Rotary Club of Paramaribo

Dear Members and Guests,

We are thrilled to welcome you to our community! On behalf of the board, we extend our heartfelt greetings and look forward to an inspiring and productive time together.

Meet Your Board:

- Nessa Brahim – President
- Ravindra Patandin – Vice President
- Vina Soerjoesing – Secretary
- Viren Ajodhia – Treasurer
- Nigel Sloot – 1st Sergeant-At-Arms
- Rajiv Hieralal – 2nd Sergeant-At-Arms
- Maikel Chan – Incoming President
- Anand Gajapersad – Immediate Past President

As we embark on this journey, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we will work towards achieving our goals and fostering a supportive environment for all members.

Thank you for being a part of our community and this will be an extraordinary experience!

Warm regards,

The Board of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo

🇸🇷 Heel veel succes aan onze Surinaamse toppers die meedoen aan de Natuurkunde Olympiade in Colombia! Jullie inzet en talent maken ons trots. Ga stralen, laat jullie kennis zien en geniet van deze bijzondere ervaring. ✨💪

Congratulations, Ravi Patandin!

We are thrilled to announce that Ravi Patandin has been awarded the Certificate of Recognition from Rotary District 7030 for his outstanding performance, dedication, and service during the Rotary Year 2025-2026.

Your hard work and commitment to our community truly embody the spirit of Rotary. Thank you for making a difference!

1 Juli 1863 - 1 Juli 2026: Keti Koti – Herdenk & Vier de Vrijheid. Vandaag staan we stil bij de kracht van vrijheid, verbondenheid en herstel. Samen vieren we de gebroken ketenen en de toekomst die we bouwen in eenheid. 💛💚❤️

A New Dawn for the Rotary Club of Paramaribo

On July 1st, 2026, Nessa Brahim officially took on the role as the new president of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo, marking the beginning of an exciting Rotary year. Her inauguration speech resonated with themes of community, leadership, and a commitment to making a lasting impact, reflecting her vision for the club and its members.

In her address, Nessa expressed heartfelt gratitude to the outgoing board, acknowledging their hard work and dedication over the past year. She highlighted their successful projects and the emphasis they placed on fellowship, which fostered a strong sense of community within the club. This foundation, she noted, is crucial as the club looks ahead to new challenges and opportunities.

Nessa’s vision for her presidency is clear. She aims to build on the existing projects while also creating space for innovative initiatives that address current needs, particularly focusing on the youth of Suriname. By investing in young leaders through programs like Interact CaNW and Rotaract RACP, she emphasizes the importance of nurturing future generations. This commitment aligns with her belief that supporting youth is essential for sustainable development, especially in a rapidly evolving economic landscape influenced by the oil and gas industry.

While prioritizing youth engagement, Nessa also stressed the importance of caring for senior citizens, ensuring that all community members feel valued and supported. Her philosophy extends beyond mere projects; she champions the idea that Rotary is fundamentally about people—about building connections and friendships.

Nessa is not alone in her mission. She introduced her leadership team, including Secretary Vina Soerjoesing, Treasurer Viren Ajodhia and Sergeants Nigel Sloot and Rajiv Hieralal, along with Vice President Ravi Patandin. Together, they share a strong commitment to fostering a warm and inviting atmosphere within the club. Nessa’s pride in her team is evident, and she believes their collective energy will drive successful initiatives throughout the year.

Nessa made a compelling call to her fellow Rotarians, stressing that their involvement is vital for the club’s success. She outlined the importance of engagement in community projects, fundraising activities, and maintaining a vibrant membership. “With each of you, we can make the impact we aspire to,” she stated, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that is central to Rotary’s mission.

Recognizing the broader context in which the Rotary Club operates, Nessa highlighted the club’s connection to Rotary District 7030 and its alignment with global initiatives such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations. By linking local efforts to global aims, she emphasizes the importance of collaboration and the shared responsibility of creating meaningful change.

Nessa concluded her speech with the powerful theme for the year: “Create Lasting Impact.” This mantra encapsulates her vision of building sustainable community projects rooted in teamwork, trust, and shared values. As she embarks on this journey, she calls upon all members to unite in their efforts, ensuring that the year ahead will be one of pride and achievement.

As Nessa Brahim begins her presidency, the Rotary Club of Paramaribo stands on the brink of a promising new chapter. With her dedication to community service, youth leadership, and global connection, she is poised to lead the club toward a year of significant impact. Together with her fellow Rotarians, she aims to create an environment where everyone feels included, valued, and empowered to make a difference.

