Rotary International’s District 7030 Governor, Soraya A.J. Warner-Gustave, has concluded a highly productive official visit to the Commonwealth of Dominica from January 28 to February 1, 2026. The extensive tour strengthened collaborative ties with local Rotary and Rotaract organizations while advancing numerous community development initiatives across the island nation.
The visit commenced with strategic engagements at the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, where Governor Warner-Gustave inspected ongoing playground development projects at Temple SDA Primary School and Dublanc/Bioche Primary School. These initiatives form part of a broader strategy to combat childhood obesity through promoting physical activity and creating safe recreational spaces for youth development.
A significant environmental conservation effort was demonstrated through a tree-planting exercise along the Indian River, aligning with Rotary’s global environmental objectives. The district governor also participated in strategic discussions with corporate sponsor Secret Bay to ensure sustainable support for the club’s community programs.
A landmark moment of the visit featured the unveiling of Portsmouth Secondary School’s first Peace Pole, where Governor Warner-Gustave addressed students and faculty on the critical importance of peacebuilding and youth leadership in community harmony.
The engagement extended to the Rotary Club of Dominica, where the district governor conducted separate meetings with the Rotaract Club of Roseau and Interact Clubs of Dominica State College and Dominica Grammar School. These interactions highlighted Rotary’s commitment to youth empowerment, with particular emphasis on developing leadership capabilities among young change-makers.
At Dominica Community High School, the governor inspected the newly implemented Snack Benches Project, which provides designated seating areas to enhance student comfort and inclusivity during break periods.
A particularly notable ceremony involved the formal handover of completed improvements at the Acute Psychiatric Unit, underscoring Rotary’s dedication to advancing mental healthcare infrastructure and services. The district governor commended the collaborative efforts that made this vital healthcare initiative possible.
The official visit included a courtesy call with Her Excellency Sylvanie Burton, President of Dominica, reaffirming Rotary’s commitment to national development through humanitarian initiatives and potential future collaborations aligned with Rotary’s strategic focus areas.
The visit concluded with a celebratory cocktail reception at Sunset Bay, where Rotarians from across generations gathered to strengthen fellowship bonds and reflect on the accomplishments achieved during the comprehensive tour. District Governor Warner-Gustave expressed profound gratitude for the hospitality extended and reaffirmed confidence in the ongoing efforts of Dominican Rotary clubs to create meaningful impact throughout the nation.