Happy New Year

100 Years: Celebrating an EPIC Legacy

As the sun set on 2014 and we stood to welcome a new dawn …a new chapter in the life of JCI West Indies, it is with a great sense of humility that I embrace the opportunity to share my first greetings as the 55th JCI West Indies National President; an honour which I do not take lightly and one which will be passionately executed. 

This year is an important one for Junior Chamber International (JCI), as we are celebrating 100 years of delivering positive impact to communities around the world.  In 1915, our founder, Henry Giessenbier Jr embarked on a visionary quest.  A journey which I am sure definitely surpassed his expectations, leaving a legacy you and I can share and celebrate today.  One young person, one visionary leader with the tenacity to take action for the change he wished to see in his community and the world.  Young people have this strength. The youth of the West Indies have this strength. The strength to take a stand and be inspired to lead. The unique ability to stare a challenge in the face and birth forth innovative solutions which will ignite a movement to realise positive change!

Through collaboration with all sectors of society, JCI (formerly known as Jaycees) has left an indelible mark in our region over the years – so many pioneering projects have shaped our communities, creating an impact and leaving a sustainable legacy; building a hospital for a rural community to grant access for timely health care, showcasing our cultural and individual beauty to empower women, funding the establishment of sporting facilities and educational institutions to nurture the development and growth of the next generation – we continue to shape the leaders of tomorrow by granting them the opportunity to be leaders today...

Our Caribbean landscape continues to demand young active citizens. I am elated to declare that we have many of these individuals within JCI and the Caribbean today, who willingly answer the call and have that burning desire to see positive change in our communities and our region.  I have had the opportunity to meet so many of you across the region and I am certainly looking forward to working with you to take this wonderful organisation to the next level this year!  

Members, I challenge you to create a legacy and print your names on the pages of history. Senators, Partners and Sponsors, I challenge you to support us on this journey. As we raise our bat in recognition of this phenomenal milestone, we cannot afford to lose our focus. Another ton awaits... Let’s regroup and set the foundation for another 100 years.  Our future demands it!!!

On behalf of the National Board of Directors, I wish everyone a Happy New Year …2015 is going to be EPIC!!!

Your President and Friend, 

Kevin Hinds
2015 National President

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