The Virgin Islands Public Service Toastmasters Club has advanced to the District 81 International Speech Contest, scheduled for May 18, 2024.

Ms. Kedimone Rubaine, Vice President of Education in the Virgin Islands Public Service Toastmasters Club is set to represent the Public Service’s club following her victory in the Division E Toastmasters International Speech Contest on March 9, 2024. Ms. Rubaine’s speech, “I am a Toastmaster” earned her the spot as the top speaker.

            Ms. Rubaine said, “Participating in Speech Contests at the Club, Area, and Division levels and winning has been overwhelming and fulfilling.” She continued, “As I prepare for the District-level Contest in Trinidad and Tobago, I am both excited and anxious. The preparation leading up to the contest is rigorous throughout the Division and I am hopeful that the Virgin Islands will be successful.”

            President of the Virgin Islands Public Service Toastmasters Club, Ms. Simera Durante said, “Ms. Rubaine’s representation of our Club, Area and Division at the Speech Contest is a source of great excitement. Her achievements have already brought us immense pride, and we are confident that she will continue to do so at the District 81 International Speech Competition.”

            The Virgin Islands Public Service Toastmasters Club is a local arm of Toastmasters International, with a focus on equipping public officers with effective public speaking and leadership skills through the writing and delivery of speeches in a learning-centric environment. The club also provides an avenue for networking with both local and international club members.

            Toastmasters International is a nonprofit educational organisation that builds confidence and teaches public speaking skills through a worldwide network of clubs that meet online and in person. In a supportive community or corporate environment, members prepare and deliver speeches after completing educational projects to concretise the information learnt, respond to impromptu questions, and give and receive constructive feedback. It is through this regular practice that members are empowered to meet personal and professional communication goals. Founded in 1924, the organisation is headquartered in Englewood, Colorado with approximately 270,000 members in more than 14,200 clubs in 148 countries.