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A water solution project sponsored by the Rotary Club of Barbados, Rotary District 6960 (Florida), Rotary District 7030 (Southern Caribbean and South America) and The Rotary Foundation.

This partnership with the Education Technical Management Unit of the Ministry of Education Technological and Vocational Training is seeing six secondary schools, in the rural parishes of St Lucy, St Peter, St Andrew, St Joseph and St George, furnished with water tanks and pumps to assist with a consistent supply of water.

This initiative, inspired by the vision of President Robin Ford, President of the Rotary Club of Barbados, has resulted in the provision of 12 water tanks and associated equipment to the Alleyne, Alexandra, Coleridge and Parry, Daryll Jordan (now commissioned as a COVID-19 Isolation Centre), Grantley Adams Secondary and St George Secondary Schools.

The main need addressed by this project is access to safe and adequate supply of drinking water, both during the term and when schools are also used as emergency shelters for the neighboring community. An additional need is in the maintenance of sanitation and hygiene standards. This is a critical concern when there is only non-potable water available due to low water pressure or water outages.

In speaking with President Ford, he shared that the project’s “primary goal, access to safe and adequate supply of drinking water in the rural schools of Barbados, was determined through ongoing discussions and collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training and the rural school communities. Nine of the eleven parishes in Barbados are home to geographically-dispersed rural communities, supported by eleven (11) of the island’s twenty-one (21) secondary schools.”

“As we know”, he continued, “education is a pillar on which our community, social and economic development and growth is based. Since Independence in 1966, education has been a key strategic lever in building our nation.”

Additionally, one of the key areas of focus for Rotary is to provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene hence this is a major project for our club this year. This would not be possible without the continuous support of corporate Barbados as well as the general public through their contributions to our annual fundraiser event – Carols by Candlelight.

Welcome Tamara

Posted on Sep 17, 2021

Rotary Club of Barbados welcomed Tamara Allman to its membership during its weekly virtual Fellowship Meeting. Tamara is a Labour and Employee Relations Specialist and sponsored by Rtn Jason Martin. We look forward to working with her on our journey of 'Service Above Self'.

President Robin Takes Office

Posted on Jul 09, 2021

At the Rotary Club of Barbados 60th Installation of Officers; the new President Robin A M Ford outlined his plans for the new rotary year under the Rotary International Theme ‘serve to change lives’ during a virtual ‘diamond’ ceremony.

He began by welcoming the Governor General of Barbados and our club’s patron Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, Governor General of Barbados. He recognised all past District Governors, Our District Governor Sonya, AG Peter, Club Presidents, Honoray Rotarians, Special Guests, Fellow Rotarians, Rotaractors, Partners in Service and Friends of Rotary.

Ford stated that he was eternally humbled and honoured to have been given the opportunity to lead the Rotary Club of Barbados for the next year and expressed thanks to God, his family and club members for their continued support and encouragement.

New Board takes office under the theme 'Serve to Change Lives'

Posted on Jul 09, 2021

At a classy virtual ceremony under the patronage of the Governor General of Barbados, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, GCMG, DA, QC, the new Board of Rotary Club of Barbados lead by President Robin A M Ford was installed.

About Rotary:

Rotary is the oldest service club in the world with a global network of 1.2 million individuals serving in 200 countries with more than 35, 000 clubs in a cohesive force for good. Rotarians see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. The most notable example at the global level is the three-decade fight to eradicate polio. Rotary is a unifying force, promoting peace, diversity, and inclusion, while helping to eradicate diseases and remove hunger and poverty. Rotary gives hope. Rotarians take action.

About Rotary Club of Barbados:

Rotary was introduced to Barbados 60 years ago and our club was chartered in 1962. From inception, the Rotary Club of Barbados has always been able to conform to the long established principles of Rotary International in recruiting its members and filling classifications from the top executives in business, the professions and the services.

Our club consist of over 90 members serving the community and working to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; save mothers and children; support education and grow local economies.

Our Motto – ‘Service Above Self’

Director Public Image receives Paul Harris Fellow Award

Posted by Ermine Darroux on Jul 09, 2021

Last evening during our 60th Installation of Officers; outgoing President Fiona Hinds awarded One individual - Public Image Director Arlene Ross with Rotary's highest award, Paul Harris Fellow, which is named after Rotary’s founder. Arlene lived Rotary’s motto, ‘Service above Self’ and in becoming a Paul Harris Fellow she joins notable individuals in history who have devoted their lives to the ideal of good will, peace, and the betterment of their fellow man.

