The Rotaract Club of Antigua has left a lasting legacy following the successful hosting of the Rotaract District 7030 Conference, Linked in Wadadli , through the installation of its first-ever Peace Pole and the launch of Supporting Her Flow Collective , a regional initiative addressing menstrual health and dignity.
A Permanent Symbol of Peace
A highlight of the conference’s community service programme was the installation of the Rotaract Club of Antigua’s first Peace Pole at Mount St. John’s Medical Centre.
Inscribed with the message “May Peace Prevail on Earth” in multiple languages, Peace Poles are internationally recognized monuments promoting peace, hope, unity, and understanding. Thousands have been erected around the world in schools, hospitals, parks, and public spaces as enduring reminders that peace begins with each individual.
The installation reflects Rotary International’s commitment to peacebuilding, one of Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus. Through humanitarian service, leadership, education, and community partnerships, Rotary and Rotaract continue to promote dialogue, understanding, and conflict prevention around the world.
Representatives from several Rotaract clubs across District 7030 participated in the unveiling by making short presentations in both English and French, symbolizing the diversity of the Caribbean district while reinforcing that the message of peace transcends borders and languages.
Community Service Director 2025-2026 Kayah Ward reminded attendees that while many Caribbean nations are fortunate not to experience armed conflict, peace is a universal human right that deserves to be intentionally nurtured every day.
She encouraged Rotarians and Rotaractors to see the Peace Pole not simply as a monument, but as a daily reminder to promote compassion, dialogue, understanding, and service within their homes, clubs, communities, and countries.
District Governor 2025–2026 Soraya Warner-Gustave praised the Rotaract clubs of District 7030 for introducing the Peace Pole initiative, noting that peacebuilding remains central to Rotary’s global mission. She expressed pride in seeing the district’s young leaders transform Rotary’s values into tangible action, creating a legacy that will inspire generations to come.
Representing Mount St. John’s Medical Centre, Ms. Emelda Benjamin thanked the Rotaract Club of Antigua for selecting the institution as the home of the Peace Pole.
Reflecting on the ceremony, she shared what she believed was the day’s most powerful message: “Peace is not abstract. Peace must be intentional.” She expressed her appreciation for the initiative, adding that the monument will serve as a lasting reminder of peace, not only within Mount St. John’s Medical Centre, but throughout Antigua and Barbuda.
Supporting Her Flow Collective
The conference also launched Supporting Her Flow Collective , a regional service initiative focused on improving access to menstrual hygiene products while raising awareness of period poverty.
In the months leading up to the conference, every delegate was encouraged to travel with at least one package of sanitary products. What began as a simple request evolved into a collective act of service as delegates from across District 7030 contributed to the initiative.
Conference Community Service Lead, Romancier Edwards, expressed appreciation to every conference delegate whose individual donation made the initiative possible. She noted that the success of Supporting Her Flow Collective was a direct reflection of the generosity, compassion, and shared commitment to service demonstrated by Rotaractors throughout the district.
The initiative was further strengthened through the generous support of Frank B. Armstrong, who donated five cases of sanitary napkins, significantly increasing the number of products available for distribution.
A portion of the donated supplies was presented to Mount St. John’s Medical Centre to support patients who may experience difficulty accessing essential menstrual hygiene products.
Presenting the donation, Conference Co-Chair Sherwyn Greenidge reflected on the significance of the initiative. “This donation reflects the generosity and unity of Rotaractors from across District 7030, working together to support the health and well-being of the people of Antigua and Barbuda. We hope these items will make a meaningful contribution to the work of the dedicated doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals who serve our community every day.”
A second presentation of sanitary products was made at Rotary House by Conference Co-Chair Dr. Namadi Belle to Ms. Tanya Ambrose of Scrub Life Cares.
Scrub Life Cares is dedicated to supporting healthcare professionals and improving community health through outreach, advocacy, and initiatives that provide practical assistance to those most in need. By donating a portion of the collected sanitary products to the organization, Supporting Her Flow Collective extends its impact beyond the conference, enabling Scrub Life Cares to continue reaching vulnerable individuals and strengthening menstrual health awareness throughout the community.
During the presentation, Ambrose explained that period poverty is not limited to the lack of access to pads, tampons, or other menstrual products. Rather, it includes the broader barriers that prevent individuals from managing their periods safely and with dignity, including the cost of menstrual products, limited access to clean water and safe bathrooms, inadequate menstrual health education, stigma, shame, and the lack of supportive environments in schools, workplaces, homes, and community spaces.
Conference organizers noted that Supporting Her Flow Collective demonstrated the true meaning of International Service. Delegates from across the Caribbean united behind a common purpose, proving that small individual contributions, when combined, can create meaningful and lasting impact. The presentation ended with a powerful challenge for attendees to reflect on what Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean could look like as a truly period-friendly society, one where no one feels ashamed, unsupported, excluded, or limited because they menstruate.
As Antigua and Barbuda hosted the Rotaract District 7030 Conference for the first time in over two decades, these initiatives have left behind more than memories. The Peace Pole will stand as a permanent reminder that peace requires intention, while Supporting Her Flow Collective will continue advancing dignity, health, and hope through service.
Together, they embody the conference theme, Linked in Wadadli , demonstrating that when people unite across borders in service, they build stronger communities and leave a legacy that endures long after the conference has concluded.
This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Rotaract Club of Antigua Leaves Lasting Legacy with First Peace Pole and "Supporting Her Flow Collective".