and receptions. The event location costs EC$75 (about US$28) for photos only. If hosting ceremony/reception, the cost is ES$300 (US$111) - amazingly cheap compared to Oregon event location costs!!!

The natural aisle to walk down.

My personal tour guide, El Roy!

El Roy showing me that I too can have dreadlocks.

Fort Charlotte, another event venue:

Shelly Kane

Rotary Club of Saint Vincent South

2010-03-16T14:21:00.000-07:00

March 16 - The team attended the dinner meeting of the Rotary Club of Saint Vincent South in Kingstown. The club meets at the seaside Beachcomber Villa restaurant - probably one of the nicest venues to hold a Rotary meeting. The club president is Dalia McDowall (above photo).

Lillah had an exceptional vocational exchange visit today - she not only visited the courts, but was able to tour the jail. She spoke with both staff and inmates.

Rick thanked the club for its efforts to provide us with a meaningful exchange. He presented - after the usual too-long explanation - a "HEROES" myrtle wood medallion in the name of District 5110 Governor John Cox to club president Dalia McDowall.

Shelly conducted the banner exchange with club secretary Glenda Joyette, who also is her host family on Saint Vincent.

One of the club's projects is also a fundraiser. This is a bus stop shelter to provide some shade from the hot Caribbean sun. The club sells advertising space on the structure to generate funds for its other projects.

Cricket - Arnos Vale, Saint Vincent

2010-03-15T06:58:00.000-07:00

March 14 - As soon as I arrived at the airport in Saint Vincent, my host Colin Boyle asked if I was interested in going to the ODI (one day international) cricket match between the West Indies (maroon) and Zimbabwe (red). I jumped at the chance.

Cricket has always been confusing for Americans, who generally prefer baseball, but cricket is wildly popular throughout the English speaking world, minus North America.

Anywhere the British Empire ruled, there seems to be a cricket league. Australia is considered the current world power in the sport. India and Pakistan generally field good teams, and England always is a contender.

According to fans here in Saint Vincent of the West Indies team (played from the English speaking Caribbean islands, such as Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, Saint Lucia, Dominica, etc.), the reason that the teams from England, Australia and New Zealand are the top cricketers lies with their scientific approach to the game - they video all opposing teams, study each batsman's strengths and weaknesses and study the effects of weather on the ball (useful when choosing to bat first or second).

To me - from a baseball family - the game makes sense, but you have to watch it while someone explains it; trying to read about it only confuses and frustrates you. The strange (to us) terminology now is clear. For example, the West Indies team (or the "Windies") won by four wickets in 27 overs, scoring 165 runs. The WI team captain had 63 runs off 41 balls. Now I actually understand what that means....

The winners - the "Windies." Although they are not paid anywhere near what American professional athletes earn, they are revered among their fans. Some make over a million dollars a year, mostly from product endorsements.

My host Colin Boyle and Rotary Club of Saint Vincent President Kirk Da Silva demonstrating proper batting technique.

Rick Francona

Justice Center - Martinique (France)

2010-03-13T17:54:00.000-08:00

March 12 - On Martinique, the GSE team had the pleasure of touring the new Justice Center, which was quite impressive. We met with the head prosecutor and one of his associates. They were very informative and answered many of our questions. I believe is was very enjoyable for the whole team and not just myself.

The prosecutors explained how France is changing a set of rules that govern trial practice and all the attorneys were getting ready for that change. They also explained how criminal cases are initiated which is very different from the American system. In Martinique, a judge works closely with the officers to investigate a crime and once there is enough evidence to move forward, the prosecutors take over.

Later, I met with another attorney at the Justice Center and then got to tour her office and met her associates.

They explained how law school and then internships result in permanent jobs and what their equivalent of the bar exam is. Everyone was very informative and I had a great time learning how other countries practice law on such an intimate basis.

Lillah McBride

Archiplus Design - Fort de France, Martinique

2010-03-12T15:16:00.000-08:00

March 11 - I met with Astrid Rodap, an interior architecture designer. She was born in Martinique, studied in Paris, and moved back home. She has her own company in Fort de France, called Archiplus Design, which specializes in design, drafting, and project management from conception to realization.

Her employees include an administrative assistant and a drafter/associate designer. We talked about her business and visited one of her current projects under construction. It's a small office building. The modern design is refreshing and I liked how each office had a circular cut-out for sliding glass doors. Modern architecture is prevalent in Martinique.

Then we went back to her office and worked together with a furniture representative to specify furniture for that same job. I helped with color selection and chose some nice break room chairs with a circle back to play off the circles throughout the building.

It was very similar to what I do back home. The main difference was trying to do it in French. Astrid spoke some English, but neither the associate designer nor the furniture rep did. I learned that blanc is white, noir is black, and gris is gray. And we all concluded that 'expensive' is a universal term. It was a great time spent with a great designer. Thanks Astrid!

Heidi Ellis

Rotary Club of Francois, Martinique

2010-03-12T12:41:00.000-08:00

March 11 – The team attended the dinner meeting of the Rotary Club of Francois. This was an unusual venue for a French Caribbean island in that the club meets at a Chinese restaurant. The presentation by the team was well-received.

Shelly during her portion of the presentation

Heidi speaking with some of the Rotarians

Monica making friends

Lillah speaking with some of the Rotarians

Heidi exchanges banners with the club president

Something must have been funny….

District 7030 GSE Team Member, Francois, Martinique

2010-03-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

March 11 - While attending the meeting of the Rotary Club le Francois, we met one of the inbound District 7030 GSE team members – Olivier Auguste.

Olivier and his fiance Frederique

Olivier and the District 5110 team in Fort de France, Martinique

Olivier and Monica

Rotary Club of Fort de France Sud, Martinique

2010-03-12T07:41:00.000-08:00

March 11 – The team was hosted by the Rotary Club of Fort de France Sud (South) at their luncheon meeting. As is usual in Martinique, it was an excellent four or five course meal with wine, ad today with champagne as the club celebrated a Rotarian’s birthday.

Fun fact: The meeting was held on the roof terrace of the Hotel L’Imperatice (Empress). There are a lot of things in Fort de France named Josephine – it turns out Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife was born here on Martinique. Who knew?

The club, like many clubs in the Caribbean, is raising funds to purchase Shelter Boxes to be sent to Haiti. The Fort de France Sud club is auctioning off a car and will use all the proceeds to by as many Shelter Boxes as they can.

Heidi

Shelly

Lillah

Monica signing the club guest book
Lillah, George (our GSE program chair) and Shelly

Monica presents her sponsoring club banner

Everyone kisses the ladies in Martinique

Criminal Justice in Martinique

2010-03-12T06:19:00.001-08:00

March 11 - The team visited the criminal courts on Martinique at the invitation of Chief Prosecutor for the island of Martinique, Claude Bellenger. Claude is also a member of the Rotary Club of Fort de France Sud (South).

Since Martinique is an overseas department of France (along with Guadeloupe, French Guyana, Reunion, etc), French law applies. The courts are part of the French Ministry of Justice.

Our attorney Lillah McBride, Claude Bellenger and Natalie Jallut
After a discussion of the French legal system with the prosecutor and his assistant Natalie Jallut (whose perfect English was very helpful), the team was able to sit in on the ongoing trial of a drug gang member accused of murder. The witness was in France and was giving testimony by video link.

Some interesting points: In the French system, the prosecutors and judges are a completely different career than that of an avocat, a defense attorney. The prosecutors work closely with the police and actually manage criminal investigations. There are changes underway in the French system, some bringing it closer to the American model. For example, plea bargaining will be introduced for criminal offenses.

