Dominica Unveils Its First Peace Pole at Botanical Gardens

Rotary Club of Dominica 13th December, 2024

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The Rotary Club of Dominica along with the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, Rotaract Club of Roseau and Interact Clubs of Dominica welcomed District 7030 Governor Debbie Roopchand from Trinidad between November 22 – 24, 2024.

As part of the District Governor’s official duties, she visits each club within the District to meet with the executives and membership of Rotary Clubs in each country. During this visit, she met with Her Excellency Mrs. Sylvanie Burton and toured various club projects on the island. She also met with the Rotary Club of Portsmouth, Rotaract Club of Roseau and the Interact Club of St. Martin Secondary.

A highlight of this visit to the Rotary Club of Dominica was the unveiling of the country’s first Peace Pole on November 23, 2024. The ceremony was held at the Botanical Gardens and the pole revealed displayed the inscription “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in five (5) languages spoken on the island including English, French, Creole, Spanish and Kokoy.

In attendance were Her Excellency Mrs. Sylvanie Burton and Mr. Burton, representatives from different institutions such as the Dominica Police Force, Dominica Service Clubs and the Methodist Church. President Luana stated “This Peace Pole serves as a reminder that peace begins right here—within us, our families, and our communities. It transcends our differences in culture, ethnicity, or background, bringing us together with a shared hope for a brighter, more united tomorrow.” She asked for all to reflect on the words “May Peace Prevail on Earth” to contribute to a more peaceful nation.

District Governor Debbie also addressed the ceremony, “In 2017 when I became aware of the Peace Pole initiative, I led the charge on having a Peace Pole installed outside the City Hall in San Fernando Trinidad and from 2017 I have been an advocate for the installation of Peace Poles in our communities as a visual reminder of the need for Peace. This year, as Governor for District 7030 I challenged all 75 Rotary Clubs in our District to plant a Peace Pole in a prominent place within your community because my vision for the District was that we would achieve at least one Peace Pole in each of the (17) countries forming part of District 7030 and Rotary Club of Dominica you have answered that call and made history in your country by the installation of the first Peace Pole in Dominica today and I sincerely congratulate you on this achievement.”

The Rotary Clubs in Dominica intend to plant additional poles around the country in other languages. We encourage citizens, and visitors to visit the pole at the Botanical Gardens and share pictures with us through contact@rotary-dominica.org.