Service

Suriname Initiative

Rotary Partners across the Caribbean

In March 2010, two representatives of the Crystal City/Pentagon Rotary Club traveled to Paramaribo, Suriname, South America to build relationships and investigate potential joint projects with the three Rotary Clubs in Suriname. The partnership was facilitated by a new member of the Crystal City club from a previous Rotary partnership established between the Suriname clubs and several in South Dakota, developed through the National Guard State Partnership Program.
 
While in Suriname, the US members met with Rotarians, government officials, commercial business people, educators, artists, and private citizens to determine potential projects which could be developed over time to benefit both contingents. The focus of the US club members was to find a project that provided Rotarian exchange, met several of the 4 service paths of Rotary, and provided a unique travel and cultural experience for members of all clubs.
 
Seven individual projects were identified for consideration. After meeting with the Club International Service Committee and outgoing/incoming club leadership, it was decided to propose three of these projects for serious consideration and selection by US club members. Once selected, the projects will be vetted with the Suriname club contacts to determine their feasibility and acceptability.