60th Installation of Officers to be held Virtually

Posted by Ermine Darroux on Jul 01, 2021

Our 60th Installation of Officers is scheduled for Friday July 2, 2021 at 6:30pm via our virtual platform. We will be graced with the presence of the Governor General of Barbados, Dame Sandra Mason, GCMG, D.A., Q.C., Patron of our club.

Our Guest Speaker will be PDG Joe Otin, Past Vice Chairman of RI Communications Committee. Joe is a Digital Advertising Specialist and Media Research Analyst.

We are excited and look forward to welcoming our new President Robin 'Baron' Ford and his new Board.

Water Drive - St Joseph

Posted by Ermine Darroux on Apr 25, 2021

This morning, the Rotary Club of Barbados descended on the water scarce section of the Parish of St Joseph to provide 250 cases (6,000 bottles) of Highland Spring Bottled Water to Residents who have been experiencing challenges with receiving a regular supply of water.

Rotary is always interested in partnering with Corporate Barbados and in this instance we teamed up with Stansfeld Scott & Co Ltd who came forward to not only Sponsor the project but provide a team to assist us with delivering bottled water to 250 homes in several areas of St Joseph.

The four hour project titled 'Rotary Club of Barbados Water Drive' included a dozen trucks, 21 Rotarians plus three Partners in Service and four family members as well as seven Members from our very own Rotaract Club of Barbados.

Barbados Rotary Clubs Donate to St Vincent

Posted by Ermine Darroux on Apr 16, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 15, 2021 – BARBADOS ROTARY CLUBS will today be shipping 56 Pallets of Water containing over 20,000 Bottles in various sizes plus 6 Compressor Nebulizers, 5 Transformers, and 17 Gas Stoves to St Vincent. Additionally, the clubs will be making a cash donation of approximately EC$31K (Thirty One Thousand Eastern Caribbean Dollars) in the first instance through the St Vincent Rotary Clubs.

Our three existing clubs namely Rotary Club of Barbados, Rotary Club of Barbados West and Rotary Club of Barbados South mobilized a #PeopleOfAction Team immediately following the first eruption of La Soufriere on Friday April 9^th, 2021.

Barbados Rotary Clubs have expertise in managing disaster relief having supported several countries in the Caribbean including Bahamas, Dominica and Grenada following disasters that devastated the countries landscape, human life, and livelihoods.

Rotarians are always on the ground and ready to take action to help communities recover when disasters strike. As a global organization Rotary supports three phases of relief:

Immediate response: We immediately offer helping hands and supplies.
Short-term assistance: We help affected communities wherever we can through funds and materials to re-establish day-to-day operations.
Long-term rebuilding: We plan and implement projects that rebuild affected communities.

This St Vincent Appeal Project would not be possible without the continued financial support of our Members and Friends in Barbados and abroad who have pledged cash donations through our charitable funds.

We recognize the following partners and thank them for their support in executing this project:

The Barbados Port Inc, The Barbados Coast Guard, Steinbok Management, Lumisol, The Royal Shop, Profiles Caribbean Inc, A One Supermarket Ltd, Agile Consulting Ltd, The Barbados Bar Association and their Members, DBG Design Inc., Gillespie & Steele Associates Ltd, Rotarians and Friends of Rotary.

About Rotary:

About Barbados Rotary Clubs:

Rotary was introduced to Barbados almost 60 years ago with the first club chartered in 1962 under the name of Rotary Club of Barbados. In 1975 our second club – Rotary Club of Barbados West emerged and later Rotary Club of Barbados South was chartered in 1986. The three Barbados Rotary Clubs consist of over 170 members serving the community and working to promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; save mothers and children; support education and grow local economies. Our Motto – ‘Service Above Self’

Two More to Serve

Posted by Ermine Darroux on Mar 18, 2021

Following a Virtual Orientation session last evening, President Fiona proceeded to induct two new members during our online Fellowship Meeting held today March 18, 2021:

1) Davina Layne sponsored by Rotarian Jamella Forde

2) Oliver Jordan sponsored by Rotarian Neal Griffith

The Rotary Club of Barbados welcomes Davina and Oliver to the journey of 'Service Above Self'!

