Rotarians are reminded to secure their tickets for our upcoming Summer Luau, set for May 30th from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. aboard the MC Dream Chaser 2. Tickets are $85 each.
This exciting event is one of our major fundraisers for the year, supporting our vital Back to School Programme. Your participation will help us to make a meaningful impact.
Tickets are available from PP Peter or any member of his committee. Please be sure to get yours at your earliest convenience.
Let’s come together for an evening of fun, fellowship, and purpose—see you there! 🌊
Previous Meeting Details
Wednesday April 1st 6:30pm Evening Zoom
This meeting during environmental month featured an insightful presentation by Trudiann Branker, Mount Gay's first female master blender, titled "Soil to Sip." Trudiann explained how environmental factors including water quality, yeast isolation, and tropical aging significantly impact rum production at Mount Gay, particularly through the process of evaporation and barrel maturation.
She explained the differences in aging processes between tropical and temperate climates, using data to illustrate how spirits aged in Barbados and the Caribbean mature faster than those aged in cooler climates. She explained that while tropical aging results in quicker color and flavor development, it also leads to higher evaporation rates and requires more precise control to achieve desired outcomes.
The presentation included detailed discussions about angel share (volume loss during aging), temperature and humidity effects, and modern practices to manage these environmental impacts. Following the presentation, members asked questions about molasses versus cane juice, barrel selection, oak sourcing, and the environmental impact of evaporation.
The conversation ended with announcements about upcoming events including notice of a presentation on climate resilience by Mr. Dean Avril, Accessibility Training Initiative for Persons with Disabilities, and various service activities scheduled for April.
Wednesday April 8th 12:30pm Lunchtime Zoom
This Zoom lunchtime meeting, focused on environmental sustainability initiatives. The presentation was delivered by Dean Avril from St. Lucia National Conservation Fund (SLUNCF), who shared insights on climate resilience and sustainable agriculture projects across the Caribbean. Dean detailed various initiatives including climate-smart agriculture practices, beekeeping, aquaponics systems, and disaster resilience programs that have benefited over 864 direct participants and nearly 4,000 indirect beneficiaries.
The presentation highlighted the importance of mentorship, community partnerships, and practical approaches to environmental sustainability. Following the presentation, members asked questions about communication strategies and how sustainability messages can be adapted for local contexts, particularly regarding hurricane resilience and building codes.
The conversation ended with announcements about upcoming events, including an in-person meeting on April 15th featuring Brigadier The Honourable Carlos Lovell on protocol, and the accessibility training initiative continuing on April 11th.
Wednesday April 15th - 6:30pm In-person Evening Meeting
At this meeting, the Club had the distinct privilege of being addressed by Brigadier the Honourable Carlos Lovell, who delivered an insightful and practical presentation on the theme of protocol and etiquette.
He began by grounding his presentation in a powerful reflection from Nelson Mandela which states; “The habit of attending to small things and of appreciating small courtesies is one of the important marks of a good person.” This set the tone for an engaging session that reminded members that excellence is often found in the details.
Brigadier Lovell clearly distinguished between protocol and etiquette, two concepts that are often used interchangeably but serve different purposes. Protocol, he explained, refers to the codified rules that govern behaviour; particularly in formal or official settings. Etiquette, on the other hand, represents the accepted standards of courteous conduct. Both are essential, and he cautioned that one without the other can create challenges. Etiquette without observing protocol may unintentionally be disrespectful, while protocol without etiquette can come across as rigid and impersonal.
The presentation then moved into the practical application of these principles, particularly in the context of event planning. From the pre-planning phase to execution and follow-up, Brigadier Lovell outlined the importance of being deliberate and structured. He spoke about appropriate seating arrangements, the proper way to greet arriving guests, and the importance of timely and respectful invitations and follow-up communication.
A key concept emphasized throughout was the table of precedence; a guiding framework that determines the order in which distinguished guests are acknowledged and engaged. Understanding and applying this order of precedence, he noted, is critical in ensuring that all guests are treated with the respect and recognition that their position dictates.
Overall, the session served as a valuable reminder that successful engagements are built not only on good intentions, but on thoughtful planning, respect for structure, and genuine courtesy. Brigadier Lovell’s presentation reinforced that mastering both protocol and etiquette is essential for maintaining professionalism and upholding the standards required by the occasion and personalities.
In addition to this insightful presentation, we were finally able to present the overdue long service awards to Rtn Susanna, PP Richard and PP Trevor.
Wednesday April 29th - 12:30pm In-Person Lunch Meeting
The was treated to a fascinating and highly educational presentation by Director Graham in his role as the President of the Barbados Apiculture Association. His engaging delivery provided members with a deeper appreciation for the intricate world of bees, the importance of apiculture, and the vital role the Association plays locally.
