Elfi Seitz
Rotarians gathered at the Pullman Pattaya Hotel G on June
9 to witness and celebrate the installation of the new president and board
of directors of Rotary Club Pattaya Marina for 2012-13.
President Joseph Roy 2012-13,
ready for new challenges.
Outgoing president Yves Echement gave his year-end report
in French, English and German underlining the achievements in humanitarian
projects during his year as leader of the club.
“Our major projects were the building of a dormitory and
installing solar power for the Karen hilltribes in Mae Sot district in Tak
province. Our club may be small but our projects to help humanity are very
effective and this year Rotarians have been very supportive of the
underprivileged by Reaching Within to Embrace Humanity.”
Past District Governor Pratheep Malhotra performed the
solemn ceremony of installing Joseph Roy as president of the Rotary Club
Pattaya Marina for 2012-13. At the same time he presented the past
president’s chain to Yves Echement commending him for his commitment and
professionalism in the way he administered the club during his year as
president and more especially for his achievements in humanitarian projects.
In his address to Rotarians and guests, PDG Peter said
that incoming Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka’s theme for the
new year is ‘Peace Through Service’. He quoted excerpts from Tanaka’s speech
which explained the philosophy behind the theme.
PP Dr Olivier Meyer ensured
that the proceedings moved along smoothly.
“We hear the word peace every day. We hear it in the
news, we use it in conversation, and we talk about it a great deal in
Rotary. But most of us spend very little time thinking about what peace
really is, and what that word means.
“On its simplest level, peace can be defined by what it
is not. It is a state of no war, no violence, and no fear. It means that you
are not in danger of hunger or persecution or the suffering of poverty.
“Peace means different things to different people. No
definition is right, and no definition is wrong. And however we use the
word, however we understand peace, Rotary can help us to achieve it.
“Rotary helps us to meet the basic needs of others: to
provide health care, sanitation, food, and education when and where it is
most needed. It helps to meet the inner needs as well, for friendship,
connection, and caring.
PDG Pratheep Malhotra speaks
of ‘Peace Through Service’.
“And Rotary helps us to build peace in its most
traditional sense, by reducing the causes of conflict. It builds bridges of
friendship and tolerance among people and nations. It helps us to understand
each other.”
In his inauguration speech President Roy stated that he
is grateful for all the good wishes and advice bestowed on him by his
members and colleagues, promising to carry out his duties as president to
the best of his ability. “Our focus will be to help needy children,
especially in the field of health, hunger and education.”
PDG Peter proclaims Joseph Roy
(right) as president and Yves Echement as past president.
PDG Peter presents the past
president’s badge to Yves Echement and congratulates him on a job well done.
Hubert Meier (left) president
of the Rotary Club Phoenix Pattaya greets PDG Peter Malhotra and PDG
Premprecha Dibbayawan (right).
Members of the YWCA lent their
support to the happy occasion. (l-r) President Praichit „Nitnoi“ Jatapai,
Elfi Seitz, Laurence Fatus and Nittaya Patimasongkroh.
President Roy Joseph (right)
introduces his board of directors for 2012-13. (l-r) Dr Olivier Meyer,
Daniel Dandoy, Pierre Yves Eraud, Yves Echement, François Lecomte and Gerard
Porcon.
Rotarians and their families
attended the ‘installation night’ to wish each other continued strength and
success in future humanitarian endeavours.