According to the prosecutor, violent crime is high in Martinique, and the prison is overcrowded. Currently there are about 900 inmates, out of a population of 400,000 residents. Major crimes, including a high percentage of violence against women, often revolve around drug abuse. Drug crimes are on the rise as Martinique is now a major transshipment center for drugs coming from South America headed for North America and Europe.

The prosecutors can only stay in their positions for seven years – Claude has three years remaining in Martinique before he moves on to another posting.

Wedding Planning - Martinique

2010-03-12T05:40:00.000-08:00

March 11 - I met with Emille Lameble, a physical therapist by day and a passionate videographer by night. Emille loves videography and telling stories on film. He captured his daughter's wedding on video and I was to meet with him to see the details that the wedding planner came up with.

His daughter's 15 day wedding celebration theme integrated the five senses and cleverly added a sixth sense.

Upon arrival at the airport, the 80 friends and family were greeted by a local band to listen to while everyone found their luggage. They were also given a bag. The front of the bag was stamped with a formal good morning greeting, "Jedibonjou" and was full of goodies that represented the 5 (+ 1) senses. The bag had the following in it:

Taste: Recipe cards of all the foods they would be eating during the wedding

Sight: Colorful 15 day program showing photos of all the different activities they would take part in (all optional of course): 2-3 Beach days, a run/walk in a marathon, a visit to a rum distillery, scuba diving, a hike in nature, snorkeling, scavenger hunt, boat to a secluded island, a walk up St. Pierre mountain (volcano), jet ski, shanty-noelle (sing Christmas carols, eat, drink), and last but not least the ceremony and reception.

Hearing: The band played upon arrival at the airport and in the bag was a CD full of music that would be playing at the wedding.

Touch: Sunscreen for all the different outdoor activities to ensure they would not burn.

Smell: Spices that were integrated into the foods and event. D'iande (wood from India) that grows in Martinique and gilofile (a type of curry).

Sixth sense - The Mind: Schedule for a day long team scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt was arranged by separating everyone into teams of five. Each team was issued a rental car and assigned a name based on a beach in Martinique to accomplish the tasks. The winning team won a special local gift from Martinique.

Emille graciously gave me a Jedibonjou bag, a CD full of Martinique (wedding) music, the ceremony program, 15 day photo itinerary, and lots of fun ideas to take back home with me. I really enjoyed my time with Emille. The morning I spent with him was one of my favorite things I did on Martinique!

A few days later, Emille met us at the airport to wish us well on the rest of our journey. I'm loving this experience and all the wonderful people I'm meeting!

Shelly Kane

Rotary Club of Fort de France West, Martinique

2010-03-11T04:48:00.000-08:00

March 10 - After our tour of the University of the Antilles and Guyana's Martinique campus arrange by the club, we attended the luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Fort de France West. The club meets at the Hotel/Restaurant Valmeniere, which coincidentally houses the U.S. Consulate on Martinique.

Monica, our geographer, found a map

Calling the food at these Martinique club meetings “lunch” does not really do justice to the two and half hour, five course meal that is presented, along with excellent Martinique rum and French wines.

Heidi making her presentation to the club

This club was very interested in the team and asked a lot of questions of the three team members who were able to be present.

Heidi conducted the banner exchange with Club President Jean Max Vitulin.

Rotarian Alex, one of the clubs elders explained the meaning of the graphics on the F de F West banner.

Our special thanks to President Elect Georges-Louis Charbentier-Tity and Rotarian Eddie Kichenama for their assistance and translations.

University of the Antilles and Guyana - Martinique

2010-03-10T13:37:00.000-08:00

March 10 - The Rotary Club of Fort de France West arranged a tour for the team of the Martinique campus of the University of the Antilles and Guyana (UAG - Université des Antilles et de la Guyane) located in the city of Schoelcher just outside Fort de France.

Two of the club members work at the university - Philippe Saint-Cyr is head of the Martinique campus, and Gerard Marion (photo) is on the history faculty.

The UAG serves all three French departments (states) in the Caribbean - Guadeloupe, French Guyana and Martinique. The main office, including the president - of the university is located on Martinique, a fact that does not always sit well with the university staff on Guadeloupe and in Guyana. There are a total of 12,000 students attending the university - about 5,500 are in Martinique.

The three campuses are not mirror images. The campus in Guadeloupe offers the most diverse courses, mostly dealing in the sciences, and is the venue for the school of medicine. Martinique mostly deals with the liberal arts, law, economics and political science. Guyana, home of the France's space program, focuses on technology.

The president of the university, Pascal Saffache, met with the team.

Heidi, Shelly and Monica reliving those college years

The Rotary Club of Lamentin, who hosted us on Tuesday, had their blood collection mobile on campus when we visited.

Rotary Club of Saint Pierre, Martinique

2010-03-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

March 9 - Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Saint Pierre were our hosts for a tour of historic Saint Pierre, followed by an evening Rotary meeting at the Auberge la Montagne Pelee, overlooking the bay of Saint Pierre.

The club has funded four Shelter Boxes - they have been deployed to Haiti.

The bay of Saint Pierre is the location where Christopher Columbus first set foot in Martinique. The town was completely destroyed by a volcanic eruption on May 8, 1902.

The team swimming near the Columbus landing spot

The Rotarians took us to visit the site of one projects, a year-long effort to create and install a mural depicting the history of slavery on the island of Martinique from the original transports in the 1600’s to abolition in 1848.

There are eight panels depicting key events in the transition from slavery to emancipation.

At the meeting, the team was presented with a book describing the mural project.

Monica conducted a banner exchange with club president Alfred Ulric.

Rotary Club of Lamentin, Martinique

2010-03-10T05:53:00.000-08:00

Team in front of rubber ficus at Depaz distillery

March 9 - The Rotary Club of Lamentin met for a special lunch meeting at the Depaz Rhum Agricole distillery in Saint Pierre, about an north of Fort de France. Prior to the lunch meeting, the club and our team were treated to a tour of the distillery by the director general – the vapors were intoxicating in themselves. That’s the subject of a different article.

Heidi presenting to the club
Lillah presenting to the club
Monica "modeling" the new district brochure
Since this meeting was held in a sort of open air restaurant setting, and all of our computer batteries were exhausted, we were not able to do our normal PowerPoint presentation. It worked out well – the team passed around their photo albums and talked interactively with the Rotarians. Fortunately, this club was full of English speakers!

Shelly with the Lamentin club banner and gift
Since the tour of the rum distillery falls into the category of hospitality, and this was a special event for the club, Shelly conducted the banner exchange with the president. As the meeting ended, the club presented us with gifts of, what else, bottles of Depaz rum.

Distillerrie Depaz – Saint Pierre, Martinique

2010-03-10T03:45:00.000-08:00

March 9 - The team was treated to a guided tour of the Depaz “Rhum Agricole” distillery in Saint Pierre, Martinique. The visit was arranged by the Rotary Club of Lamentin, and was conducted by the director general of the distillery.

Arriving at the distillery, in the shadow of Mount Pelee

Main office building

Shelly, Rotaractor Estelle, Heidi and Lillah

Monica

Rhum Agricole – plantation rum, is made from sugar cane

The distillery

The cane is fed into the cutters…

…where is shredded…

and squeezed to extract the juice (vesou)

The juice – cane sugar is also made from the vesou

Distillation towers

Director general explaining the process

Barrels of rum

Special thanks to Estelle and Rotarian Olivier for their help

Rotary Club of Fort de France, Martinique

2010-03-09T03:23:00.001-08:00

Shelly and club president Yoann
March 8 - Our first meeting in Martinique was with the club in downtown Fort de France, the capital of this department of France. The club meets in the historic Hotel de la Imperatrice (the Empress) on the roof terrace overlooking the city.

