Synopsis of the 2008/09 Mid Year Conference
& KI President Don Canaday’s Visit to Jamaica
January 25 – February 1, 2009, Sunset Jamaica Grande Hotel
It was a somewhat rainy day in Ocho Rios Jamaica on Sunday, January 25, 2009. Governor Sheron and Trevor were filled with anticipation and sitting on the edge of their seats as they drove from Kingston to Sangsters International Airport in Montego Bay, to welcome the large contingent from Canada. They were promised sunshine and more sunshine! Governor Sheron had many explanations for the weather but the most convincing was that the rain came to cool the atmosphere so that there would not be too much of a climate shock for our members who were arriving from the very cold. (Hmmmm….to believe or not to believe)
The Sunset Jamaica Grande Hotel, in its warm and picturesque form welcomed and embraced its guests who quickly found their rooms but no sooner started roaming the property to see what was in store. The appetite was even more awakened.
At 7:00 p.m., Governor Sheron hosted her welcome get-together at the Ortinique Bar & Lounge. Needless to say that pulling members away from the bar was not an easy task. Participants were welcomed by the hotel and briefed by Governor Sheron on the activities of the week…… then off to dinner, entertainment and ultimately retirement for the night.
On Monday morning, the sun was out in all its splendor much to the delight of members. Once again, Governor Sheron was right and she delivered!
With Lt. Governor Angella Strudwick at the helm, it was time for our Cultural Tours and the first stop was at the famous Walkerswood Jerk Country Tour (world famous Jerk Seasoning)in Walkerswood, St. Ann.
This tour was an informative and fun journey into Jamaica's food heritage taking the visitor “from the field to the table”. Many tasted the on-spot cooking some being a little adventurous with the spices….good that there was plenty of water on hand to cool them down.
We were then whisked off to the Wassi Art Tour. Wassi Art is an unexpected treasure chest of unusual pottery that absolutely delights collectors and visitors! Located in the Idyllic resort town of Ocho Rios, Jamaica.
Wassi Art started in 1990 with three intuitive artisans. On the visit, members were able to see the team in action as they created some beautiful pieces.
Of course, shopping was a must and members did make use of the opportunity.
It was time for lunch and we returned to the hotel for an enjoyable lunch after which we headed out for the Outameni Tour.
 Outameni Experience is a moving cultural experience that celebrates Jamaica’s rich culture depicted in small architecturally designed villages showing Taino, Spanish, African, English, Indian, Chinese and Jamaica Today. An interactive cultural journey… Outameni Experience is a unique blend of music, art, dance, film, drama and authentic Jamaican cuisine.
Members enjoyed this exciting and enlightening journey which culminated with music and refreshment.
It was a well-spent day and members returned to the hotel to relax and spend the evening in their way of choice.
On Tuesday morning, the sun was shining and water inviting. It took great discipline for the Lt. Governors to meet for the planned rap session. This was a good start to the business part of the programme and beneficial to the Lt. Governors as they shared experiences and discussed general matters of interest.
Meanwhile, the Partners lead by DG Trevor Dunn, ventured on their project to make presentations of books, pencils, pens etc. to a Basic School and pampers to a hospital.
This was very rewarding for the partners as they later reminisced about the experience and the valuable lessons learned as they reached out to the children. Having the opportunity to make a difference to the lives of so many children enriched and created a positive dimension to their visit to Jamaica.
 The afternoon came and it was time for the visit to Dunns River Falls. Members had
their fill by climbing the falls or simply watching others trying. Needless to say that shopping was a big part of the activities.
Once again, the buses were loaded as we headed to the beautiful Columbus Heights for Class President Leighton McKnight’s Reception. As Leighton welcomed everyone, they were treated to the sound of great Jamaican music, food and drink. It was a time for members to get close, mingle, chat and enjoy the picturesque view of Ocho Rios.
After dinner at the hotel, it was time to join the Kiwanis Club of the Garden Parish at their weekly meeting at the beautiful Evitas Restaurant. Here members were able to experience a local meeting and fellowship with members from the area.
Alas, it was Wednesday and time for the Board of Trustees Meeting and Workshop, while Partners went off on their shopping tour in Ocho Rios or simply enjoyed the property.
Evening came and after dinner it was time for the Kiwanis Talent Exposure. While most hid their talents we were entertained through various creative acts by others. Needless to say that the picture of the evening was LG Marge climbing onto the bar counter to take her seat as she entertained her audience.
Thursday morning the Board of Trustees Meeting continued. It was happy bunch when the motion finally came to terminate the meeting. The business was done….. time to have fun….. well, at least for some.
Kiwanis International President Don Canaday arrived that afternoon for his official visit. He was immediately whisked off to Kingston to attend the joint meeting of the clubs of Divisions 23E and 23W where he conducted the record-breaking induction of over 70 members.
Friday was a free day for all. In the evening, with great anticipation, we went on the Sunset Cruise. That was fun, more fun and all fun. Dancing, eating, drinking, entertaining…. Just plain enjoyment. We even got to see PLG Leigh Prescott in action as he assumed captaincy of the boat.
It was Saturday and time for the much anticipated Growth Summit by KI President Don
 Canaday. The room filled to capacity with over 150 Kiwanians who benefitted from the 3-hour presentation. You could see members leaving with pep in their steps as they looked to implement what they learned. Thanks to President Don who demonstrated that you can live what you preach.
Saturday evening we got together for our final group activity. LGs Bill Downham and Jim Gary lead us down a path of reflection and thanksgiving. We had our parting words from President Don, Governor Sheron and Class President Leighton.
We then had our Team Dinner where we chatted, reminisced and simply enjoyed the final night at the great resort.
It was the Sunday morning that we wished never came. Time to go home. Reluctance, reluctance and more reluctance. Guess what…… it was a cloudy morning and a rainy day. At least that provided some consolation that members were not leaving behind a beautiful day. (Was that the plan of the Governor and team?….that is the question).
So the buses came, our visitors went and it was over! A well-spent and productive week. The Sunset Jamaica Grande will always be remembered for its comfort, food, entertainment, friendly staff and simply a package of 100% enjoyment.
Kudos to the 4 Jamaican Lt. Governors (Oliver Lotha, Angella Strudwick, Leighton McKnight and Lorna Allen) who pulled out all stops to host our guests.
Special thanks to LG Leighton who showed “true class” as Class President and worked tirelessly in these efforts. The team will be forever grateful to the charming host LG – Angella Strudwick who went the extra mile to ensure that all had a great time.
What can we say about our Governor Sheron. She promised to deliver and that she did. Even the weather had her cooperation as she put her planning skills to action ensuring that the business was done and that everyone had a good mix of adventure, fun and fellowship.
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