A small group of fellows from Rotary Club Willemstad (RCW) visited Suriname District 7030 from November 13th - 15th to attend the IGM - Inter Guyana's Meeting, between French Guyana, Suriname and Guyana.

The theme for IGM's 2009 meeting was "CLEAN WATER". Each country had 20 minutes for a country presentation. 

The subjects to be discussed were:

1. Government policies concerning clean water
2. Implementation of drinking water projects
3. Mercury Contamination
4. Challenges of finding good springs

RCW - Rotary Club Willemstad especially went to assist in the second theme of the meeting which was a Hands-On-Project in "Lust en Rust" on the right bank of the Suriname River, in the Commewijne District, about a 45 minute drive outside the capital Paramaribo.

The KOESIKWARANO (meaning "House of Peace") foster's children home, was founded in 1971 and especially set up for indigenous Amerindian children. The home was in need of repair and maintenance.

Our fellows assisted in upgrading the surroundings, partaking in the sanitation, assisting in finishing a soccer field and the playgrounds. Books were handed over to complement the Koesikwarano library, a tree was planted to commemorate the occasion and our fellows handed over a check for further upkeep.

Our Surinam fellows were great hosts. They went out of their way. Literally wined and dined us at their gorgeous homes on the Suriname River Banks.

Some fellows took the opportunity to learn more about Suriname by participating in a walking tour through Paramaribo's historic district with well known author Cynthia McLeod.

There was great fellowship between the all Dutch speaking Suriname fellows and the all Dutch speaking RCW. The Guyanese Clubs took us in as lost fellows, returning home. Their welcome, friendship and hospitality opened a window for future relationships.