Monica charming the crowd
Although we do not speak French, the members of the club were very gracious as we tried to explain who we are, where we are from and what we do. Club President Yoann Mansuela ensured that we had a great French lunch - the meetings here last much longer to accommodate the five course meal, complete with libation in the French tradition.

The very tall club president Yoann leaning to talk to Lillah
The club has also been helpful in the logistics of moving us around busy, crowded cosmopolitan French city. All in all, an excellent meeting.

Physical Planning Department - Dominica

2010-03-08T19:13:00.000-08:00

March 7 – I visited the Physical Planning department in Dominica. The GIS techs were importing land parcels to show ownership and compile a database in digital form. To do this, they have to get the information from the records department and piece the data together in the GIS realm using ArcGIS software.

Looking at the land parcel data overlaid with the property ownership information in ArcMap.

Ron Nagai and I looking at a map of Dominica at the Physical Planning Department.

Monica Holzmer

A shout out to the Guadeloupe Rotarians

2010-03-08T14:40:00.000-08:00

We want to send a special thanks to Guadeloupe Assistant Governor Fritz Grenon for his assistance Sunday night during our transit of Port de Pitre airport en route from Dominica to Martinique.

Why fly north from Dominica to go south to Martinique? Although on a clear day at Scott Head in Dominica, you can see the northern tip of Martinique, you cannot fly there directly – you must fly somewhere else that has connections with Martinique. For us, that was Guadeloupe.

To make the Dominica-Guadeloupe-Martinique trip, you must use two airlines – LIAT (which we have come to learn means “leave island any time”) to Guadeloupe and then Air Caraibes to Fort de France, Martinique.

It gets better. The two airlines do not have an interline agreement, so we had to check our rather large amount of baggage to Guadeloupe, retrieve it at Guadeloupe airport, go through immigration and customs, exit into Guadeloupe, re-enter the airport and check in with Air Caraibes, check our bags in, and go through immigration and security again.

When we exited from customs in Guadeloupe, standing there was AG Fritz, the Rotary logo on his shirt matching that of team leader Rick Francona. Fritz assisted and guided us through the airport and facilitated the whole re-check in process.

We wanted to present Fritz with a small token of thanks for his help. We could tell you that since we were in an airport and team member Heidi Ellis is sponsored by Eugene Airport Rotary, we opted to have her present him with a club banner. In reality, it turns out that Heidi was the only one that thought to pack a banner in her carry on….

Guadeloupe Rotarians – thanks!

The Legal System in Dominica

2010-03-07T17:25:00.000-08:00

March 6 - On Dominica, I lived with Norris and Joan Prevost.

Joan is a practicing attorney in Dominica. Joan and I had many discussions about the legal system in her country.

As with many Eastern Caribbean Islands, Dominica follows the English system which is very similar to the US system, but more formal in my experience. One example of this is that all the attorneys appearing in court must wear robes. Also, any witness must stand the entire time he or she is giving testimony and the defendant must stand in basically a cage the entire trial!

I visited court with Joan and had a chance to speak with one of the Magistrates there and sat in on a criminal trial. We also toured the law library. Joan indicated that the library does not have all the court cases published because the country does not have enough funding to publish all the cases resulting in many laws never getting "on the books" literally. She said it was very frustrating trying to research a specific issue when the library just did not have the resources to assist the attorneys in their search. It made me remember how fortunate American attorneys are in that we have unlimited access to all US and state laws at our finger tips any time of the day thanks to huge legal databases online.

Additionally, Dominica is such a new country that it just does not have many laws or legal precedent. I never thought about the implications of a relatively new country not having a long history of case law or statutes to research and cite to when making arguments in court.

Lillah McBride

Dominica Electric (DOMLEC) and GIS

2010-03-06T19:11:00.000-08:00

March 5 – On my first vocational visit I went to DOMLEC. DOMLEC is the only electric company on the island of Dominica. I met with Ian Sorhaindo who told me a little about what DOMLEC does in the GIS realm. Gideon Dalrymple and Eliyah Jno Baptiste are the two GIS techs for DOMLEC and showed me how they collect power poles in the field on a GPS. They then import that data into their computer with ESRI software to plot the changes.

The familiarity with the area (the island of Dominica) Gideon and Eliyah are working with is a huge advantage in the field of GIS.

Eliyah showing me how to collect a necessary power pole that has yet to be built with the GPS.

Gideon showing me how to collect an existing power pole with the GPS to add to their geodatabase back at the office.

Monica Holzmer

Project Management in Dominica

2010-03-06T06:53:00.000-08:00

March 5 - I met with Eugene Royer, an architect in Roseau. We met in his office and discussed his business. It was interesting to learn about the similarities and differences his company and my company face. We both struggle a little with clients assuming we can just wave a magic wand and the floor plans appear! If only it was that easy...

We visited a couple residential projects he had finished recently, then one in the construction phase. We also saw a larger commercial project, that was almost complete. It was a safe-home for at risk children. It's a beautiful building outside of town. I guess this project wasn't his initially, but he was called in towards the end to fix some issues that arose. Apparently the project had gone through four general contractors!

Hopefully, Eugene can keep this fifth one in line, so the project is completed successfully.

Heidi Ellis

Hospitality Industry in Portsmouth, Dominica

2010-03-06T05:37:00.000-08:00

March 5 - Originally from Holland, Hans and Lise moved to Portsmouth, Dominica and built the five-room Hotel-Bar & Grill De Champ atop the Ross Medical school hillside overlooking the city of Portsmouth and the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

During my vocational visit, the couple explains to me, "Our dream for retirement was to live in Paradise. Dominica is paradise to us, but paradise still comes with it's problems."

In the 24 hours I spent with the couple, I witnessed one employee fired, two called in sick, and the breakfast chef for the next morning called at 10pm to say she couldn't make it for whatever reason. "Employment is a big challenge. If one of our employees doesn't feel like working, they don't come in. If they work one week, they can live for three weeks on the salary earned." The couple is constantly troubleshooting the staffing issues and workload. When an employee doesn't show up, they have to fill in.

The food suppliers for the Bar & Grill were unable to deliver certain products that the couple depends on for their standard menu. When the suppliers don't get the product in, they have to go into town themselves to shop for the foods. While I was there, her food supplier didn't receive cheese and ice cream, so Lise and I ran into town to hunt down the two items. It was harder than expected. The first store didn't have either. In fact, I was surprised as to the many shelves that sat empty due to the lack of shipments to the island. Here are a few photos showing the half empty shelves, empty freezer (no icec ream), empty chip stand.

Even though running a successful business in paradise has it's problems, the couple explains, "If we didn't like it, we wouldn't be here."

With this view, I don't blame them!

Shelly Kane

Education in Dominica

2010-03-05T07:42:00.000-08:00

St. Luke's Catholic School, Pointe Michel, Dominica

Students at St. Luke's Catholic School

The education system in Dominica is much different than what we have in the United States. Of course, Dominica is a much smaller and more homogeneous country than the United States, which generally makes things easier. According to the last census (2001), the population is 87 percent black, nine percent mixed race, and three percent Carib Amerindian, with smaller numbers of other groups - whites number only about 0.6 percent of the population. In addition, the country is over 60 percent Roman Catholic.

