A Toast to Clean Water Aboard the District 7020 Cruise
Hosted each year on one of the ten island nations which comprise Rotary District 7020, in 2025, due to ongoing challenges in Haiti, this year’s host nation, the Conference was held on board RCCL’s Freedom of the Seas. Year on year, Rotarians from around the District gather for education, training, networking and inspiration about Rotary and District 7020 and to meet friends old and new. Rotarians from Haiti, usually numbering over 100, still came out in force. Despite the challenges with Visas and flights 63 still managed to attend the event.
The Haiti Organising Committee, under the leadership of District Governor Dominique Bazin, arranged an exciting and colourful pre-cruise Cultural Evening in Miami, featuring Haitian music, dance and joie de vivre! It was also an opportunity for HANWASH to reach out to attendees prior to the cruise itself.
A few of the Haiti attendees, with DG Dominique Bazin (centre)
President’s Representative PDG Wade Nomura was presented with a Haiti flag. He is also on the HANWASH Steering Committee
Cocktails with a Cause
On the evening of May 7th, onboard the ship, Rotarians gathered not just for fellowship, but for a cause that touches lives across Haiti—clean water. The HANWASH Cocktail Party was one of the event’s standout events, blending purpose, partnership, and celebration in true Rotary style. A ‘thank you’ to all those who have supported HANWASH so far and an opportunity to let others know about the programme. All attendees were presented with a HANWASH Lapel Pin.
The event kicked off with an energizing welcome by members of the HANWASH Steering Committee. Chairman and PRID Jeremy Hurst, then gave attendees an overview of HANWASH’s beginnings and future course.
Steering Committee Chairman PRID Jeremy Hurst
Engagement Cttee Chair DGE Lindsey Cancino
He looked back to meetings at the Atlanta Convention in 2017, Haiti 2018 and 2020, when the first projects were begun and the inspired idea of HANWASH became a reality. He said that now is the time to review, reflect, adapt and act to ensure the project becomes the very best it can be. With SWOT and GAP analysis, HANWASH is learning what is being done well and what can be improved, leading to a new and improved business plan. He also said that he is hoping that the improvements and adaptations will lead to a truly ‘Haitian-led’ HANWASH. He ended by thanking the Haiti Staff team, members of the various committees and the many people around the world who are supporting the initiative, with a special heartfelt thank you to all of the Haitian Rotarians for their dedication and passion during these very difficult times.
Fellowship with Purpose
More than just a social gathering, it was a statement of solidarity and a promise to keep pushing forward until every Haitian has access to clean water and sanitation. The HANWASH Cocktail Party reminded everyone why they joined Rotary: to be part of something bigger. Attendees left with fresh inspiration and new ideas on how to champion HANWASH in their home clubs.
HANWASH Director Fritz Pierre-Louis addressing the Attendees at the Cocktail Party
HANWASH Director Fritz Pierre-Louis (left) and PDG Dr. Robert Leger
All photos provided by the D7020 Conference Committee