This brings to 95 the number of members of the club, comprising 91 active members and 4 honorary members.

Rotarian To Lead The New Mission Office in Kenya

Posted by Ermine Darroux on Mar 15, 2021

The Rotary Club of Barbados congratulates our very own PP Alexander W McDonald on his appointment as High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Nairobi on behalf of the Government of Barbados.

Affectionately known to us as Alex in his capacity as a Rotarian for over 21 years, he served as our Club President for Rotary year July 1 2014 to June 30, 2015.

We are proud of Alex’s achievement and wish him success in his new role as he continues to serve our country Barbados.

2021-22 Presidential Theme - Serve to Change Lives

Posted by Ermine Darroux on Feb 02, 2021

RI PE Shekhar Mehta who originates from the Rotary Club of Calcutta-Mahanagar, West Bengal, India, revealed the 2021-22 presidential theme, Serve to Change Lives, to Incoming District Governors (DGs) on 1 February during the Rotary International Assembly.

The assembly, a yearly training event for district governors-elect, was originally set to take place in Orlando, Florida, USA, but was held virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This new year PE Shekhar wants members to focus their efforts on empowering girls and ensuring their access to education, resources, services, and opportunities so that future generations of women leaders will have the tools they need to succeed. Mehta asked members to use Rotary’s belief that diversity, equity, and inclusion is critical in all we do as a compass to guide this work.

Carols by Candlelight Barbados – Where the joy of Christmas comes to Life!

Posted on Jan 31, 2021

Every December, and, for the last 25 years, the Rotary Club of Barbados has successfully hosted Carols by Candlelight on the manicured grounds of the Prime Minister’s official residence which is normally transformed into a Christmas wonderland with lighted Christmas tree and candle lights.

The club has created an exciting family show attracting up to 7,000 patrons (locals as well as visitors) who have made it a regular feature on their Barbados Calendar of Events.

This live open-air concert usually combines presentations by young performers, seasoned artistes, and performing icons. The highlights of the show include:

Collection of wrapped Christmas gifts at the gate for distribution to less fortunate Children
Carols sing along by candlelight.
Featured remarks by the sitting Prime Minister
Special Carols by Candlelight food and drinks
Family and friends gathering on the lawn creating a picnic while enjoying the concert.

It has been such a staple in Barbados’s Yuletide festivities that it has been said to mark the beginning of Christmas on the island. Carols by Candlelight Barbados – Where the joy of Christmas comes to Life!

Supporting Online Education

Posted by Fiona Hinds on Jan 08, 2021

Following the closure of all schools in Barbados and the immediate adoption of online learning classrooms due to the Novel Coronavirus covid-19, our club in recognizing our need to serve our community immediately reassessed the needs of the children of Barbados and pivoted.

We instantly made the provision of electronic devices in the form of tablets one of our priorities for the 2020-2021 Rotary year. During the first quarter we were successful in meeting the needs of some public primary school children between the ages of 9 and 11 who we determined would primarily be those children in need.

The schools to which we donated 176 tablets were identified with the assistance of the Ministry of Education Technological and Vocational Training and based on our own internal investigations. The pupils who received tablets attended the following primary schools: St. Mary’s Primary School, St. Paul’s Primary, Milton Lynch Primary School, Carrington Primary School, Charles F. Broome Primary School, Belmont Primary School, Gordon Walters Primary School.

Impact through Membership

Posted by Ermine Darroux on Jan 01, 2021

The pandemic is not slowing down the business of The Rotary Club of Barbados and on the final day of 2020 following a virtual orientation ceremony, President Fiona Hinds pinned two new members:

1) Michael Mercer sponsored by Rotarian Neal Griffith

2) Nikita Gibson sponsored by Rotarian Diana Douglin

We welcomed our new Rotarians during our hybrid meeting and noted that both Nikita and Michael are excited as they take on the journey of 'Service Above Self'.

Virtual Carols by Candlelight Barbados is going Global

Posted by Ermine Darroux on Dec 18, 2020

After three successful showings of our Virtual Carols by Candlelight at the Globe Drive-In we are going global!