In general, students are expected to attend the school that is nearest their homes. That school may be a government school or a religious school - there is no cost in any case for students from age 6 to 19. All religious and government schools are supported by taxes - the church provides venue and the staff for its schools, but the expenses - including teacher salaries - is funded by the government. All students wear uniforms to school.

Government school in the capital Roseau

Pre-school is not funded by the government. If a parent wishes to send their children to pre-school, they are responsible for the expense involved. Once the student begins elementary school, the education is paid for by the government, much like in the United States.

Unlike the United States, however, junior college is funded by the government. There are no four-year universities on Dominica*; after completing junior college, student can transfer to a school in another country - usually in the Caribbean, Canada or the United States. Students may qualify for government scholarships to continue their education abroad. There are also private and university scholarships, as anywhere else.

As you might imagine, the use of religious (predominantly Roman Catholic) schools causes a bit of controversy. Some parents are pleased with the education provided by the church schools - it is regarded as superior to that provided in the government schools, but do not want their children taught about a particular religion. Parents of students assigned to a Catholic school must sign an agreement that their children will receive religious instruction.

If the parents refuse to sign the agreement, they have two options. They can place their child in a government school, but they are responsible for transporting the student to wherever that government school is located. They can also place the child in a private commercial school that is not under the management of the government or the church - at their own expense. Of course, for many parents, neither are realistic options.

_________
* There are two American-owned and operated medical schools on Dominica, but they are not part of the domestic education system. The schools are Ross University Medical School in Portsmouth and All Saints University Medical School in Roseau.

Rick Francona

Health Care and Insurance on Dominica

2010-03-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

One of two American medical schools in Dominica

Medical care and health insurance in Dominica bears a surprising resemblance to the current system in the United States. There is no universal health care system, and the government is only marginally involved.

Many people are covered by health insurance partially or wholly funded by their employers. This option is usually limited to larger companies - for example, the island-wide cable and wireless company Lime offers a plan to its employees, but smaller businesses do not.

People who work for these smaller companies or are in business for themselves determine how much coverage they want and can afford. Coverage is available from commercial insurance companies. For younger people whose companies do not offer a health care insurance program, coverage can be more than they want to pay - policies can be had for as little as EC$80 (about US$35) per week. While that may not sound like much, pay scales are much lower in this small Caribbean nation.

The workings of Dominican health care insurance policies resemble those in the United States - there is a small co-pay, and a catastrophic cap in the case of long-term or high-cost treatments. One interesting difference is coverage for prescription drugs in most of the insurance plans. One major difference in system is the fact that government employees do not have government-funded health care insurance - these civil service workers must purchase their health care on the commercial market.

In general, the concept of health care insurance is relatively new. Many, maybe most, Dominicans simply do not buy coverage. When they need medical care, they go to a doctor or hospital and pay the bill. Medical care in Dominica is much less expensive than in the United States as a percentage of income. However, when the required care is not available on the island and patients must travel abroad for care, paying for it becomes an issue.

Most Dominicans we talked to did not express any desire to change what they have now.

Rick Francona

Rotary Club of Dominica

2010-03-04T06:15:00.000-08:00

Our hosts on Dominica are the energetic members of the sole Rotary Club on the island, the Rotary Club of Dominica.

The 28-member club meets at the historic Fort Young Hotel in the capital city of Roseau (pronounced ROE-zoe).

In addition to the numerous vocational and cultural programs, we also attended their weekly lunch meeting on March 3. It was our first actual team presentation.

Shelly addressing the club

Rick and Club President Monsignor Reginald La Fleur – “Father Reggie”

Team with Father Reggie, Pastor Dan and Rotarian (President Elect) Paul Frampton (Heidi’s host family). Paul has been instrumental in setting up many of our programs.

Team with Rotary-Anns Carla (Monica’s host family) and Ann (Shelly’s host family)

After the meeting, the team visited one of the club’s projects, a public restroom water treatment facility at Mero Beach, located on the west (Caribbean) side of the island.

The team at the project site

Norris Prevost (Lillah's host family) explains the project to Monica. Norris is not only a Dominica Rotarian, but a member of the Parliament. The US$43,000 project was funded through a Rotary Foundation matching grant.

Another club project - bus shelters - is also a money maker. These shelters display advertising, providing a revenue stream for the club's other service projects, in addition to providing a welcome respite from the relentless Caribbean sun.

Event Planning - Dominica

2010-03-04T04:44:00.000-08:00

March 4 - For my first vocational visit on Dominica, I met with Jennifer Fadelle, event planner extraordinaire in all of Dominica. As I opened her shop door, I saw a lady about my age at the counter. Thinking that she must be Jennifer, I walked up to her and introduced myself.

The well dressed, smiling lady advised that she was the secretary to the President and was waiting for Jennifer to collect the items for the gift basket she ordered. She explained, "when someone in Dominica turns 100, the country recognizes and celebrates the exciting occasion." A couple days prior to the 100th birthday, the family contacts social services to notify the turning of age. They then contact the President's office who sends a birthday card along with a gift basket full of age appropriate items: apple juice, foot powder, toothpaste, hot cocoa, ivory soap, morning coffee cookies, ointments, etc. In addition to the card and gift basket to recognize the occasion, the family receives free electricity and propane for the rest of the person's lifetime.

Jennifer's completed gift basket that the secretary to the president is holding.

During the three hours I spent with Jennifer, I found out that she not only practices event planning, but many other jobs as well. Fadelle's, Jennifer's event planning shop also serves as the community florist, rents and sells party supplies, and A/V rentals. She also made the front of her shop into a barista and a breakfast and lunch café.

I was very surprised at the many job duties she takes on, but she explained it well. "On a small island, you will find that one person takes on many hats because specializing in just one area is not enough (income) to live on."

With her florist hat on, this is one of the arrangements she put together while I was with her.

Jennifer took me on a tour of the state house, the President's residence as she was hired to decorate for a large 300 person cocktail celebration in two weeks.

The state house was still decorated for Christmas which Jennifer was not hired to do. Jennifer was appalled at holiday décor that was still hanging on the walls at the late date of March. We brainstormed some ideas for the cocktail party and I have full confidence that Jennifer is the right woman for the job to transform the outdated holiday look into a classy atmosphere fitting for the many Caribbean Presidents coming to the island for the event.

Even though this was my first (planned) vocational visit, things went better than expected. I not only learned how my vocation is practiced in Dominica, but I also made a friend. We made such a connection that Jennifer attended our dinner event later that week and brought me an amazing gift! While I was at her shop for my vocational visit, I met the gentleman who makes all the carnival costumes for the island. Jennifer asked him to make a costume for me and surprised me that night with the priceless gift.

Shelly Kane

Barbados - Tour of the Prime Minister's Residence

2010-03-04T02:52:00.000-08:00

By the luck of the draw, my name was pulled out of the hat by Stanley and Harriot to be my host family on Barbados. Actually, it was me that lucked out!

After a morning of orientation for our upcoming month in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean, lunch with Rotarians from all three Barbados Rotary clubs and a beach afternoon at the Barbados Yacht Club, Harriot picked me up and surprised me with a personal tour of Barbados Prime Minister David Thompson's residence! Apparently, Anne Marie (Stanley and Harriot's 17-year old daughter) is best friends with the Prime Minister's daughter.

Although I was unable to take photos inside, they allowed me to take several photos from the upstairs outdoor pool of the grounds - the grounds are used for a variety of events. In fact, the Rotary Club of Barbados does its largest fundraiser on this beautiful property.

