Central Takes Trinidad: The DLDS 2025 Experience

rotagtcentral
Nov 3, 2025
4 min read

There’s a certain kind of magic that sweeps through a Rotaract conference, that buzz of anticipation when leaders from all corners of the Caribbean gather in one space. It's the rush of inspiration that hits from the moment you see the sea of Rotaract shirts, and flags from every D7030 country. For first-timers, it’s like stepping into a new world of colour, conversation, and the “who from Guyana reach yet?” group chats. For the seasoned ones, it’s that annual recharge that reminds you why you joined in the first place.

This October, twelve proud members of the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central made their way to Trinidad & Tobago for the District 7030 Leadership Development Seminar (DLDS 2025) held at the beautiful Cascadia Hotel, St. Ann’s.

If you’ve ever wondered what really goes down at District Leadership Development Seminar, leh we tell you, it’s not just a “sit down and take notes” business. DLDS is like Bootcamp meets Lime meets Strategic Glow Up. Rotaractors were encouraged to bring curiosity, courage, and a good pen. The weekend was packed with workshops, breakout groups, and interactive learning experiences on leadership, emotional intelligence, and sustainable service, pushing participants to explore what leadership really means within Rotaract, how service and empathy connect, and how each Rotaractor can evolve into a stronger version of themselves.

Once delegates touched down, they were greeted with warm Trini smiles, smooth airport transfers, and an easy check-in at the hotel, which buzzed with excitement as Rotaractors from across District 7030 arrived. The Opening Ceremony that evening was electric - a perfect blend of formality, fellowship, and Trini flair. District leaders set the tone with inspiring remarks on leadership and service while local performers brought the stage alive with music and dance. The colourful roll call of clubs and countries present officially ignited a weekend of learning, collaboration, and cultural celebration.

Days 2 and 3 were the heartbeat of the seminar - two days packed with learning and the kind of connection that only District events can create. It was filled with leadership building, introspection, and collaboration as attendees dived into workshops designed to sharpen their skills and stretch their perspectives.

Guided by dynamic facilitators, Rotaractors explored themes of emotional intelligence, communication, strategic leadership, and service innovation, engaging in breakout sessions that sparked lively debate and creative thinking.

For PM Fareesa Mohamed, the experience reignited her drive to serve. She described the weekend as one of connection and renewal, a reminder that within Rotaract, leaders are constantly evolving. Her words captured the energy of the event perfectly: growth, collaboration, and the realisation that leadership is a shared journey.

For some, DLDS was their first-ever district event. Dir. Mark Smith noted that it was his second, but it was no less transformative. He found the seminars both practical and transformative. The breakout sessions pushed participants to explore new perspectives and rethink old habits. For him, those sessions were the highlight, an eye-opener to the many approaches Rotaractors can take when faced with challenges. He encouraged anyone considering a leadership role to make DLDS their starting point.

In between structured workshops and impromptu chats, there was a recurring theme balance. The need to prioritise wellness alongside service. If there was one person taking notes on every motivational line, it was Rtr. Joylyn Conway. She appreciated how the facilitators used quotes and mantras to drive each point home, especially those reminding participants that leadership is shown through consistent action and courage. She reflected that leadership also means taking care of yourself, because you can’t inspire others if you’re running on empty. That message stuck with many of our attendees, who left not only motivated, but more aware of the need for self-care in service.

DLDS also offered the perfect setting to connect with Rotaractors from across District 7030 - each with different experiences but the same spark for service. AST Lynceia Angel described how the sessions deepened her understanding of teamwork and purpose, while meeting others gave her new insight into how Rotaract functions across the region.

Rtr. Akeem Murray echoed that feeling, noting how engaging it was to hear different journeys and perspectives from clubs throughout the Caribbean. The room was filled with cultural exchange, shared ideas and the kind of energy that fuels collaboration long after everyone returns home.

By Sunday morning, that energy had softened into calm reflection as participants gathered for closing sessions, photo ops and sharing their biggest takeaways. The weekend was a reminder that true leadership blends knowledge, empathy, and community, and that the best kind of learning often happens through shared experience and fellowship.

Twelve delegates left Georgetown for a weekend conference and returned as recharged, re-inspired leaders. DLDS 2025 was a growth experience that reignited Central’s passion for service and leadership. The journey continues, for our members, our club, and for the greater Rotaract movement.

We extend heartfelt thanks to the DLDS 2025 Organising Team for curating such a phenomenal experience. The logistics, engaging sessions, the vibrant cultural touches that made Trinidad come alive, the hospitality, coordination, and energy poured into this event reminds us why District 7030 continues to set the standard for leadership, fellowship, and growth. Thank you for creating an unforgettable space where Rotaractors could learn, connect, and truly evolve.

From Learning to Lime — The Central Post-Stay Crew

Once the final session wrapped, several Central members weren’t quite ready to say goodbye. The post-stay crew extended their adventure, exploring the beauty of Trinidad.