The District Governor of Rotary, Delma Maduro has since responded. Please see the full press release letter below.

Statement by Rotary District Governor Delma Maduro

Past President and Assistant Governor Elect Ryan Geluk is a Rotarian who embodies the ideals and principles of Rotary and was recently recognized by the Immediate Past District Governor with the Rotary Avenues of Service Award for outstanding efforts in each of the Avenues of Service. I am in full support of District Governor-Elect Charles Sealey’s appointment of Past President Ryan Geluk as Assistant Governor of the BVI for the Rotary Year 2020-2021 beginning 1st July 2020, and I have no doubt that he will do an excellent job.

I was copied on one email impersonating a Rotarian and business person, who presently and formerly has held prominent leadership roles in the public and private sectors in the Territory, about this matter. This fraudulent email message was turned over to the Royal Virgin Islands Police Force approximately 3 months ago.

I was later copied on a second email message from “Heather Smith.” There is no Heather Smith in any of the Rotary or Rotaract clubs of the BVI. This letter was also forwarded to the RVIPF in order to assist with their investigation into the matter.

I can confirm that no Rotarian has ever approached the Assistant Governor of the BVI, nor me as District Governor for the respective 10 countries of our region, about Mr. Geluk’s fitness for the position of BVI Assistant Governor. Rotarians know that they are free to approach either of us privately or publicly should they be so concerned. Equally they are free to speak to their respective presidents or boards of directors should they have a concern in this regard. Any concerns expressed will reach me.

We are a transparent organization and our members aim to live by the 4-Way Test:

1. Is it the truth?

2. Is it fair to all concerned?

3. Will it build good will and better friendships?

4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

As Rotarians we commit to be faithful to the letter and to the spirit of the ethical code of our vocations, to the laws of our countries and to the moral standards of our community.

I reiterate my confidence in Assistant Governor-Elect Ryan Geluk who has been an outstanding Rotarian since joining the organization many years ago.

Rotary is made up of about 1.2 million persons who do good in the world. Rotarians transform communities and take action locally and globally to solve problems. Rotary’s causes are promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education and growing local economies. Here in the BVI Rotary has been an integral part of the community where it will continue to make a strong positive impact. We are grateful for the continuous support of numerous individuals and companies in our efforts to do good.