Shelly Kane

Initial Orientation in Barbados

2010-03-01T13:02:00.000-08:00

Monica, Heidi, Rick, Joe, Lillah, Shelly, Stanley

Our first full day in District 7030

We arrived last night a few minutes late at the airport in Bridgetown, Barbados. We were met by GSE Coordinator Joe Steinbok and a group of Rotarians from the three Barbados Rotary clubs.

We were just enveloped in hospitality from these wonderful Rotarians - we felt like relatives coming home rather than a team of five strangers from the Pacific Northwest. We like to think of ourselves at home as friendly and hospitable, but these people must have the patent.

This morning, we met with Joe and Barbados Rotarian Stanley MacDonald at Joe's office for our initial orientation on what we will be doing for the next month here in District 7030. The coordination that must occur for any GSE team is a challenge - now imagine doing that for clubs on four different Caribbean islands that are all different countries - the air travel arrangements alone are astounding. We presented a small token of appreciation to Joe for his efforts on behalf of District 5110 GSE Co-Chairs Justin Baird and Chandra LaHusen.

The district here has set up a packed vocational and cultural exchange program on the four islands - each island has its own character. On a personal aside, we noted that they did build in a few tourist stops for us - the small piece of Barbados we have seen thus far has been like walking though a post card.

We are off tomorrow to the island of Dominica, where we will be for next week. We will begin our vocational exchanges there as well as making a team presentation to the Rotary Club of Dominica on Wednesday.

Plan D - the final final itinerary - again, we hope....

2010-02-20T14:09:00.000-08:00

We received our final itinerary yesterday - we are going to Martinique, a department of France, after all.

February 28 (RED) - arrive Barbados from home
March 1-2 - Barbados (orientation)
March 2 (BLUE) - fly to Dominica
March 3-6 Dominica
March 7 (GREEN) - boat to Martinique
March 7-13 - Martinique
March 14 (YELLOW) - fly to Saint Vincent
March 14-18 - Saint Vincent
March 19 - Bequia (Grenadine Island)
March 20 (BROWN) - fly to Barbados
March 21-27 - Barbados
March 28 (PURPLE) - depart Barbados for home

Team photo

2010-02-14T08:34:00.000-08:00

(Click on image for larger view)

Rick Francona, Lillah McBride, Heidi Ellis, Shelly Kane, Monica Holzmer

Team Change

2010-02-05T16:19:00.000-08:00

Some sad news.

Liane Richardson has had to drop out of the exchange. The team will miss her sense of humor, but understands the issues that have caused her to make this decision.

Okay, some good news.

Heidi Ellis, our first alternate, who has been a key contributor during our team training, is stepping in.

Limes will still be put in the coconuts....

Final (we hope) itinerary

2010-01-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

We received our updated and hopefully final itineraries - both to/from and while we are in the Caribbean.

February 28 (RED) - arrive Barbados from home

March 1-2 - Barbados (orientation)

March 2 (BLUE) - fly to Dominica

March 3-6 Dominica

March 7 (GREEN) - fly to Saint Lucia

March 7-13 - Saint Lucia

March 14 (YELLOW) - fly to Saint Vincent

March 14-20 - Saint Vincent

March 20 (BROWN) - fly to Barbados

March 21-27 - Barbados

March 28 (PURPLE) - depart Barbados for home

Barbados

2010-01-06T13:46:00.000-08:00

Barbados is an independent West Indian Continental Island nation. For over 300 years it was a colony of the United Kingdom and still maintains Queen Elizabeth as its head of state. Barbados declared independence in November of 1966.

Barbados is considered part of the Lesser Antilles. It’s total land area is about 166 square miles. The island is predominantly made up of limestone-coral and is the only part of the North Atlantic submarine mountain range that actually rises above sea level.

The climate is tropical, with consistent trade winds which keep its temperatures mild. Some areas of the country have tropical woodland and mangroves, while other parts of the interior are dotted with large sugarcane estates and pastures.

The largest city of Barbados is also its capital, Bridgetown. The Country’s motto is “Pride and Industry”, and its Human Development Index is consistently among the top 75 countries in the world; its third in the Americas behind Canada and the United States. The official language is English, but there are three recognized regional languages: Bajan, Hindi, and Bhojpuri. The population as of July 2006 was 279,00 people. 90% of the population are Afro-Bajan, 6% Asian and Multiracial, and 4% European. The government of Barbados is a parliamentary democracy and a constitutional monarchy.

The currency is the Barbadian dollar. The time zone is Eastern Caribbean. People drive on the left. The calling code is +1 (246).

History
According to accounts from descendants of the aboriginal Arawak tribes, the original name for Barbados was Ichirouganaim. Haven’t been able to figure out what that meant or how you pronounce it. The Portuguese, en route to Brazil, are credited with discovering and naming the island. Barbados means “bearded”, but they don’t know if the name was given because of the long, hanging roots of the bearded fig-trees, to the bearded Caribs who inhabited the island, or to the foam that sprays over the outlying reefs and give the impression of a beard. Other names associated with Barbados are “Bim”, “Bimshire”, or “De rock”. These words were typically used by slaves and meant “my people”.

The first inhabitants are thought to have been Amerindians who arrived from Venezuela around 350-400 B.C. The Arawak people were the second wave, arriving from South American around 800. In the thirteenth century, the Caribs arrived from South America, displacing the Arawak culture. For the next few centuries, the Caribs lived in isolation on the island. The Portuguese briefly claimed Barbados from the mid-1500’s to the 1600’s and used the Caribs as slave labour. Apart from displacing the Caribs, many of whom fled to other neighboring islands, the Portuguese left little impact on the island and left for South America by the 1610’s, leaving the island uninhabited.

British sailors arrived in 1625, and from then until the declaration of independence in 1966, Barbados was under British control. Black or slave codes were implemented, which created differential treatment between Africans and white workers, and made the island unattractive to poor whites. An increasingly repressive legal system caused the gap between the treatment of typically white indentured servants and black slaves to widen. Planters imported African slaves for this reason, and the inhabitants of Barbados turned from mainly English and Scots-Irish in the seventeenth century to overwhelmingly black by the end of the 18th century.

Barbados had one of the world’s largest sugar industries after Jews from Brazil introduced sugarcane to the island in the mid 1600’s. This quickly replaced tobacco as the main export. Slave trade was abolished in 1807, but slavery itself lived on. In 1816, slaves arose in the largest major slave rebellion in the island’s history. Twenty thousand slaves from over 70 plantations rebelled. Slavery was finally abolished 17 years later in 1834. In Barbados, full emancipation from slavery was preceded by an apprenticeship period that lasted four years.

Historically, Barbados law was based entirely on English common law with a few local adaptations. At the time of independence, British law and various legal statutes within British law at the time became the basis of the modern-day law system. More recently, adaptations have been made based on organizations such as the United Nations and the United States Constitution.

Parishes
Barbados is divided up into eleven parishes, of similar geographic size. Only two, St. George and St. Thomas, are without coastlines, being located in the middle of the country.

Economy
Barbados is the 51st richest country in the world in terms of the gross domestic product per capita. They have a moderately high standard of living, and a well-developed mixed economy. Historically the economy was dependent on sugarcane cultivation, but in the late 1970’s it diversified into manufacturing and tourism. Offshore finance and information services have become important foreign exchange earners. The island has also seen a construction boom, with the development and redevelopment of hotels, office complexes and homes.

Tourism
The island is well developed, and there are internationally known hotels offering world-class accommodation. Time-shares are available, and many of the smaller local hotels and private villas which dot the island have space available if booked in advance. The southern and western coasts of Barbados are popular, with the calm light blue Caribbean Sea and their fine white and pinkish sandy beaches.

