MONTEGO BAY, St James — The feeling of joy was palpable in the Urban Development Corporation (UDC) Montego Bay’s conference room as members of Kiwanis District 25 triumphantly welcomed the return of Hope Markes.

They had a lot to celebrate.

Markes is the first black woman, first Jamaican and Caribbean national to be elected vice-president within the 109-year-old organisation. She takes up the VP role on October 1.

She is also on track to become president of the international service club within two years’ time, at which point she would also become the first black woman to hold that post as well.

“I don’t think there is anybody in this room, whatever the circumstances are, that is feeling the way that I’m feeling,” Markes told her fellow Kiwanians after arriving in Jamaica on Tuesday.

“I’m overwhelmed; yes, I’m still walking on air,” she added in reference to being elected vice-president during the international convention held in Denver, Colorado, earlier this month.

In that role, Markes will provide oversight for Taiwan, the Netherlands and San Marino, Italy.

She will also understudy the president-elect, preparation for when she assumes the role as head of the organisation.

“I want to be an inspiration for Jamaica,” Markes declared.

For the last 25 years she has been a member of Kiwanis Club of Hopewell which falls within the Eastern Canada and Caribbean district of Kiwanis International where she has served as governor.

Markes views her elevation to the vice-presidency as an opportunity for Jamaica to play a greater role in Kiwanis International, such as being the venue for a retreat.

“There is an engineer that works with JetBlue and at least [from] two years ago we have been talking about a charter of just bringing Kiwanians to Jamaica. I want to show them our Jamaica and show the hospitality,” she declared.

Some of that warmth was extended to her when she came back home. On her arrival, she was given a grand welcome during which she was presented with a bouquet by her peers who lauded her accomplishment.

Among those present was Francois Lawrence, the lieutenant governor for District 25, which comprises parishes in Cornwall. He said Markes has provided a source of inspiration.

“It’s a big deal because you come from one of the most humble clubs in the division,” said Lawrence.

“We’re always saying ‘you little but you tallawah’, so it’s a good feeling for us to know that someday that all of us can emulate and try to be what you have done for the division and the district by making us so proud,” he said.

Godfrey Dyer, another noted Kiwanian, also lauded Markes on her achievement.

“It is great for the Caribbean, it is great for the district especially [as] she has the same colour like me; it makes a difference,” he said.

“I’ve had the opportunity to serve a little at the international level and knows what it means,” Dyer continued.

Markes was moved by the kind words and the show of support.

“Thank you much for doing this,” she told those gathered to celebrate with her.

“This was too much for me; I had to break down, just a little bit,” she said.

Looking ahead, she plans to work even harder to meet the organisation’s goals.

“As you know, it’s not about me, it’s really about improving the lives of children because if we don’t do that, our future [is] dead,” she said.

“We gotta help those kids, bring them out and make them believe in themselves; there is nothing like that,” she declared.