This annual 'must-do' family event featured on the Barbados calendar is normally held at Ilaro Court; however, due to Covid19 pandemic it was transformed to a virtual event. Hundreds of patrons supported the event and enjoyed the show.

The show will now transform to a global event with viewing on Sunday Dec. 20th at 4pm & 8pm Caribbean Time (AST). Click: https://carolsbycandlelightbarbados.com/

Persons in the UK can view the early show at 8pm UK while persons in New York can view the late show at 7pm (EST).

All donations received from this event will go towards installing water tanks at Secondary Schools in Barbados.

Thank you to our sponsors.

Carols by Candlelight is going Virtual

Posted on Nov 20, 2020

Every December, and, for the last 24 years, the Rotary Club of Barbados has hosted Carols by Candlelight at Ilaro Court, the Prime Minister’s official residence. We have created an exciting family show attracting up to 7,000 patrons who have made it a regular feature on their Barbados Calendar of Events.

However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic we decided to host our first Virtual Carols by Candlelight. Same great show but viewing in your own space! A fun filled show for the entire family.

Congratulations to Immediate Past AG and PP Lisa on her new appointment

Posted by Ermine Darroux on Jul 23, 2020

Rotary Club of Barbados congratulates our very own Immediate Past AG and Past President Lisa Cummins on her appointment as Minister of Tourism and International Transport with the Government of Barbados.

Lisa is a committed Rotarian who has served our club at many levels and most recently as Assistant Governor in our District 7030. We are thankful for her knowledge gifted to us and the many young Participants of our Model United Nations Assembly program.

We are proud of Lisa’s achievement and wish her success in her new role as she continues to serve our country Barbados.

A historical night at the 59th Installation of Officers achieving Rotary Citation with Platinum Distinction.

Posted by Ermine Darroux on Jul 07, 2020

On July 2nd, 2020 Rotary Club of Barbados completed its 59^th installation of officers via a virtual platform, creating history. This classy event, which attracted over 100 attendees dressed in formal attire, was ushered by our very own outgoing Sergeant at Arms, Peter Arender. Our attendees included:

Past Rotary International Director - Brad Howard; District Governor - Lisle Chase; Rotary International Membership Committee Chair & Past District Governor David Edwards; Past District Governor, His Excellency - Milton Inniss; Past District Governor – Tony Watkins; District Governor Elect - Sonya Alleyne; Assistant Governor - Peter Thompson; President Rotary Club of Barbados South - Michael Forde; President Rotary Club of Barbados West - Trevor Williams; Hon Rotarian - Marina Leacock; Hon Rotarian - Professor Anne St John; Tamara Marshall; Dr Corey Forde; Dr Anton Best; Past Presidents; President Rotaract Club of Barbados - Rasheeda Prescod; Rotarians, Partners in Service; Friends of Rotary and Guests

Following a witty introduction by SAA Peter Arender, President Peter Williams opened with a Loyal Toast to the Queen. Outgoing VP, PP Elvin Sealy, provided the invocation. This was followed by a video titled ‘Year in Review’. The up-tempo music in this video surely got members engaged. Immediately following this video presentation, the outgoing President Peter provided the official welcome. He expressed gratitude to everyone for their support and announced that the Rotary Club of Barbados had qualified for the 2019-20 Rotary Citation with Platinum Distinction.

Rotary Opened Opportunities for Me - President Fiona

Posted by Fiona Hinds on Jul 03, 2020

'Rotary Opened Opportunities for Me' the words of our new President Fiona Hinds delivering her remarks during the historical 2020-21 Virtual Installation Ceremony held on July 2, 2020:

"With the protocols having been established, I invite you tonight to join me on a Rotary journey of thanks and gratitude – of progress and friendship; of service and fellowship; a journey of commitment to our core values of integrity, service, diversity, leadership and fellowship it is a journey of Rotary and a journey which resonates the theme of this 2020-21 Rotary International year: ‘Rotary Opens Opportunities’.

In starting our journey tonight, I open with the words of our own Paul Harris who said “Rotary changes us and those we serve. I believe we can change the world one life at a time”

We are a We. We are a Team. We are a people of action and a people of service; we are a people who work together for the betterment of our societies and we are a people who will not be defeated by negatives.

