The Rotary Club of New Kingston made history on June 28 when it produces its first District Governor for District 7020. It was a celebration at the UWI Regional Headquarters:
A Historic Milestone: Prof. William "Bill" Aiken Installed as Rotary District 7020 Governor
By DorrettRCampbell
In a stirring and symbolic ceremony held on the morning of June 28, 2025, at the University of the West Indies Regional Headquarters, Professor William “Bill” Aiken was officially installed as District Governor of Rotary District 7020—a watershed moment for both the Rotary Club of New Kingston, his home club, and the wider Rotary family across the Caribbean and the southeastern United States.
Under the theme "Unite for Good", the breakfast ceremony brought together a powerful cross-section of approximately 150 in-person guests, with many more Rotarians and well-wishers joining virtually. The event marked a historic joint installation, as District Rotaract Representative Mikhail Raymore was also installed, signaling a new era of deeper collaboration between Rotary and Rotaract.
A Legacy of Leadership and Service
Presided over by the charismatic Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson as Master of Ceremonies, the programme unfolded with a grace and professionalism befitting the occasion. Outgoing District Governor Dominique Bazin of Haiti delivered an emotional and reflective farewell, expressing confidence in the leadership of her successor.
"By any metric—whether it be membership growth, community impact, or Foundation giving—District 7020 has thrived," she said, thanking Rotarians for allowing her to share "the Magic of Rotary."
Several distinguished Past District Governors graced the occasion, including Patrick Adizua, Mike Fennell, and Haresh Ramchandani, underscoring the rich tradition of service and mentorship that characterizes the district.
Leadership as Transformation
The keynote address, delivered by Scotia Group Jamaica President and CEO Audrey Tugwell-Henry, offered a compelling charge to the new Governor and to Rotarians everywhere To RISE and lead. Speaking on the topic "The Responsibility of Change Makers: Leading to Empower, Empowering to Lead," she emphasized that transformational leadership is not about position but about impact.
“True leaders rise to the occasion,” she declared, “demonstrating Resilience, Innovation, Service Above Self, and Empowerment—RISE.”
She stated that transformational leaders inspire, uplift, create a vision, and empower others to achieve more than they thought possible.
Tugwell -Henry commended Prof. Aiken’s bold initiative to tackle cardiovascular health - the leading cause of mortality in the region - noting the moral imperative not to grow numb to the needs of others.
A Governor's Vision Rooted in Purpose
In his inaugural address, Prof. Aiken struck a tone of humility, gratitude, and bold vision.
“I accept the position of District Governor with passion, integrity, and fairness,” he stated. “At the end of my term, I hope it can be said that I was a servant leader who led with courage and compassion—and that Rotary’s impact grew because we dared to do more.”
Aiken paid tribute to past leaders who shaped his Rotary journey and made special mention of his sponsor, Professor John Lindo, who moved the vote of thanks and chaired the Installation Committee. He also thanked his family, including his wife Ella and his seven children, for their unwavering support.
Importantly, he announced an intentional push for unprecedented partnerships—between Rotary and Rotaract, strong and developing clubs, across countries and districts, and with like-minded organizations such as Kiwanis, Lions, Optimists, NGOs, and corporate sponsors. This, he emphasized, is central to the Rotary International President's call to “Unite for Good.”
The district’s sub-theme, "Recognize Needs. Transform Lives," will guide his year in office, calling Rotarians to become more attuned to the communities they serve and to respond with sustainable, impactful solutions.
The Power of Purpose
The installation of Prof. Aiken is more than a ceremonial change of leadership—it is a clarion call to service rooted in vision, compassion, and a deep understanding of the region’s pressing health and social needs. With his background in medicine, academia, and Rotary service, Prof. Aiken is uniquely poised to guide District 7020 into a future marked by growth, innovation, and collaborative impact.
As the applause rang out and the sun climbed higher over the Mona campus, one thing was clear: District 7020 is in capable hands. And with leaders like DG Bill Aiken and DRR Mikhail Raymore at the helm, the Rotary family in the Caribbean is not just moving forward, it is rising.
Newly minted District Governor and Rotaractor Representative
Vivacious guest speaker Audrey Tugwell Henry
Unveiling of the historymaking banner donated by PP Dorrett
The happy family
Newly minted District Governor and Rotaractor Representative
Vivacious guest speaker Audrey Tugwell Henry
Unveiling of the historymaking banner donated by PP Dorrett
The happy family