Along the island's east coast the Atlantic Ocean side are tumbling waves which are perfect for light surfing, but a little bit risky due to under-tow currents.
Shopping districts are popular in Barbados, with ample duty-free shopping. There is also a festive night-life in mainly tourist areas such as the Saint Lawrence Gap.

Other attractions include wildlife reserves, jewelry stores, scuba diving, helicopter rides, golf, festivals (the largest being the annual crop over festival July/Aug), sightseeing, cave exploration, exotic drinks and fine clothes shopping.

Revised Itinerary, or Plan B

2009-10-28T14:14:00.000-07:00

We received word from District 7030 that there has been a substitution of one of the islands for our trip. Instead of visiting St. Lucia, we will travel to the island of Martinique, a department of France.

(Click image for promo video)

The revised itinerary (of course, subject to change):

February 27 - Depart home

February 28 - Arrive Barbados

March 1 - Briefing in Barbados

March 2 - Depart Barbados for Dominica

March 3-7 - Dominica

March 7/8 - Depart Dominica for Martinique

March 8-13 - Martinique

March 14 - Depart Martinique for St. Vincent

March 15-19 - St. Vincent

March 20 - Depart St. Vincent for Barbados

March 21-27 - Barbados

March 28 - Depart Barbados / Arrive home

Dominica

2009-10-26T13:33:00.000-07:00

Dominica has been nicknamed the "Nature Isle of the Caribbean" for its unspoiled natural beauty. It is the youngest island in the Lesser Antilles, still being formed by geothermal-volcanic activity, as evidenced by the world's second-largest boiling lake.

The island features lush mountainous rainforests, home of many very rare plant, animal, and bird species. There are xeric areas in some of the western coastal regions, but heavy rainfall can be expected inland. The Sisserou parrot, the island's national bird, is featured on the national flag. Dominica's economy is heavily dependent on both tourism and agriculture.

Christopher Columbus named the island after the day of the week on which he spotted it - a Sunday (dominica in Latin) - which fell on November 3, 1493. In the next hundred years after Columbus' landing, Dominica remained isolated, and even more Caribs settled there after being driven from surrounding islands as European powers entered the region. France formally ceded possession of Dominica to the United Kingdom in 1763. The United Kingdom then set up a government and made the island a colony in 1805.

The emancipation of African slaves occurred throughout the British Empire in 1834, and, in 1838, Dominica became the first British Caribbean colony to have a legislature controlled by a Black majority. In 1896, the United Kingdom reassumed governmental control of Dominica, turning it into a Crown colony. Half a century later, from 1958 to 1962, Dominica became a province of the short-lived West Indies Federation. In 1978, Dominica became an independent nation.

Dominica was the last of the Caribbean islands to be colonized by Europeans due chiefly to the fierce resistance of the native Caribs. In 1980, two years after independence, Dominica's fortunes improved when a corrupt and tyrannical administration was replaced by that of Mary Eugenia Charles, the first female prime minister in the Caribbean, who remained in office for 15 years. Some 3,000 Carib Indians still living on Dominica are the only pre-Columbian population remaining in the eastern Caribbean.

Dominica is an island nation and borderless country in the Caribbean Sea, the northernmost of the Windward Islands. The size of the country is about 289.5 square miles (754 km²). The capital is Roseau.

The Commonwealth of Dominica is engaged in a long-running dispute with Venezuela over Venezuela's territorial claims to the sea surrounding Isla Aves (literally Bird Island, but in fact called Bird Rock by Dominica authorities), a tiny islet located 140 miles (224 km) west of the island of Dominica.

There are two primary population centres: Roseau and Portsmouth.

Dominica possesses the most pristine wilderness in the Caribbean. Originally, it was protected by sheer mountains which led the European powers to build ports and agricultural settlements on other islands. More recently, the citizens of this island have sought to preserve its spectacular natural beauty by discouraging the type of high-impact tourism which has damaged nature in most of the Caribbean.

Visitors can find large tropical forests, including one which is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites, hundreds of streams, coastlines and coral reefs.

Dominica is especially vulnerable to hurricanes as the island is located in what is referred to as the hurricane region. In 1979, Dominica was hit directly by category 5 Hurricane David, causing widespread and extreme damage. On August 17, 2007, Hurricane Dean, a category 1 at the time, hit the island. A mother and her seven-year-old son died when a landslide caused by the heavy rains fell onto their house. In another incident two people were injured when a tree fell on their house. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit estimated that 100 to 125 homes were damaged, and that the agriculture sector was extensively damaged, in particular the banana crop.

Boiling Lake

Dominica's Boiling Lake is situated in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park - Dominica's World Heritage site. It is a flooded fumarole 6.5 miles (10.5 km) east of Roseau, Dominica. It is filled with bubbling greyish-blue water that is usually enveloped in a cloud of vapour. The lake is approximately 200 ft (60 m) across.

The first recorded sighting of the lake was in 1870 by Mr. Watt and Dr. Nicholls, two Englishmen working in Dominica at that time. In 1875, Mr. H. Prestoe, a government botanist, and Dr. Nicholls were commissioned to investigate this natural phenomenon. They measured the water temperature and found it to range from 180 to 197 degrees Fahrenheit (82 to 91.5 degrees Celsius) along the edges, but could not measure the temperature at the centre where the lake is actively boiling. They recorded the depth to be greater than 195 ft (59 m).

Periodically, there have been fluctuations in the level and activity of the lake. It was all but empty in June 2006, however as of January 2009 the lake is full and boiling vigorously.

There is no road leading directly to the lake. It is approximately a 13 kilometer hike to the lake from the nearest road, passing sulfur springs, over mountains and through gorges along the way.

Dominica's Boiling Lake is the second largest hot spring in the world. The largest is Frying Pan Lake, located in Waimangu Valley near Rotorua, New Zealand.

PEOPLE
Almost all Dominicans are descendants of enslaved Africans brought in by colonial planters in the 18th century. Dominica is the only island in the eastern Caribbean to retain some of its pre-Columbian population--the Carib Indians--about 3,000 of whom live on the island's east coast. The population growth rate is very low, due primarily to emigration to more prosperous Caribbean Islands, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

English is the official language; however, because of historic French domination, the most widely spoken dialect is a French patois. Nearly 80% of the population is Catholic. In recent years, a number of Protestant churches have been established.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
Dominica has a Westminster-style parliamentary government, and there are three political parties--the Dominica Labour Party (the majority party), the Dominica United Workers Party, and the Dominica Freedom Party. A president and prime minister make up the executive branch. Nominated by the prime minister in consultation with the leader of the opposition party, the president is elected for a 5-year term by the parliament. The president appoints as prime minister the leader of the majority party in the parliament and also appoints, on the prime minister's recommendation, members of the parliament from the ruling party as cabinet ministers. The prime minister and cabinet are responsible to the parliament and can be removed on a no-confidence vote.

The unicameral parliament, called the House of Assembly, is composed of 21 regional representatives and nine senators. The regional representatives are elected by universal suffrage and, in turn, decide whether senators are to be elected or appointed. If appointed, five are chosen by the president with the advice of the prime minister and four with the advice of the opposition leader. If elected, it is by vote of the regional representatives. Elections for representatives and senators must be held at least every 5 years, although the prime minister can call elections any time. The last election was held in May 2005.

Dominica's legal system is based on English common law. There are three magistrate's courts, with appeals made to the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal and, ultimately, to the Privy Council in London.