We live by a test that asks four simple questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned; Will it build goodwill and better friendships; and Will it be beneficial to all concerned.

A test which empowers us in our Rotary journey to together say to any adversity: "be gone"; to any form of oppression or war or injustice: "be gone" and even to disease: "be gone; we have shown in our global fight against polio that we can say to disease: "be gone" and as we globally regionally and locally work to find ways to mitigate the crippling and adverse effects of the novel Coronavirus - Covid19 disease we hope that one day we can also tell this disease and or its adverse effects: "be gone".

Six recognised as Paul Harris Fellows

Posted by Ermine Darroux on Jul 04, 2020

During the club's historical virtual event for the 59th Installation of Officers; outgoing President Peter W B Williams awarded Six Individuals with the Paul Harris Fellow Award!

He stated: "Every year we take the opportunity to recognize special individuals who we consider to be deserving of Rotary’s highest award, the Paul Harris Fellow, which is named after Rotary’s founder. These persons have lived Rotary’s motto, ‘Service above Self’ and in becoming a Paul Harris Fellow they join notable individuals in history who have devoted their lives to the ideal of good will, peace, and the betterment of their fellow man. Paul Harris Fellows include Mother Theresa, Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan, Indira Gandhi, and Pope John Paul II."

He began the presentation with two medical professionals who have made a significant contribution in Barbados’ fight against the COVID-19 virus - Dr Corey Forde and Dr Anton Best.

DR COREY FORDE - Dr. Forde is Head of the Infection Prevention and Control/Infectious Diseases Programmes at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital and currently serves as the National Coordinator of Isolation Facilities for COVID-19 management in Barbados. Dr. Forde graduated from the University of the West Indies and pursued further training at the University of KwaZulu Natal, Durban, South Africa and the University of Toronto Canada, specializing in infectious diseases and infection prevention. He has been involved in leadership and mentorship of several low and middle-income countries worldwide in Infection Prevention and Control in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, the Pan American Health Organization, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Forde led the development of Caribbean Infection Prevention and Control Conference bringing together several regional countries including the French, Spanish, Dutch and English-speaking Caribbean. Internationally, he serves on the World Health Organisation Committee on the COVID-19 global response. Dr. Forde currently sits on the Society of Healthcare Epidemiology of Americas Board of Trustees, the first person of African descent appointed to this position and is an Associate Lecturer in Medicine at the University of West Indies, Cave Hill Barbados.

Dr. Forde’s training and experience prepared him well for one of the gravest situations faced by our small nation. However, it goes deeper than that. We have seen the impact of the virus on medical professionals around the globe and the Rotary Club of Barbados believes that in the face of personal threat, Dr. Forde demonstrated courage and selflessness. It is therefore my honour to present Dr. Forde with the Paul Harris Fellow as a sign of our appreciation for his substantial contribution to his fellow man. Congratulations and thank you Dr. Forde

DR ANTON BEST

Dr Anton Best is a public health practitioner who currently serves as a Senior Medical Officer of Health with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. He received his medical degree from the University of the West Indies in 1999, his Master of Public Health and Tropical Medicine from Tulane University in New Orleans, Louisiana in 2005, and a Master of Public Administration from the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in 2011. For the last thirteen years he has been responsible for the HIV/ Sexually Transmitted Infections Programme of the Ministry and has also managed and co-managed health-sector projects with the World Bank, The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). He has co-authored a number of research articles, published in peer-reviewed journals and has presented at various forums regionally and internationally.

We have become familiar with Dr. Best’s television presence, guiding us through the pandemic. His calm demeanor and professionalism provided all Barbadians with an assurance that we were in good hands. We can all agree that Barbados has fared very well during the pandemic in comparison to many larger, better resourced countries. Conversely, we shudder to think of what could have been. Dr. Best, you have withstood the challenges in the face of the COVID pandemic and we are indeed blessed to have had such an exceptional leader and professional at this moment in time. It is our honour to recognize you as a Paul Harris Fellow for your outstanding contribution during the COVID pandemic and for helping to keep Barbados safe. We will be eternally indebted to you

Outgoing President recognised Members Contribution to Club & Community

Posted by Peter Williams on Jul 04, 2020

During the 59th Installation of Officers held via a virtual platform on July 2, 2020 outgoing President Peter recognised several members who have given to our Club and to our Community during the year of 'Rotary Connects the World'

SECRETARY ERMINE DARROUX - One of the key success factors of any Club is an efficient Secretary. In this, her first year in the position, Secretary Ermine Darroux has epitomized the role and I wish to thank her for her fabulous contribution. Ermine stepped up, writing Rotary stories for posting on ClubRunner and ensuring that every Rotary International requirement was diligently fulfilled. Credit also to Past Secretary Neal for his support in the transition.

