THE KIWANIS CLUB OF NASSAU

A History of Excellence

The Kiwanis Club of Nassau has had a distinguished history in the Kiwanis International family.  In being organized on December 13, 1962, the Kiwanis Club of Nassau became the first club outside of the continental Americas.

One of the Club’s charter members and its sixth President, Allen M. Duffield (1968) attained the rank of International Trustee for the 1978-1979 administrative year.  Mr. Duffield also served as District Governor of the Eastern Canada and Caribbean District of Kiwanis International during the 1975-1976 administrative year.

Hervis L. Bain Jr. the Club’s nineteenth President (1980-1981) served as Lt. Governor of Division Twenty-two during the 1988-1989 administrative year and has the distinction of being the first Bahamian District Governor of the Eastern Canada and Caribbean District, when he served during the 1993-1994 administrative year.

The Kiwanis Club of Nassau has also produced ten (10) Division Lt. Governors during its illustrious history.  These Lt. Governors were; Sir Asa Pritchard (1964), A.D.S Meilke (1965 and 1966), A. Leon McKinney (1969-1970), Allen M. Duffield (1970-1971), C.W. Eneas Sr. (1973-1974), V.H.S. Lotmore (1979-1980), Hervis Bain Jr. (1988-1989), James Bain (1992-1993), Roney Armbrister (1998-1999) and Ainsley O'Reilly (2006-07).

The Spirit of Service Award was presented to Past Presidents – Hal E. Leyland (1965) and Levi Gibson (1970-1971) at the 1994 District Convention held at Paradise Island.  Dr. Leyland received his award for his role in establishing the Kiwanis Clubs of Nassau and Mr. Gibson for pioneering the introduction of Key Clubs in the Bahamas.

Among the Club’s many achievements during its distinguished existence was the building of the Children’s Emergency Hostel in 1965.  The Club continues to play an important role in the activities of the Hostel by providing financial and other assistance.

On March 18, 2004 Phillippa Ferguson-Wilson became the first female to be inducted into active membership after 42 years of the club's existence.   Phillippa was inducted into active membership by Governor Joanne Murray during her official visit to Division 22.

On April 7 2005 Honorary Membership status was bestowed on Past District Governor Hervis Bain Jr. and Past President Levi Gibson.

On August 2, 2005 Sylvia Sealy became the first female member to serve on the Board of Directors for the Kiwanis Club of Nassau.

On October 12, 2005 Distinguished President Dominic Bain designed a new logo for the Kiwanis Club of Nassau. The new logo marries the Kiwanis International and District logos while displaying the colors of the Bahamian flag. The club's name and date of establishment is enscribed in the center of the design representing the Bahamian flag.

October 1, 2008 marked a milestone for the club as Monique Pratt became the first female to serve as club President for the Kiwanis Club of Nassau for the 2007-08 Administrative Year.