Tuesday, August 11, 2020

NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2020 4 Messages AS THE Optimist Club of Kingston commemorates its ruby anniversary, I extend sincere congratulations and thanks on behalf of the City of Kingston for the years of dedicated service and friendship, particularly with a keen focus on our youth. For decades, the Optimist Club has undertaken numerous projects and made significant contributions to the youth across this city. The value of that intervention and joy of that responsibility are massive. With such positive and incalcula- ble energy, Optimists have excelled every step of the way. I must commend President Wiggan-Chambers and all club members for being true optimists. Not seeing the proverbial glass as half-empty or as half-full, but seeing the glass as a work in progress and continually pouring themselves, their time, talent, and treasures into helping fill that glass. The current COVID-19 global pan- demic calls on us all to do more. It challenges leadership, steward- ship, and partnerships across the city, across the nation, and most certainly, across the world. I rest assured as mayor that the friend- ship of the Optimist International group towards our city and youth remains a pillar of confidence and support. I know that this club, as well as the other more than 70 clubs in Jamaica, will continue to have a positive impact on communities with their love, mentorship, and guidance. Now, more than ever before, the time for the social, educational, and economic development of our youth is critical to the recovery of our nation. No role played is ever too small towards this end. As our anthem guides us in seeking vision lest we perish, I ask for the contin- ued vision of the Optimist Club for our city and wholeheartedly express gratitude for the immeasurable con- tribution you have made towards its continued development. We join you in this momentous occasion and look forward to many more years of exemplary service and friendship to our youth. DELROY H. WILLIAMS Mayor of Kingston Optimists have excelled every step of the way ON BEHALF of the Board of Directors of Optimist International, it gives me great pleasure in bring- ing commendatory greetings to the Optimist Club of Kingston, Jamaica, on its 40th anniversary of service to the children and communities it serves. The Optimist Club of Kingston is one of the anchors of Optimism in the Caribbean as it was at the centre of the growth of Optimist International throughout the Caribbean region. Its tenacity in these expansion efforts led to the development of the Caribbean District as a formal entity of Optimist International in 1992, with clubs in Jamaica, Barbados, and Antigua. From that platform, other island nations of the Caribbean region soon joined the district. The club has also produced many leaders within our organ- isation, most notably its Charter Member Theodore Golding. Mr Golding created history when he became the first person outside of North America to become the International President of Optimist International and the first Black man to hold that position in any of the large service clubs in the world. He is affectionately considered the‘Father of Optimism’ in the Caribbean. Throughout its 40-year history, the Optimist Club of Kingston has supported many children of the communities it serves through scholarships, personal-development initiatives, community upliftment, and sporting and educational initia- tives. It has also served to provide its members with personal and profes- sional-development programmes that have seen its members rec- ognised across Jamaica and the Caribbean as personal exemplars of citizenry. We applaud the board and members of the Optimist Club of Kingston as you celebrate this im- portant milestone in your history. We implore you to use the oppor- tunity to recommit yourself to the ideals of the organisation as you continue to make a difference in the lives of the children of Jamaica, the members of the clubs, and the communities that you serve. ADRIAN ELCOCK International President One of the anchors of Optimism in the Caribbean OPTIMIST CLUB OF KINGSTON 40TH ANNIVERSARY continue to provide theway forward to our young people by being the beacon of hope that helps to guide them into being the leaders of tomorrow, who canmake posi- tive contributions towards the development of Jamaica. With your theme, ‘Imagine 40 Years and Beyond’, I have every confidence that the OCK will continue to engage our children and youth in a wide range of pro- jects and activities to improve their social, educational, and economic well-being and development. Because of our collective optimism in the possibility of the human spirit, wemust endeavour to build bridges of friendship among all social classes and develop the capacity to mediate our differences peacefully. This is the only way to advance our humanity and create a better society for all. As you celebrate the activities of your 40th anniversary, it ismy honour as leader of the parliamentary Opposition to extend best wishes for your continued success. PETER D. PHILLIPS Leader of the Opposition INSPIRING CONTINUED FROM 2 Margaret Sharpe Managing Director | AMC Complex 188 Spanish Town Road Kingston 11, Jamaica W.I. 40 th AIR SEA TRUCK Anniversary O: 876-757-9949 F: 876-923-6758 C: 876-382-8653 Email: margaret@marsharpeja.com