Newly appointed president of the Rotary Club of Downtown Kingston, Robert Scott, has given his commitment that some 50 beds will be provided for the overnight sanctuary, the Marie Atkins Shelter, located on Hanover Street in Kingston.

Scott made the announcement during the installation ceremony for the election of the Rotarians' executive body on Saturday. The event was held at the Royal Jamaica Yacht Club. Scott succeeded Ewart Gilzene.

"As an organisation that believes in service over self, there can be no higher service than that of caring for the indigent of the society," said Scott.

He added that his decision to lend support to the shelter was born out of discussions with the town clerk, Robert Hill, and a visit to the site concretised the initiative.

Several fundraising events have been planned, he outlined, including an application for a grant to the District 7020 Grants Committee of Rotary International.

Mavis Farquharson, who represented the town clerk, praised the work of the Rotary Club of Downtown Kingston. "We recognise the value that the Rotary Club of Downtown Kingston has played in the life of the community," she said.

Plans are further afoot, said the new Rotary Club president, between Rotary International and Haiti to aid in curtailing the spread of cholera in that country.

Scott explained that he was in dialogue with Prime Minister of Haiti Dr Jack Guy Lafontant to receive a global grant from Rotary International for assistance in this regard.

He read a message from Dr Lafontant congratulating him on his presidency, and the partnership for the Haiti Project.