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
TAMARA MARSHALL
Canadian born, Tamara moved to Barbados with her family at age 11 and has since been recognized as one of Barbados’ top female vocalists - aptly dubbed “The Diva of diversity”. Whether Tamara lends her voice to Blues, Gospel, Jazz, Broadway, Reggae, Rock, Contemporary Opera or Calypso, she exudes an amazing mastery of musical styles and genres.. Tamara has been a key element in the success of our annual Carols by Candlelight event, initially as one of our performers, but for many years as a key partner in the organization of the event. Her professionalism comes from a distinguished career in the music industry, which began when she was only four years old, debuting in the live theatre production of ‘The King and I’ at The O’Keefe Centre (now The Hummingbird Centre) in Toronto, Canada. Her impressive career includes touring with several bands and arranging backing vocals for Barbadian greats including Arturo Tappin, Nicholas Brancker, Gabby, RPB, and The Merrymen. Tamara’s plays a key role in Carols - choosing the performers, arranging the running order, working with the sound company, posting on social media, and mentoring the young talent that is showcased at Carols every year. Tamara has brought her creativity and passion for excellence to Carols which has ensured that patrons get a first class performance every year.
We salute Tamara and are pleased to recognize her as a Paul Harris Fellow for her significant contribution to Rotary and Barbados evidenced by the success of Carols by Candlelight.
ROTARIAN TREVOR FIELDS
Rotarian Trevor joined the Rotary Club of Barbados on February 1, 1991. Before joining our Club on February 01, 1991 he would have served for eleven years in the Rotary Club of Port of Spain. His Classification is General Merchandise– Distribution. Twenty five years ago, then Community Service Director Trevor Gordon Fields along with Past President Stanley MacDonald are credited with bringing Carols by Candlelight to Barbados in 1995. Carols by Candlelight has become a Barbadian tradition and magical event, drawing thousands of persons to the grounds of Ilaro Court, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Barbados. The event is the Club’s biggest fund raiser and would have netted over BB$1.5 Million since its inception. The event has become a true gift to the people of Barbados. Trevor has served the Club in many capacities and is being recognized for his significant contribution to Rotary and for his instrumental role in the establishment of Carols by Candlelight.
Carols serves as our largest fundraiser, but perhaps more importantly brings Barbados closer together as a society of peace and goodwill. Rotarian Trevor, we are honoured to pay tribute to you this evening and honour your contribution through the Paul Harris Fellow. You are a person whose life demonstrates a shared purpose with the objectives of The Rotary. Congratulations
ROTARIAN MALCOLM VAUGHN
Rotarian Malcolm joined the rotary Club of Barbados on December 8, 2016 at the invitation of his sponsor, Past Director Winston Warren. Within six months of joining the club he was asked to fill some giant shoes by stepping up to be Director of Community Service. He handled this transition seamlessly and, having earned the confidence of his fellow members, Malcolm was elected to serve as International Service Director. In order to learn and experience Rotary quickly, he attended the first of his two international conferences in three years, where he participated in several training sessions including a Peace Seminar and returned eager to implement the Peace Project, which he did successfully.
Malcolm’s capacity to give and serve is huge and he has generously contributed to every aspect of Rotary life including the Children’s Party, the Senior Citizen’s Party, Carols by Candlelight and most recently volunteering to pack hampers for distribution to the Salvation Army as part of the COVID-19 Essentials Food drive. Malcolm is Mr. Reliable, putting his all into every aspect of Rotary life. Your club believes that you are a Person of Action who truly embodies the spirit of Rotary and for this we recognize you Malcolm Vaughn as a Paul Harris Fellow. Congratulations.
ROTARIAN ADRIAN SKEETE
Director Adrian Skeet joined the Rotary Club of Barbados on November 12, 2015 at the invitation of his sponsor, Past Secretary Neal Griffith. Since then Adrian has served the Club with energy and purpose, providing leadership to the Community Service and International Service portfolios. In particular, Adrian was instrumental in a number of initiatives including the donation of AED units to several sports organisations, last year’s Pride of Working Awards, and the Blood Donation Drive for the National Blood Center.
Adrian’s seems to have an unlimited capacity for work, to give and to serve. He has generously contributed to every aspect of Rotary life including the Children’s Party, the Senior Citizen’s Party, Carols by Candlelight. Adrian has a can do approach to life and never hesitates to respond when called upon to support the charitable work of the Club, most recently volunteering to pack hampers for distribution to the Salvation Army as part of the COVID-19 Essentials Food Drive.
Adrian is also husband and father to a family of Rotarians who are present at most Rotary events. This was very true at our inaugural RotaGames in June 2019, when Partner-in-Service Harriette so graciously performed the duties of MC and his two beautiful daughters were ever present.
It is my distinct pleasure to present the award of Paul Harris Fellow to Adrian Skeete. Please accept our congratulations and sincere thanks for your tremendous contribution to the life and work of our Club and your commitment to the objectives of Rotary
