A Founding Flame: Ricardo McKlmon

Linden has long been known for its rich bauxite heritage, the stunning Blue Lakes, musical icon Eddy Grant and sports legend Marian Burnett. Among these treasures is also a leader whose spirit of service helped shape the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central — Past President (PP) Ricardo McKlmon.

Past President and founding member, Ricardo McKlmon

Early Years

Ricardo McKlmon is a Lindener through and through. While life took him to various corners of Georgetown, his heart has always remained rooted in the mining town that shaped his early years.

He began his academic journey at Mackenzie High School, later transferring to The Bishops’ High School in Georgetown. His pursuit of excellence led him to the University of Guyana, where he laid the foundation for a remarkable academic path. Ricardo went on to earn his MBA from the University of the West Indies and eventually achieved his PhD from Antwerp University in Belgium.

As a young man, Ricardo dreamed of wearing a white coat and saving lives. Medicine was his first love but as time went on, he came to a sobering realisation that the path to becoming a doctor wasn’t aligned with the pace at which he wanted to build his future. Practicality won out, and he shifted gears into the world of business management. That decision would prove to be a turning point. Ricardo went on to work with some of Guyana’s most reputable companies, including Demerara Distillers Limited and Scotiabank Guyana, gaining valuable experience and sharpening his strategic acumen. His journey eventually led him overseas, and today, he holds the position of Global Strategy Manager at the Project Management Institute, headquartered in Dubai, UAE.

A Life of Service

Ricardo's Rotary journey began in his teenage years as a founding member of the Interact Club of Linden, where he later served as President. That early taste of service sparked a passion that would define much of his life. When the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central was forming, Ricardo was thrilled at the opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up. He became a charter member in 1993, and by the 1997–1998 term, he had the honour of serving as Club President. To his knowledge, he still holds the record as the longest-serving Sergeant-at-Arms.

Left to right: PP Owen, Gene, PP Ricardo, PP Dwayne (hidden), Sharon, Kneka, PP Nicole, and seated, PP Nolee

During his Presidency, Ricardo worked alongside vibrant Rotaractors like Owen Verwey, David, Patrice, Kwanza, and Jean, collectively creating a memorable year of purpose and passion, what we would now proudly call “Serving Like Central.”

PP Ricardo McKlmon (top row, far right) with fellow Rotary members at an annual combined Rotary activity, proudly hailed as one of the best events in Guyana

For Ricardo, joining Rotaract was never just about the meetings or the projects, it was about the values Rotary upheld and the opportunity to create lasting change in Guyana and beyond. He viewed his peers as a dynamic and diverse group of young professionals, all driven by a common mission. While he doesn't single out any one project as a favourite, the true reward for him was always the joy reflected in the eyes of those they served. To him, real service isn’t about grand displays, it’s about small, genuine acts that uplift others.

Lessons in Leadership

Building something meaningful comes with challenges. One of the biggest faced was navigating team conflicts. "Passionate people will always have differences," he noted, recognising that disagreements were part of the process. His approach? Open communication, mutual respect, and keeping the mission front and center. While not always smooth sailing, his leadership helped the team stay grounded in their purpose.

Through it all, the wins far outweighed the struggles. The joy of seeing a project succeed, lives touched, and milestones celebrated with friends, those were the moments that fuelled him. The camaraderie, the laughter, and the united energy of young change-makers working toward a better world made every challenge worth it.

Rotaract-Life Balance

Balancing Rotaract with personal and professional life wasn’t always easy. It took discipline and sacrifice. Ricardo admits that in those days, Rotaract was his top priority but over time, he learned the value of delegation and setting boundaries. His advice to today’s Rotaractors? “Service is vital, but so is self care.”

PP Ricardo McKlmon with his wife Sharlene

If he could give his younger self one piece of advice as a newly inducted President, it would be this: “Trust the process. Embrace the challenges. Be patient. And don’t be afraid to ask for help. Leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about guiding a team, making tough decisions, and learning from mistakes.”

The Legacy Continues

Though his Rotaract days are now behind him, Ricardo’s commitment to service continues to shine. After his time with RCGC, he transitioned to the Rotary Club of Demerara before migrating from Guyana. His efforts to join Rotary Clubs in Canada, the US, and Europe didn’t quite click until he found his fit with the Rotary Club of Ortigas Center in Manila, Philippines, where he now serves as an Honourary Member. And yes, he can still recite the Rotary Four-Way Test by heart.

What’s kept him grounded all these years? The friendships, the fun, and the realisation that even small acts can have big impacts. Many of the bonds forged during his Rotaract days remain strong. Though they may not speak every day, the connection is timeless, like family.

Ricardo credits Rotaract for shaping his leadership style by making him more empathetic, solution-oriented, and proactive in every aspect of life. Today, he continues to serve through mentorship, donations, and volunteering wherever he can. His journey from that ambitious Linden teen to a global leader in service is a testament to what’s possible when passion meets purpose.

When asked what message he’d like to leave with young people who want to make a difference, he said: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. You don’t need a title or endless resources to create change, what matters is your willingness to act.”

Chicken Curry or Curry Chicken?

No true Guyanese spotlight would be complete without the infamous question: chicken curry or curry chicken? Ricardo answered like a true diplomat: “Well, depending on where you’re from, you might argue one way or the other. But as far as I’m concerned, as long as it’s well-seasoned and served with love, I’ll take either!”

PP Ricardo (far right) with former club members at a reunion