Rotarians mark 100 yrs of volunteerism

Rotarians in Belize today joined their comrades around the world in celebrating one hundred years of volunteerism and service to their community. As part of events here, the Belize Rotary club this evening dedicated a monument at the entrance to Belize City near mile two on the Northern Highway. Centennial President, Alberto Young, says the monument is more than a decorative piece, and should serve as a reminder to the public at large that service above self benefits everyone.

Alberto Young, President, Belize Rotary Club
?The four way test was created by a Rotarian, Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 and in 1943 was adopted by Rotary International as part of its ethics programme. What rotary tries to do is to instil ethical values in its members to do what is right in decision making. The four way test say of the things we say and do: is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? And will it bring good will and better friendships? And if you use those in your decision making, especially our leaders, we feel that the outcome will be good for all in our country and throughout the world.?

Patrick Jones
?What will be done now to ensure the upkeep of this monument??

Albero Young
?The upkeep is being handled through the Belize Tourism Board as they have done all the roundabouts here, but well make whatever necessary arrangements for it to be kept up. And it is our monument; it?s a commitment of the Rotary Club of Belize, and all the Rotary Clubs in this country: Orange Walk, San Ignacio, Corozal, Belmopan, soon to be Dangriga, Placencia and San Pedro. It is our commitment to the Belizean public that we are here, we are volunteering, and we are giving back to the community. One of the most significant projects that we accomplished in 1957 when the Rotary Club started was the construction of the Stella Maris School for the handicapped. Today we have the Gift of Life Program, Kolbe Foundation, the Crimestoppers, which is now 0-800-922-TIPS as we have changed that number to make it more anonymous and safer for witnesses to call in. So Rotary is here to stay.?

Young says that in the coming weeks, the Rotary Club of Belize will take its ethics test campaign to educational institutions around the country.