Family honours

In an unusual move, Dr Jackie Sabga, wife of the incoming president Howard Sabga, asked for permission to address the gathering at this special time. “Firstly about Rotary Club and then about my husband Howard, of whom I am very proud.” And for the first time in the club’s nearly 60 year history, a wife was introducing her spouse to his fellow Rotarians.

Dr Sabga is a medical practitioner, chairman of the Trinidad & Tobago Cancer Society, chairman and medical director of Vitas House, Board member of the Palliative Care Society, a mother of two, and wife for 19 years to Howard Sabga, a Board member of the Young Men’s Christian Association, of the Lady Hochoy Homes, and of United Way; and director of BCL group of companies and of Ansa Auto.

“This organisation, as I understand, was formed around 1905 when a gentleman, Mr Paul Harris in Chicago decided to bring together three other like-minded colleagues on a regular basis to strengthen the bond of colleague- ship, morals, values, friendship, camaraderie, and service.

“In a rapid fashion this organisation grew and became international.

Because good things travel far, The Rotary Club has maintained over the decades their commitment to humanitarian deeds, friendship and integrity. It is not then ironic or coincidental that my husband Howard fit right in here at this organisation.

“About ten years ago I wrote my own ‘eulogy’, yes it’s odd, but the words aren’t...you see I described a man that fit the mould of an ideal Rotary president very well, so bear with me as I read a few lines. ‘He is a real live version of the culmination of all that is great in life, the epitome of humble, loyal, loving, dedicated, inspiring , driven’..

and I could go on and on, because there are no words to describe my husband. Howard taught me everything , and I mean everything.

I thought I loved deeply, he taught me to love more. I thought I had life’s lessons worked out, he taught me that every day is a lesson, and that every day we need to help people, and that every day we need to thank God for the day, and despite whatever we had as problems, they paled in comparison to other people’s.

“He taught me that every day someone’s life should have been made better for having crossed our paths or we haven’t accomplished what we set out for in a day, he taught me the true meaning of selfless, because that is what he is -- all love and ever so selfless. He taught me that when I thought I had nothing left to give of myself, that by his love I could open up a reserve tank and give more. He taught me what an absolute privilege it is to stand beside someone in health, in sickness and adversity and in death, and he never lets me forget this! Service before self.

“So you see, you have chosen well. Howard embodies the criterion of a true Rotarian. I wish him, his team and this organisation an incredible year. Thank you for allowing me these previous minutes.” And yet another piece of history was written at the Rotary Port-of- Spain’s (PoS) 59th Hand Over Ceremony.

This time when outgoing president Daran Bahadoorsingh recognised his father Dr Krishna Bahadoorsingh, who had been president from 1975-1976 as a Paul Harris Fellow. Dr Bahadoorsingh, whose father, Jang, was the first generation in the club, joined in 1971 and resigned in 1978, only because the club’s Tuesday lunchtime meetings conflicted with his obligations as a Senator.

Daran – the third generation in the Rotary PoS-- said: “It was my father who encouraged me into Rotary when I permanently returned to Trinidad 20 years ago, and I’ve been a Rotarian ever since.

It is for his service, dedication and continuous contributions to the club over the years that I would like to ask him to join me and be recognised.” Two other individuals were recognised as Paul Harris Fellows by the outgoing president -- Angelique Najjar, partner in service to past president and long standing Rotarian, Labib Najjar. “Angelique has been very involved in the club over the years, welcoming us into their home on many occasions to hold Rotary related meetings or even fundraising events.

“Angelique used to take it upon herself to call, round up and meet with the other partners in service and encourage them to get involved in our projects, providing assistance in which ever way they could. Having this kind of support is crucial to our continued success and we would like to send a message to the more recent partners that this sort of commitment needs to be revitalised and encouraged. It is for her dedication and help over the years that we would like to bestow this honour on Angelique,” Daran said.

And Parasram Ramoutar, an international journalist for over 40 years who writes and broadcasts extensively for radio, television and newspapers here in TT , the region and beyond including India, with his focus being on the Indian diaspora here in the Caribbean was also recognised.

Daran said, “Parasram attributes his educational and subsequent professional success to the opportunity Rotary afforded him. In 1970 via the Rotary Club of Port-of-Spain, he was granted a Rotary Foundation Educational Award for study at the Ryerson Polytechnical Institute in Toronto, Canada, to study journalism. The rest as they say is history. It is now my pleasure to recognise this exemplary professional and product of Rotary’s life changing work as a Paul Harris Fellow.” The Paul Harris Fellow recognition, named after Paul Percy Harris, the Founder of Rotary International in 1905, acknowledges individuals who contribute or have contributions made in their name of US$1000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International. Rotary clubs may honour individuals as Paul Harris Fellows who meet the high professional and personal standards set forth by Paul Harris.

It was established in 1957 to show appreciation for and encourage substantial contributions to what was then the foundation’s only programme, the Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study, the precursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships. There are now well over a million Paul Harris Fellows across the world.