The 2024 Kiwanis Eastern Canada and Caribbean (EC&C) District Convention brought together over 700 Kiwanis Club members from across the region for a three-day event in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Held from May 16th to 18th, 2024, the convention served as a platform for discourse on critical issues impacting children, communities, and the future of our planet.
A Celebration of Service: Kiwanis’ Global Mission
Kiwanis International, a global organization boasting over 80 countries and half a million members, is dedicated to serving the needs of children and communities worldwide. With the motto “Serving the Children of the World,” Kiwanis clubs organize service projects, fundraising initiatives, and mentorship programs that empower children and build stronger communities.
Minister Bartlett Welcomes Kiwanis and Highlights Importance of Service
The opening ceremony featured a keynote address by Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, the Honorable Edmund Bartlett. Minister Bartlett applauded the Kiwanis organization for its dedication to service, emphasizing its crucial role in shaping a brighter future for children. He stressed the importance of “discourses in various areas of human development,” with a particular focus on children’s well-being, as the future rests in their hands.
Minister Bartlett further emphasized the need to address the growing global population and its impact on resource consumption. He highlighted the importance of sustainable practices and environmental stewardship, urging Kiwanis members to be “custodians of the management of our environment.” A healthy planet is essential for continued prosperity and a sustainable future for all.
Building a More Peaceful and Productive World: The Role of Kiwanis
Minister Bartlett also acknowledged the critical role Kiwanis play in fostering peace and collaboration across the globe. He commended the organization’s extensive network and its dedication to service, crediting Kiwanis with “enabling this level of relationship to build capacity for human existence and collaboration.”
A Focus on Marginalized Communities: Addressing Inequality Through Service
Montego Bay’s Mayor, Councillor Richard Vernon, echoed the sentiment of building stronger communities, urging the Kiwanis organization to prioritize solutions for marginalized and under-represented groups. He highlighted the convention as “a powerful reminder that we are here to strategize how we can transform one community at a time.”
Unlocking the Caribbean’s Potential: Human and Spiritual Values
Executive Director of the Tourism Enhancement Fund, Dr. Carey Wallace, addressed the convention, highlighting the Caribbean’s immense potential as a tourism destination. He acknowledged the need for change within the region, focusing on human and spiritual values. Dr. Wallace appealed to the Kiwanis members to leverage their influence and promote positive change within Caribbean communities.
A Diverse Gathering: Kiwanis Leaders Unite
The three-day convention brought together a diverse group of over 700 delegates. Participants included professionals, business leaders, and entrepreneurs from 19 countries across the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean. This diverse gathering fostered a platform for exchanging ideas, collaborating on solutions, and strengthening the global Kiwanis network.
