Statement Issued by Rotary Sunrise

6^th  April 2013

Rotary committed to the Cayman Islands for nearly 50 years

With Rotary’s Four-Way Test in mind – Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? – it was with sadness and disappointment that Members of the Rotary Club of Grand Cayman Sunrise, (“Rotary Sunrise”), read reports of a former Rotarian being arrested and charged for financial irregularities.

The organization of Rotary International, (“RI”), which has had a presence in the Cayman Islands for nearly  50 years, holds itself and its members to the highest of standards. Each club (locally and internationally) is run in accordance with the highest standards of good governance; and prides itself on its integrity and commitment to the communities in which they serve.

As an organisation RI raises funds, 100% of which are donated back in to local and international community projects. None of the funds raised are used for RI or individual Club’s administration. To verify this, while also ensuring that all of our fundraising and community initiatives are conducted to the highest financial and accounting standards, RI accounts are audited annually. Rotary Sunrise also has its accounts reviewed annually by a leading international audit firm.

Community organisations which have benefitted from Rotary Sunrise include The Pines Retirement Home; Big Brothers Big Sisters; NCVO; The Crisis Centre; The Cayman Heart Fund’s Annual Health Fair and the Francis Bodden Girls Home. These organisations are a small sample of the initiatives which Rotary Sunrise supports – and yet the impact on our community and the people of our Islands who benefit from support from these organisations is anything but small. For many families, the support they receive is life changing and for some it is even life-saving.

For nearly 50 years Rotary has been an integral part of the fabric of the Cayman Islands community – strengthening it and creating new opportunities for all who live and work here, and we thank the public for their continued support of our efforts. With your ongoing support, we will continue to work together, in partnership with the community, for a better Cayman.

END

NOTE: The statement concerns the arrest and subsequent charges against a former president of Rotary Sunrise, Michael Levitt, with two counts of theft, which occurred while he was employed by the local law firm, Solomon Harris.

See iNews Cayman story published on April 4 2013 “Former Rotary President charged with fraud” at: http://www.ieyenews.com/2013/04/former-rotary-president-charged-with-fraud/