Former Premier of the Virgin Islands, Mr Ralph T. O'Neal OBE was a recent recipient of Rotary's Paul Harris Fellow Award. 'You know I am retired now so I wouldn’t be able to do much work, sit down and take it easy,' said the retired politician on receiving his award. Photo: VINO

Rotary's Assistant Governor Delma Maduro pins Hon O'Neal with his Badge of Honour. Photo: VINO

Rotary's Assistant Governor Delma Maduro pins Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith with his Badge of Honour. Photo: VINO

Valerie Thomas is presented with the Rotarian of the Year Award. Making the presentation is Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Tortola, Mr Henry O. Creque. Photo: VINO

Ms Ixora-Rose Williams is presented with the Rotarian of the Year Award by Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Tortola, Henry O. Creque. Photo: VINO

The Rotary Club of Tortola event held at Long Bay Beach Resort in West End was one that was designed to install the club’s newest president Mr Julien N. Johnson whose tenure begins on July 1, 2015, but it also featured the honouring of Hon O’Neal and Premier and Minister of Finance Dr The Hourable D. Orlando Smith.

“You know I am retired now so I wouldn’t be able to do much work, sit down and take it easy,” said Hon O’Neal. His remark preceded him showering praises on Dr Smith especially for his effectiveness and commitment in the medical arena.

Premier Smith and Hon O’Neal received the award on the count of their dedication towards improving the lives of others in their community, and for having lived unceasingly by the creed “Service above Self”. The Paul Harris Fellow award is the highest honour a club can bestow upon any person.

Hon O’Neal reflected on the days of old when he could have totally relied on Dr Smith to be present at the Peebles Hospital at any time of the day or night and, according to Hon O’Neal, Dr Smith continues to do so even after taking on politics, in which area he said Dr Smith has also done well. “And I hope he continues to do so,” said Hon O’Neal.

The retired legislator and first Premier of the Virgin Islands, Hon O’Neal, is one of the founding members of Rotary in the Virgin Islands and his receiving a Paul Harris Fellow award on Saturday was not a first time honour for him.

On the other hand, it was the first time for Premier Smith who is also a member of the Rotary Club of Tortola. Premier said that while he hasn’t had a 100% attendance, he is quite satisfied and confident of his services in other areas.

“I might not have been as active as some of the Rotarians here but when it comes to serving my fellow men I have been very active indeed, certainly in the field of medicine,” said Premier Smith.

Meanwhile, Ms Valerie Thomas and Ms Ixora-Rose Williams were also jointly awarded Rotarian of the Year at the event.