Largs Rotary gained a valuable insight into the sunshine country of Brazil without having to leave the Willowbank Hotel!

Rotary member Colin Golightly, had the pleasure of introducing their first speaker of 2017, Graham Tidey, who spoke about his service as a member of H.M.Consulate, based in north Brazil, with four years service in this area.

Graham was able to describe at first hand, how conditions really are outwith the large cities. Part of his brief is to encourage industrial development, keep a watch on how overseas aid from the UK is used,not an easy task, with so much corruption at all levels of national and local government the norm.

Health care is very basic, so Graham had to contact U.K.medical companies for assistance during the recent ZIKA outbreak, with limited success, due to logistical problems.

Despite all the problems, Graham had illustrations of how with hard work and ambition, people could attain a better quality of life, with sheer determination.

Carl Williamson of Largs Rotary told the 'News': "This was a very comprehensive picture of Brazil today. A number of questions were asked at the end of what was a most interesting talk. Colin gave an appropriate vote of thanks on behalf the members present."