PRESIDENT FIONA HINDS & THE FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE - Every year we are challenged to pull out all the stops and deliver a great “Carols by Candlelight”. There isn’t enough room to include the photos of the full Committee, but suffice it to say that this year’s event was tops. While we may not see all that goes on behind the scenes we know that we are in good hands. Special mention to PP Norman and his production team, including Tamara Marshall. A World Class event by any standard. Well done.

THE PRIDE OF WORKMANSHIP TEAM - This year’s Pride of Workmanship Awards dinner, a well-established Club practice of recognizing those persons in our community who give selflessly to help others, was given a new twist thanks to the creativity of the team. With the energy and leadership of the team – Director Adrian, Treasurer Meryl Stoute, Past Directors Winston Warren and Malcolm Vaughn, and Rotarians Jason Martin and Keri Mapp – we reached new heights, while retaining the core purpose of the function. The event shone thanks to the flawless touch of Rotarian Keri, a true gem who continues to make a difference in our Rotary Club.

DIRECTOR PP TONY WILLIAMS - Director PP Tony Williams has been tireless in his role and I would like to recognize Tony and two committees – Rotanews and Bylaws - under his stewardship who did fabulous work.

ROTANEWS TEAM - Producing our weekly bulletin is a relentless task. Yet, every week for an entire year our Rotanews team delivered. Congratulations to Editor in Chief, Rotarian Randy Marshall and his cohorts, including eagle eye PP Michael Browne and night owl Rotarian Steve Cozier. They worked well into the night to dot the i’s and cross t’s so that Rotanews was always there on Thursday morning. Great work.

BYLAWS COMMITTEE – There is always a task which needs Rotarians with deep experience and knowledge. We could not have put together a better Committee than PDG Tony Watkins, PP Lionel Moe, and the ever eloquent PP Grenville Phillips. It was an ‘A’ class team and the results bear that out. We not only have updated Bylaws, but a revised Constitution. Thank you.

COVID ESSENTIALS COMMITTEE - And out of the blue came COVID. However, when faced with adversity, Rotarians demonstrate that they are people of action. The Committee, which was pulled together in about one week, worked like a well-oiled machine. We had the experience of PDG David Edwards and PP Elvin Sealy, the fundraising expertise of Rotarian Barbara Trieloff-Deane, and the drive and organizational skills of Rotarians Neal Griffith, Meryl Stoute and Heather Tull. They delivered. We raised over $500,000 as noted in my earlier remarks. And be assured that every penny has been accounted. PP Ron Davis was there to ensure that all the funds were properly accounted for. An outstanding achievement. Special thanks to Monique Archer and her colleagues who requested the Club’s participation in this initiative.
All Directors, Thank you - especially those who will not be serving for the coming year. Special thanks to the Vice President, Elvin Sealy, to Immediate Past President Shawn Franklin and Past District Governor David Edwards. Your support has been invaluable. PDG David is the consummate Rotarian and we wish him success as he takes of the role as Chair of Rotary International Membership Committee.

A Warm Welcome by Outgoing President Peter

Posted by Ermine Darroux on Jul 03, 2020

Outgoing President Peter W B Williams delivered the welcome address at our 59^th Installation of Officers held on a virtual platform.

He welcomed all Rotarians, Partners in Service; Honorary Rotarians and our Distinguished Guests including our featured speaker Past RI Director Brad Howard; Dr. Anton Best, Ag. Chief Medical Officer and Dr. Corey Forde National Coordinator of Isolation Facilities for COVID.

He noted “the 2019–20 Year has been thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding, even if at times exhausting. Thanks to our Directors, Committee Chairs and all Rotarians, we have achieved many of our goals. We also basked in the success of the Rotaract Club of Barbados who received the top award from Rotary International. Well done President Kareem. Without doubt, it has been a year full of challenges and surprises.”