Councils elected by universal suffrage govern most towns. Supported largely by property taxation, the councils are responsible for the regulation of markets and sanitation and the maintenance of secondary roads and other municipal amenities. The island is also divided into 10 parishes, whose governance is unrelated to the town governments.

ECONOMY
Many consider Dominica's economic situation the most challenging of all the Eastern Caribbean states. However, Dominica's economy grew by 3.5% in 2005 and 4.0% in 2006, following a decade of poor performance. The country nearly had a financial crisis in 2003 and 2004. Growth in 2006 was attributed to gains in tourism, construction, offshore and other services, and some sub-sectors of the banana industry. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recently praised the Government of Dominica for its successful macroeconomic reforms. The IMF also pointed out remaining challenges, including further reductions in public debt, increased financial sector regulation, and market diversification.

Bananas and other agriculture dominate Dominica's economy, and nearly one-third of the labor force works in agriculture. This sector, however, is highly vulnerable to weather conditions and to external events affecting commodity prices. In 2007, Hurricane Dean caused significant damage to the agricultural sector as well as the country's infrastructure, especially roads. In response to reduced European Union (EU) banana trade preferences, the government has diversified the agricultural sector by introducing coffee, patchouli, aloe vera, cut flowers, and exotic fruits such as mangoes, guavas, and papayas. Dominica has had some success in increasing its manufactured exports, primarily soap.

Dominica's currency is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$), a regional currency shared among members of the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU). The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) issues the EC$, manages monetary policy, and regulates and supervises commercial banking activities in its member countries. The ECCB has kept the EC$ pegged at EC$2.7=U.S. $1.

Dominica is a beneficiary of the U.S. Caribbean Basin Initiative that grants duty-free entry into the United States for many goods. Dominica also belongs to the predominantly English-speaking Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).

FOREIGN RELATIONS
Like its Eastern Caribbean neighbors, the main priority of Dominica's foreign relations is economic development. The country maintains missions in Washington, New York, London, and Brussels and is represented jointly with other Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) members in Canada. Dominica also is a member of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and the British Commonwealth. It became a member of the United Nations and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 1978 and of the World Bank and Organization of American States (OAS) in 1979. In March 2004, Dominica established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China. In January 2008, Dominica joined the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA).

U.S.-DOMINICAN RELATIONS
The United States and Dominica have friendly bilateral relations. The United States supports the Dominican Government's efforts to expand its economic base and to provide a higher standard of living for its citizens. U.S. assistance is primarily channeled through multilateral agencies such as the World Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), as well as through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) office in Bridgetown, Barbados. The Peace Corps also provides technical assistance to Dominica, and has volunteers on the island working primarily in education, youth development, and health.

In addition, the United States and Dominica work together in the battle against illegal drugs. Dominica cooperates with U.S. agencies and participates in counternarcotics programs in an effort to curb narco-trafficking and marijuana cultivation. In 1995, the Dominican Government signed a maritime law enforcement agreement with the United States to strengthen counternarcotics coordination, and in 1996, the government signed mutual legal assistance and extradition treaties to enhance joint efforts in combating international crime.

More Americans visit Dominica than any other national group. In 2008, tourist visitors totaled around 460,000, mainly from the United States, the French West Indies, the United Kingdom, and CARICOM.

The United States maintains no official presence in Dominica. The Ambassador and Embassy officers are resident in Barbados but travel frequently to Dominica.

Death of District 7030 Governor Astra Da Costa

2009-10-18T20:42:00.001-07:00

It is with great sadness that we report that District Governor Astra Da Costa succumbed on October 15 after a two week hospitalization in Trinidad. DG Astra was so looking forward to the GSE exchange District 5110.

The funeral service for DG Astra will take place on Tuesday, October 20 at 10:00 am at the St. Finbars Church, Morne Coco Road. No flowers by request but a collection will be taken at the service which will be donated to the Rotary Foundation in DG Astra's name. The Foundation was her favorite charity.

The GSE Team from District 5110 extends our deepest sympathies to Astra's family and to District 7030 for the loss of what we know was a good friend, a great Rotarian and a fine woman.

Read the story from the Trindad Express.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

2009-10-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

Thirty two islands and cays make up St. Vincent (approx. population 105,000 and 150 square miles) and the Grenadines (approx population 13,000 between all islands). St. Vincent itself is one of the least “touristy” islands in the Caribbean even though apparently there is lots to do, the island is very attractive, and the Vincentians (formal) or Vincy (informal) people are very welcoming and friendly. Many travel to St. Vincent just long enough to hop along to the Grenadines.

Tourists who do end up staying on St. Vincent are hiking lush jungle trails and amazing waterfall trails (with cool swimming holes), swimming in Owia salt ponds/lagoons, rivers and bays, or climbing the active volcano, La Soufriere. They are also exploring the exotic plants/flowers, birds, sea life, and the rich history (Petroglyph park, 19th century buildings, Cobblestone streets, Blackpoint Tunnel, etc.) that exists there.

St. Vincent appears to be very simple comparative to other islands. The inns/hotels are very basic and most are locally operated. The only resort is on a separate island about 600 feet off. Most restaurants are pretty casual, but beachwear is not acceptable – long pants/collared shirts are recommended for Rick, summer dresses recommended for us “miladies” (many women travelers here are referred to as “milady”). Many specialize in W. Indian Cuisine and serve local foods: curried/stewed chicken, grilled fish and seafood, rice, tropical fruits, and root veggies.

The nightlife is also pretty simple. They have a few dance clubs, but many know and participate in St. Vincent’s theme nights: Calliaqua Culture Pot (cal-uh-quah), is a community street party every Friday night at 8pm. They host a big local crowd serving up BBQ, beer, dancing to local music, arts, crafts, and cultural performers. Also, on both Wed. and Friday’s, karaoke accompanies dinner and drinks at some local pubs! Oh, and according to a couple sources, the St. Vincent Blues Fest is held in Mid-March-- while we will be there!

St. Vincent’s capitol, Kingstown (population 30,000) is a lively working city with lots of history where locals are busy going about their day to day business and have few concessions to tourists. Coastal Fishermen get up early to drop their nets, and the farmers spend their day working on their crops in the countryside. St. Vincent’s major export is bananas, banana plants, coconut palms and breadfruit trees. It also produces 90% of the worlds arrowroot (long ago used to flavor cookies and thicken sauces, but now used as a finish for computer paper). The movie, “Pirates of the Caribbean” was filmed at Willilabou Bay and many of the buildings and docks built for the movie set, still remain.

The beaches on St. Vincent are mostly black sand and some are recommended to not swim in due to the water being unpredictable and rough. There are some nice dive spots on St. Vincent, but many resources noted better lush diving/snorkeling spots in the Grenadines just a hop away.

While St. Vincent is bustling and unpretentious, the Grenadines are very opposite with lots of glitzy/glamorous inns and resorts, white-sand beaches, awesome diving/snorkeling/swimming/sailing waters, and a very relaxing atmosphere. The Grenadine islands are all very close together, but each very unique.

Environmental concerns in St. Vincent and Grenadines: Irresponsible boating practices, littering in the ocean and on lands, and fresh water. Fresh water is one of their bigger concerns. On St. Vincent tap water comes from a reservoir and is generally safe to drink. On the outer islands of the Grenadines, water comes from rain collection, wells, or desalination plants, thus the taste and quality can vary. Bottled water is recommended.

The more popular Grenadines consist of:

Bequia (beck-way) – largest of the Grenadines; 7 square miles, approx. pop. 5,000, hilly and green, a favored location for private and chartered yachts, clean un-crowded white sand beaches, has range of casual to fine cuisine rated consistently good service and food, huge yachting/boat building community, some of the best sailing in the world, great snorkeling and diving sites, fun little shops, Oldhegg turtle sanctuary.

