Rotaract District 7030 Conference Returns to Antigua After More Than 20 Years, Bringing Together Nearly 200 Young Leaders from Across the Caribbean
Antigua and Barbuda proudly welcomed nearly 200 young leaders from across the Caribbean as the Rotaract Club of Antigua hosted the 2026 Rotaract District 7030 Conference, marking the conference’s return to the island for the first time in more than 20 years.
Held under the theme “Linked in Wadadli,” the four-day conference celebrated leadership, service, fellowship, and regional collaboration while showcasing the culture, hospitality, and spirit of Antigua and Barbuda. The conference brought together Rotaractors from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Trinidad and Tobago, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, Guyana, Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Jamaica, the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands, reaffirming the strength and diversity of Rotaract District 7030.
Hosted by the Rotaract Club of Antigua, the conference marked a historic milestone as Antigua and Barbuda once again became the meeting place for the District’s flagship annual conference after more than two decades. The event reflected the Club’s commitment to developing young leaders, strengthening regional partnerships, and demonstrating the impact of service above self.
The conference officially opened with a vibrant “Rep Your Flag” celebration, where delegates proudly represented their home countries in outfits inspired by the colours and symbols of their national flags. The opening ceremony highlighted the rich cultural diversity of the Caribbean while reinforcing the conference theme, Linked in Wadadli, a celebration of unity, collaboration, and lasting regional connections.
Over two days of intensive leadership development, delegates participated in engaging presentations led by distinguished professionals and thought leaders locally and across the Caribbean.
Conference sessions included:
- Future-Ready Leadership: AI, Innovation & the Next Generation of Service presented by Elijah James
- The Power of Networks: Building Global Connections presented by Ato Kentish
- The Career Playbook: Skills, Trends & Opportunities for the Future presented by Calisha Spencer
- Ethical Leadership: Values, Integrity & Accountability in the Age of Influence presented by Makonem Hurley
- Leading with Sustainability: Integrating People, Place and Prosperity presented by H.E. Ruleta Camacho Thomas
The sessions challenged delegates to think critically about the future of leadership, embrace emerging technologies responsibly, strengthen professional and international networks, lead with integrity, and place sustainability at the centre of decision-making and service.
In keeping with Rotaract’s commitment to Service Above Self, the conference also delivered meaningful community impact. Ahead of the conference, delegates from across District 7030 were encouraged to bring donations of sanitary products from their respective territories as part of a district-wide initiative to address period poverty. The items were pooled and donated to Mount St. John’s Medical Centre and Scrub Life Cares, supporting women and girls in need within the community.
As another lasting contribution, the Rotaract Club of Antigua erected a Peace Pole at Mount St. John’s Medical Centre. Bearing Rotary’s message, “May Peace Prevail on Earth,” the Peace Pole serves as a permanent reminder of Rotary and Rotaract’s shared commitment to peace, understanding, and goodwill.
While learning and service formed the foundation of the conference, fellowship remained at its heart. Each day concluded with social activities that allowed delegates to strengthen friendships, celebrate Caribbean culture, and build relationships that extend beyond borders. These moments of fellowship continue to be one of the defining characteristics of the Rotaract experience.
The conference concluded with an elegant Great Gatsby-themed Awards and Closing Dinner, where outstanding clubs, projects, and individual Rotaractors from across District 7030 were recognized for their exceptional achievements and service throughout the Rotary year. The evening celebrated excellence, reflected on four unforgettable days of learning and fellowship, and officially brought the 2026 District Conference to a close.
The Organising Committee extends its deepest appreciation to everyone whose generosity, partnership, and commitment made the 2026 Rotaract District 7030 Conference a reality.
Special recognition is extended to our major supporters, the Government of Antigua and Barbuda and Mrs. Karen Walwyn, and Equisoft, whose outstanding contributions helped make it possible for Antigua and Barbuda to successfully host the District Conference after more than twenty years.
The Committee also sincerely thanks its sponsors and partners, including APUA INET, the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Grant Thornton, Automotive Art, OW Snacks, KFC Antigua, APCMOL, Best Cellars Wines and Spirits, Ticketing, University of the West Indies Five Islands, Digicel, Trade Winds Hotel, Frank B Armstrong Antigua Ltd, Subway, Anjo Wholesale, Big Banana, Brydens, Outdoor World Limited, Townhouse Megastore, Rotaract Club of Antigua, West Indies Oil Company, CB’s, Rotaract Club of Diego Martin, Rotaract Club of St. Augustine West, Rotaract Club of San Fernando South.
Special thank you for partnership, Sandals Grande Antigua, Pineapple Beach Club, The Verandah Resort & Spa, Antigua and Barbuda Airport Authority, the National School Bus System, the Antigua and Barbuda Transport Board, and Antigua and Baburda Defence Force, together with the many Rotarians, Rotaractors, volunteers, presenters, government agencies, community partners, and supporters whose collective efforts made the conference an outstanding success.
The Rotaract Club of Antigua and Rotaract District 7030 also extends heartfelt thanks to every delegate who travelled to Antigua and Barbuda and embraced the spirit of Linked in Wadadli. Together, they demonstrated that although separated by islands, cultures, and languages, the young leaders of District 7030 remain united by a shared commitment to service, leadership, fellowship, and creating positive change throughout the Caribbean.
As District 7030 looks ahead to another year of service, the legacy of Linked in Wadadli will continue to inspire stronger partnerships, lasting friendships, and a renewed commitment to building communities that are more connected, resilient, and compassionate.
Rotaract is a global network of young professionals and community leaders dedicated to creating positive change through service, leadership development, and international understanding. Rotaract District 7030 comprises clubs across the English, Dutch, and French-speaking Caribbean, empowering young people to lead, serve, and build stronger communities while fostering lifelong friendships across the region.
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