Peter went on to say “In order to make a difference, our Club needs people of action, people who can bring new ideas and energy and add to the Club’s diversity, and importantly, people who live up to the high ideals of Rotary. In this regard, we attracted 12 new members this year, who are already hard at work for Rotary.”

He outlined that “Collectively, we made a difference in our community. We partnered with the Blood Center to encourage Barbadians to become blood donors, gave several pints ourselves, and raised over $30,000 to purchase much needed equipment. Under the same theme of giving life, we joined with Dr. Margaret O’Shea, transplant surgeon, and Dr. Nerissa Jurawan, nephrologist, to raise awareness of the hospital’s kidney transplant programme. We also supported the fight against diabetes through donations to the Diabetes Association and the Diabetes Foundation. He thanked our Public Image team for ensuring all these projects generated much public interest and multiple articles in the press.

Our Club made a difference in our region and this was outline by the outgoing President “following the devastation to the Bahamas by Hurricane Dorian, the Barbados clubs donated US$30,000 to assist in hurricane relief. And we made a difference in our world. Our members donated over US$10,000 to the Rotary Foundation to support the work of Rotary International and we joined with our fellow Rotarians from The Rotary Clubs of Barbados South and West to participate in Rotary International’s End Polio Now campaign”.

2019-20 Stewardship Report - Job well done

Posted by Ermine Darroux on Jun 26, 2020

On behalf of the Board of Directors, President Peter brought down the curtain on the 2019-20 year with the Stewardship Report on our year of ‘Rotary Connects the World’ during our Virtual meeting held on June 25th.

Despite the challenges faced in the later part of the year (COVID-19 pandemic) the club was successful in achieving Rotary’s plan to increase our impact, expand our reach, enhance participant engagement, and increase our ability to adapt. President Peter highlighted the accomplishments of the club including:

Monthly attendance rate in excess of 70%
Over 75% of members participated in various service activities
Membership growth of 12.5% (12 new members installed)
Retention rate of 94.7%
Donation to RI Foundation above plan of US$9K now at US$10K
Surplus on Club Funds of BB$20K
Completion of revised Bylaws and Constitution
Impactful projects including the Blood and Kidney Donor Awareness project
Good Press Coverage which assisted in creating impact

RCoB did not stop there; during the year we partnered with sister clubs on a few projects:

US$30k donation to assist Bahamas with Hurricane Dorian recover efforts
To purchase and distribute facial mask with Rotary South.
To support the fight against Polio by participating in a joint World End Polio Now event

The year did not pass without some good fellowship; a core value of Rotary with events such as the annual boat cruise and President’s Party.

Building Impact through New Membership

Posted by Ermine Darroux on May 26, 2020

Rotary Club of Barbados continued its journey of the year of 'Rotary Connects the World' and yesterday inducted our 12th member Job Laboyrie; a former member of Rotary Club of Aruba. Job relocated to Barbados last year and brings over 13 years experience as a Rotarian. Job is sponsored by PEE Robin Forde and we look forward to working with him on our journey of 'Service Above Self'.

COVID-19 has no boundaries and neither does RCOB

Posted by Ermine Darroux on May 19, 2020

COVID-19 has no boundaries and neither does Rotary Club of Barbados. Over the past weeks, through our online platform, we have been graced with the presence of international guest speakers as well as district representatives at our meetings.

On Thursday May 14th we were fortunate to have RI President Elect Holger Knaack join us all the way from Germany at our weekly virtual fellowship meeting. Our other guests included DG Trevor, DGN Sonia, DGND Leslie, AG Peter, AG Frances-Ann, St Kitts, AG Lisa - Barbados,President Jean, President Brian, President Kareem and his Executive from Rotaract Club of Barbados.

PE Holger greeted attendees with much enthusiasm and noted that he has been spending four to five hours a day participating in Online meetings. He jokingly admitted he may be the first RI President who never leaves home given the current pandemic. He thanked PDG David for inviting him and said he looked forward to working with David in the new Rotary year in his role as Chair of RI Membership Committee.

In spite of the current crisis, PE Holger is seeing many more opportunities such as being able to communicate with each other, listening to speakers from around the world, planning projects and sharing our core values while we remain committed to Service above Self.