Canouan (can-no-wan) – has one of the islands largest and exquisite resorts (Trump), Jim Fazio championship golf course (Trump), world-class spa (Trump), and casino (Trump), claims one of the 5 most pristine white sand beaches in the Caribbean and busy port for yachting and diving. Twin Bay is supposedly a hidden gem.

Mayreau (my-row) – tiny (1. 5 square miles), pop 500, single unnamed village, except for water sports and hiking not much to do, Saltwhistle Bay Beach is a fav and also popular anchorage for the yachting crowd.

Mustique – 3 miles by 1.25 miles, pop 3,000, the rich and famous own or rent vacation homes here, hilly, green, surrounded by coral reefs, white sand beaches, upscale, very expensive, secluded, Basil’s Bar/Brittania Bay are favorites for yachters, only 2 hotels, the rest expensive villas rentals. Macaroni Beach is islands most famous white sand beach offers great swimming, moderate surf with different shades of blue, and palm huts

Union Island – pop. 3000, popular with French vacationers, crossroads for others heading to surrounding islands, 1,000 ft Mt. Tabol, nice beaches, transportation center/major base for yacht charters/sailing trips

Palm Island – used to be called Prune Island until a family cleaned up the beaches and killed the mosquitoes by irrigating the swamp with seawater, now a private island with an expensive luxury resort.

Petit St. Vincent – (petty) – tiny 113 acres, also a private island with one luxury and very private resort (call the staff only when needed from your cottage by raising your flag) called Petit St. Vincent Resort, white sand beaches.
Tobago Cays – small group of uninhabited islands declared a wildlife reserve, offering some of the best snorkeling in the WORLD! Different shades of blue/green water, all major dive operators/snorkeling, etc go here from other islands including St. Vincent! - Tobago Cays whether you are diving, snorkeling or boating is said to be a “MUST SEE”.

Event Coordinator Selected for Global Study Exchange

2009-10-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

News from Lane Community College - For release October 2, 2009

EVENT COORDINATOR SELECTED FOR GLOBAL STUDY EXCHANGE

Eugene, Ore. -- Shelly Kane, event sales coordinator at the CENTER for Meeting & Learning at Lane Community College, is one of four individuals chosen for The Rotary Foundation Group Study Exchange program. The GSE is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity that provides a travel grant from The Rotary Foundation for teams of young professionals to exchange visits in paired areas of different countries.

Ms Kane will visit the Caribbean countries of Barbados, Dominica, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent, from Feb. 28 - March 28, 2010. Led by Rick Francona of the Port Orford Rotary Club, Ms Kane and team are charged with observing and exchanging ideas on the practice of vocations abroad, experiencing the culture and institutions of each country and developing personal and professional relationships. Ms Kane is sponsored by the Springfield Rotary Club.

Lane is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.

We have an itinerary!

2009-09-29T16:12:00.000-07:00

…and we were wrong in our assumption that we would be visiting Trinidad and Tobago…

From the District 7030 GSE chair:

"With regards to the itinerary, your group is scheduled to visit Barbados, Dominica, St. Lucia and St. Vincent. The exact dates for travel to each island is not arranged as yet, so the itinerary may change slightly, but this is what we have placed at present."

That means we will be visiting the Windward Islands.

Click image for larger view (in new window)

Training Meeting #2

2009-09-28T20:24:00.000-07:00

Shelly, Rick, Liane, Monica, Heidi, Lillah

September 27 - The second planning meeting was hosted by Shelly. Great job with all the food and, of course, the rum and coca-cola!

We know our travel dates are Febraury 28 - March 28, 2010. As of today, we still have not received our itinerary from the host District in the eastern Caribbean.

District 7030 comprises 14 countries with 69 clubs meeting in 19 different territories. The actual geography: starting in the south on the South American continent with French Guiana, Suriname and Guyana and as it goes north encompassing the Eastern Caribbean, or as some people may know it, part of the old British and French West Indies.

Given that we do not speak French or Dutch, we have been told we will likely visit four English speaking islands. Since Trinidad and Tobago is the home of District Governor Astra De Costa and is the largest region with 22 clubs, we assume Trindad is a sure thing.

We also note that Grenada and Barbados are English speaking islands - we are excited. No matter where we go, it will great!

What did we not resolve today? How do you pronounce Caribbean? Both kar-a-BEE-an and ka-RIB-bi-an are correct, but the research indicates the preferred is kar-a-BEE-an. We'll have to wait until we get there to really know....

Liane will be hosting the next meeting - October 25.

Rum and Coca-Cola

2009-09-24T09:33:00.000-07:00

One of the songs most identified with Trinidad is "Rum and Coca-Cola," sung my various artists, but the most popular is probably the recording by the Andrews Sisters in 1945.

Click on image for video (opens in new window)

The song became a local hit in 1943. The original lyrics lamented the presence of American military personnel on the island during the war and the resultant increase in price that prostitutes could command. Note that the complaint was not about prostitution itself, merely the cost. Although the Andrews Sisters version was changed slightly by Morey Amsterdam, it still alludes to the world's oldest profession.

The original lyrics included phrases like “saw that the Yankees treat them nice / and they give them a better price” and “the bride run away with a soldier lad / and the stupid husband went staring mad.”

It will be interesting to see if the song is still acceptable on Trinidad.

The Amsterdam/Andrews Sister lyrics:

If you ever go down Trinidad
They make you feel so very glad
Calypso sing and make up rhyme
Guarantee you one real good fine time

Drinkin' rum and Coca-Cola
Go down Point Koomahnah
Both mother and daughter
Workin' for the Yankee dollar

Oh, beat it man, beat it

Since the Yankee come to Trinidad
They got the young girls all goin' mad
Young girls say they treat 'em nice
Make Trinidad like paradise

Drinkin' rum and Coca-Cola
Go down Point Koomahnah
Both mother and daughter
Workin' for the Yankee dollar

Oh, you vex me, you vex me

From Chicachicaree to Mona's Isle
Native girls all dance and smile
Help soldier celebrate his leave
Make every day like New Year's Eve

Drinkin' rum and Coca-Cola
Go down Point Koomahnah
Both mother and daughter
Workin' for the Yankee dollar

It's a fact, man, it's a fact

In old Trinidad, I also fear
The situation is mighty queer
Like the Yankee girl, the native swoon
When she hear der Bingo croon

Drinkin' rum and Coca-Cola
Go down Point Koomahnah
Both mother and daughter
Workin' for the Yankee dollar

Out on Manzanella Beach
G.I. romance with native peach
All night long, make tropic love
Next day, sit in hot sun and cool off

Drinkin' rum and Coca-Cola
Go down Point Koomahnah
Both mother and daughter
Workin' for the Yankee dollar

It's a fact, man, it's a fact

Rum and Coca-Cola
Rum and Coca-Cola
Workin' for the Yankee dollar

GSE Team

2009-08-31T17:31:00.001-07:00

District 5110 Outbound Group Study Exchange Team to District 7030 (Eastern Caribbean) - March 2010

(Click image for larger view)

Left to right (sponsoring club): Monica Holzmer (Springfield Twin Rivers), Shelly Kane (Springfield), Lillah McBride (Bend High Desert), Liane Richardson (Eugene Metropolitan). Alternates Heidi Ellis (Eugene Airport), Nikki Pagniano (Cottage Grove). Team leader is Rick Francona, alternate Ken Ogden.