Three distinguished Barbadians were celebrated for their exceptional professional excellence at the Rotary Club of Barbados South’s 2026 Vocational Service Awards on January 28, 2026. Founder of Drop A Pack Purple Love Foundation Ms. Cherry-Ann Oughterson, Environmental Advocate and Founder of Coco Hill Forest Mr. Mahmood Patel and former Director of Civil Aviation Mr. Mitchinson Henderson Beckles, GCM, were honoured for the integrity, impact, and commitment with which they used their skills to uplift communities and contribute to national development
Director of Service Projects for the Rotary Club of Barbados South, Shem Scantlebury spoke to the importance of the awards, as it aligns to Rotary International’s belief that vocation is a powerful pathway to service. “Vocational service is nation-building in its quietest form. By amplifying these stories, Rotary helps pass on values of excellence, ethics, and service that strengthen society long after the awards are presented,”
“This year’s awardees represented diverse sectors such as social advocacy, civil aviation, and environmental conservation, yet were united by a shared dedication to service above self.” Scantlebury explained.
2026 Vocational Service Awardees
The first awardee at the ceremony was Ms. Cherry-Ann Oughterson the Founder of Drop A Pack Purple Love Foundation. Ms. Oughterson was recognised for her impactful work addressing period poverty in Barbados. Through the Drop A Pack Purple Love Foundation, she provides sustained support to schools, families, and vulnerable communities, promoting hygiene, dignity, and education. Her work helped to break stigma, empower young people, and improve access to essential resources.
The second awardee was Mr. Mitchinson Henderson Beckles, GCM, a former Director of Civil Aviation. Mr. Beckles was honoured for a lifetime of vocational excellence in civil aviation. His contributions included training and mentoring professionals, strengthening aviation safety systems, supporting regional capacity building, and quietly developing critical national infrastructure. His legacy continues to benefit Barbados and the wider Caribbean aviation sector.
Finally, Mr. Mahmood Patel, Environmental Advocate and Founder, Coco Hill Forest was also acknowledged for his hands-on approach to environmental conservation, education, and advocacy. Through the development and stewardship of Coco Hill Forest, he combines land conservation with public awareness, sustainability initiatives, and community engagement, fostering a deeper appreciation for environmental responsibility and climate resilience.
The Rotary Club of Barbados South described the Vocational Service Awards as a cornerstone of its commitment to recognising service-driven leadership and inspiring others to use their professional skills for the greater good.