Division 23W:

Kiwanian Julia entertains students from the Spanish Town Infant School with songs.

Middlesex, Jamaica

Our visit to our Middlesex Division of Jamaica (a large area that extends from Kingston in the East to the Parishes of Clarendon and Manchester in the west) began with a 4:30 a.m. wake up call. Now, I am not an early riser, but never one to miss an opportunity to promote Kiwanis I applaud Lieutenant Governor Odence for demonstrating that she is MAD about Kiwanis.

I encourage all Kiwanians to become MAD (Make A Difference by Marketing All that you Do) about Kiwanis. LG Odence set up an early morning television interview on one of Jamaica's two national networks. We arrived early at RJR Communications and participated in a short but memorable live breakfast show.

Students from the Spanish Town Infant School.

It was memorable for later that day, once back at her office, LG Odence received a telephone call from a young woman who had been watching the show and was interested in finding out more about Kiwanis.

Odence spoke passionately about Kiwanis and offered to pick her up the next day and take her to our DCM (Divisional Council Meeting). She accepted the invitation, attended the meeting and has since joined Kiwanis. Promotion works! Let's all follow LG Odence's lead and become MAD about Kiwanis.

Kiwanian Hubert Bartholomew and Governor Gary Levine.

President Vendryes Brimm and members of the Kiwanis Club of Spanish Town support the Spanish Town Infant School. We joined them on one of their regular visits to the school. Here, Kiwanian (and grade 3-4 school teacher) Julia Levine entertained the youngsters by singing songs and telling them stories from Canada.

While in Division 23 West we had the privilege of staying with DP Beulah and Kiwanian Hubert Bartholomew. They are proud to have hosted five Kiwanis Governors in their lovely Spanish Town house. Both active members of the Kiwanis Club of Caymanas Business District, DP Beulah looks forward to continuing her involvement with Kiwanis by letting her name stand for Lieutenant Governor Elect.

President Doris and Lieutenant governor Corris show Governor Gary the Hurlock Youth Centre project

The Bartholomew's exemplify those with a "Kiwanis Heart". A willingness to give of one's self and serve their community. To work at changing the world one child and one community at a time.

That evening we had the pleasure to attend a grand Division 23 West reception at the home of the Custos of Manchester, the Honorable Gilbert Allen.

Gilbert Allen, in addition to serving as the Custos is a distinguished president of the Mandeville Kiwanis Club. His wife, K. Georgia, holds the distinction of being "the first lady of the Caribbean". Kiwanian Georgia was the first women inducted as a Kiwanian in the Caribbean. They continue to take on active roles in their club.

DG Trevor Dunn, LG Odence Rose, Custos Gilbert Allen and Governor Gary Levine at the Mandeville reception.

Kiwanians of our EC&C District will remember Mandeville for it is the home of our Candle in the Dark project. This District service project began in 2001. A multi-purpose “street people” facility was constructed in Mandeville.

The next day we visited a number of exciting Kiwanis projects including the New Nursery soup kitchen. Here, members of the Caymanas Business District assemble to serve soup and sandwiches to those in need.

Distinguished Lieutenant Governor Daphne Innerarity pins a new Builders Club member

We visited two Builders Club and took part in the induction ceremonies of the Free Town Primary School Builder's Club. Our Service Leadership Programs thrive in Jamaica where active Builders Club, Key Clubs and Circle K Clubs abound.

"Growth", one of our three District goals, is being embraced by Division 23 West. At an interclub dinner that night I had the privilege of inducting twenty-two (22) new Kiwanians! More Kiwanian hands mean more Kiwanis service.

The following day we, along with President Johnnell Benson and the Kiwanians of our Hellshire Club met to serve lunch to the HIV/Aids resident of the Dare to Care facility.

Lieutenant Governor Odence Rose and Governor Gary meet with the Division 23 West leadership team.

That evening Division leadership came together for a caucus meeting. Ideas were shared and concerns were openly discussed.

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