✨ Happy 28th Birthday, Rotaract Club of Paramaribo! ✨
Vandaag vieren we 28 jaar van dienstbaarheid, leiderschap en vriendschap — een reis vol impact en inspiratie.
Van lokale projecten tot internationale samenwerkingen, jullie hebben generaties jongeren gemotiveerd om met hart en daad verschil te maken. 💙💛

🎉 Felicitaties aan alle leden, oud‑leden en supporters die deze beweging levend houden — jullie zijn het bewijs dat service boven zelf alles kan transformeren. 🌍💫

Celebrating Leadership and Community: The Rotary Club of Paramaribo’s Handover Ceremony

The Rotary Club of Paramaribo recently celebrated a significant milestone with its handing over ceremony, marking the transition from the outgoing board for 2025/2026 to the incoming board for 2026/2027. This event was held at the historically significant Cornerhouse in Paramaribo, Suriname, and featured an atmosphere of celebration, recognition, and community spirit.

The handing over ceremony of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo was a celebration of leadership transition, community service, and recognition of outstanding contributions.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from the outgoing president Anand Gajapersad, who’s leadership secured the club a Diamond Award, reflected on the year’s accomplishments, highlighting key projects and initiatives that significantly impacted the community.

Under his leadership, the club successfully executed several community service projects, including youth education programs, health awareness campaigns, and environmental sustainability efforts. President Gajapersad also acknowledged the dedication of club members, emphasizing teamwork and commitment as the backbone of their successes.

With Nessa Brahim stepping in as the new president, the club looks forward to future initiatives and the continued commitment to serving the community. This event serves as a reminder of the impact that dedicated individuals can make in their communities and the importance of fostering leadership and service within the Rotary framework.

Transition of Leadership:
Outgoing Board (2025/2026)
- Anand Gajapersad – President
- Djaienti Hindori – Vice President
- Amanda Sheombar – Immediate Past President
- Nessa Brahim – Incoming President
- Se-Sergio Baldew – Secretary
- Shaista Nabibaks – Treasurer
- Linday Mac Donald – 1st Sergeant
- Tim van Ommeren – 2nd Sergeant

Incoming Board (2026/2027)
- Nessa Brahim – President
- Ravindra Patandin – Vice President
- Anand Gajapersad – Immediate Past President
- Mikel Chan – Incoming President
- Vina Soeroejing – Secretary
- Viren Ajodhia – Treasurer
- Nigel Sloot – 1st Sergeant
- Rajiv Hieralal – 2nd Sergeant

This formal transition of leadership symbolizes the continuity and renewal of commitment to the Rotary values of service and community engagement.

Honored Members and Their Contributions

The ceremony also honored several members for their exceptional contributions with the Paul Harris Fellow Recognition:
-Amanda Sheombar
-Ravi Patandin
-Walter Ooseltbos
-Shaista Nabibaks
-Nigel Sloot
-Juan Pawiroredjo

100% Attendance Recognition

The dedication of members was also highlighted with a special mention of those who achieved 100% attendance throughout the year:

- Mikel Chan
- Nessa Brahim
- Arianne De Bye
- Rajiv Hieralal
- Juan Pawiroredjo
- Amanda Sheombar
- Nigel Sloot

The evening was filled with excellent food, creating a delightful experience for attendees. The atmosphere was vibrant and engaging, with a lovely dinner that transitioned into dancing, allowing members to connect on a more personal level.

Goodbye Message from President Anand Gajapersad

Dear Rotarians and Friends,

As I prepare to step down as President of the Rotary Club of Paramaribo today, I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on our journey together and express my deepest gratitude for the incredible support and camaraderie we have shared.

Serving as your president has been an immensely rewarding experience, one filled with challenges and triumphs that have enriched not only my life but also our entire club. Together, we have embarked on transformative projects that have made a significant impact on our community.

Each of our projects reflects the dedication, hard work, and passion of our members. They are prominently featured on our website, serving as a reminder of what we can achieve when we collaborate and bring our diverse skills to the table.

Throughout my term, I have witnessed the growth of our club in many ways. We have strengthened our bonds through fellowship and shared experiences, and I am proud of the vibrant culture we have cultivated. Your commitment to service and community engagement has inspired me daily.

I am particularly grateful for the new relationships we have formed with local organizations, which have opened doors for future collaborations. The partnerships we established have not only enriched our projects but have also expanded our reach within the community.

As I hand over the reins to our incoming president, Nessa Brahim, I am filled with confidence and excitement for the future. Nessa’s passion, vision, and unwavering commitment to service will surely guide our club to new heights. I encourage you all to support her leadership as we continue to make a positive impact together.

Thank you for the honor of serving as your president. I look forward to watching our club thrive and grow as we embark on this new chapter together. Let’s continue to work hand in hand to make a difference in our community and beyond.

Warmest regards,

Anand Gajapersad

👔💙 Gelukkige Vaderdag! 💙👔
Vandaag eren wij alle vaders – de stille steunpilaren, de wijze raadgevers en de sterke harten die onze gezinnen en gemeenschappen dragen.