Participants in JCI Dutch Caribbean National Convention gather for a group photo.
SIMPSON BAY--St. Maarten played host to the National Convention of Junior Chamber International (Jaycees) Dutch Caribbean October 19-21.
The convention, organised by JCI St. Maarten ACTION (Aspiring Change to Impact Our Nation) and held at Simpson Bay Resort, brought together local presidents and members from Curaçao, Bonaire, and St. Maarten under the theme “Leaders Leave Legacies” with a focus on training, board elections, and social events.
The convention kicked off with an opening ceremony on October 19. Delmarie Cornelius-Grant, the local president of JCI SXM ACTION, warmly welcomed the delegates in her speech, followed by remarks from National President Shakira Albertoe. The ceremony featured a captivating keynote address on entrepreneurship by Kevin Stephen, setting the tone for the engaging sessions ahead. The evening concluded with a lively cocktail party, fostering a spirit of camaraderie among attendees.
Throughout the convention, participants had the opportunity to enhance their skills through various training sessions. Rolando Tobias led a session on change management, while Ana Evan-Marlin facilitated an entrepreneurship workshop. JCI trainers Senator Marcel Gumbs and Ravina Claudius provided valuable insights on parliamentary procedures and JCI networking, respectively.
The convention also witnessed significant appointments and recognitions. Deidrae Thompson, the local vice president of JCI SXM ACTION, was elected as the National Vice President for 2024, while Elvis Lewis, the immediate past president of JCI SXM ACTION, was appointed as the General Legal Council for the same year.
Local President Delmarie expressed her joy at having members from St. Maarten on the National Board for 2024. Individual members were honoured for their outstanding achievements and local organisations received well-deserved awards for successfully-executed projects throughout the year.
Despite the looming threat of Hurricane Tammy, which posed challenges to certain activities, the organisers held the events successfully, ensuring that the National Convention was a success. The convention concluded with a closing ceremony featuring a dinner, entertainment and the installation of Aldimir Vrutaal as the 2024 National President, who had previously served as the 2023 Executive Vice President.
JCI SXM ACTION said the success of the National Convention would not have been possible without the support of sponsors such as the Chamber of Commerce, Bureau Telecommunications and Post St. Maarten, NAGICO Insurances, Princess Juliana International Airport, Obersi Group of Companies, Helping Hands Foundation, TelEm Group of Companies, Simpson Bay Resort, St. Maarten Development Fund (SMDF) and St. Martin Tourism Office.
“The director of the National Convention, Anjeanee Mathew, and her dedicated committee deserve commendation for their exceptional efforts in organising this remarkable event,” said JCI SXM ACTION.
Individuals seeking personal growth and development opportunities in leadership, community engagement and business networking are encouraged to join this organisation. For more information and enquiries, contact
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