Dir Graham began by outlining the mission and core functions of the Association, which are centred on three main pillars: training beekeepers, educating the public, and conducting research. He explained that the Association operates with a strong focus on honey production but has started to branch off into value added products including but not limited to flavoured honey and beauty products. The association classified under the umbrella of the Barbados Agricultural Society, reinforcing its role in supporting national agricultural development.
The presentation delved into the structure and life cycle of bees. Members learned about the three distinct types of bees within a hive; the queen, worker, and drone and the fascinating biological processes that determine their roles. Particularly intriguing was the explanation of how a queen bee is formed when the hive selects a fertilized egg to be fed exclusively with royal jelly, triggering its development into a queen.
He explained the delicate balance within the hive, including why two queens cannot coexist. When more than one queen emerges, a battle for dominance ensues, ensuring that only one survives to lead the colony. This natural process underscores the highly organized and instinct-driven behaviour of bees.
The journey continued with an exploration of honey production. Members gained insight into how bees collect nectar, process it, and store it as honey. He highlighted how factors such as floral sources influence the colour, flavour, and texture of honey, resulting in the rich diversity of honey varieties we enjoy.
A particularly engaging aspect of the presentation was the use of close-up video footage. These visuals brought the hive to life, showcasing the various stages of bee development and offered a rare glimpse into the inner workings of a colony.
Overall, the presentation was both informative and captivating, providing attendees with a comprehensive understanding of bee biology, hive dynamics, and honey production. It also highlighted the essential work of the Barbados Apiculture Association in promoting sustainable beekeeping and supporting the agricultural sector in Barbados.
Well done Dir Graham!
.Upcoming Meeting Details
Wednesday May 6th- 6:30pm In-person Evening Meeting
Wednesday May 13th- 6:30pm Zoom Evening Meeting
Wednesday May 20th -12:30pm Zoom Lunch Meeting
Wednesday May 27th- 12:30pm In-person Lunch
Upcoming Events
May is Youth Service Month
Meals on Wheels
Red Cross Building Warrens
Thursday May 21st
at 8:30 AM
Bridgetown Feeding
Independence Square Bridgetown
Monday May 25th
at 5:30 PM
Meals will be provided by:
Dir Graham
Rtn Pat
Rtn Robert
Inspirational
"If you want happiness for an hour take a nap. If you want happiness for a day go fishing. If you want happiness for a lifetime help someone else."
Director Club Administration: Morexa Martin-Gardiner
Director Rotary Foundation: PP Vivian-Ann Gittens
Director Public Image: Graham Belle
Director of Membership: Carrie-Ann Morris-Searle
Director of Youth: Kemi Brewster
Sergeant-at-Arms: PP Brian Lashley
Rotary International Officers
President - Francesco Arezzo
President Elect - Olayinka Hakeem Babalola
General Secretary/CEO - John Hewko
District Officers
District Governor - Soraya Warner-Gustave (St Lucia)
District Governor Elect - Maurice Saad (Pointe-a-Pitre)
Assistant Governor - Paul Ashby (Barbados)
Let's Celebrate
Belated Birthdays
2nd April - Graham Belle
7th April - Kemi Brewster
13th April - Shera Clarke PIS David Clarke
15th April - Morexa Martin-Gardiner
17th April - Ezra Prescod PIS Katrina Sam
18th April - George Connolly
18th April - Gayle Headley
20th April - Mario Carter
22nd April - Andrea Sealy PIS Trevor Sealy
23rd April - Carrie-Ann Morris-Searle
30th April - Sonya Alleyne
Birthdays
3rd May - Michael Trotman
6th May - Peter Thompson
17th May - Ryan Best
18th May - Rosalind Clarke
20th May - Prakash Mahtani
23rd May - Evelyn Forde PIS Michael Forde
25th May - Mechelle Lewis
Anniversaries
No Anniversaries in May
Rotary Club of Barbados South - Spotlight
AccessAbility - Pathways to Independence Continues
The Rotary Club of Barbados South is pleased to report steady progress on its Pathways to Independence programme, currently being delivered in partnership with the Barbados Council for the Disabled through grant funding support from the People Development Unit of the Ministry of Labour Social Security and the Third Sector.
Since its official launch, the programme has successfully engaged participants in a series of practical, empowering sessions designed to build skills, confidence, and independence. To date, workshops have included Train the Trainer, Financial Literacy and Budgeting, Developing Organisational Capacity, Digital Skills, and Social Media Management. These sessions have been well received and continue to foster meaningful personal and professional development among participants.
The programme continues this Saturday, May 2nd, with an engaging session on Accessible Agriculture, further expanding opportunities for inclusive economic participation.
Over the coming weeks, participants can look forward to a robust schedule of additional training sessions, all hosted at the Barbados Council for the Disabled:
May 9th: Career Exploration: Résumé Writing and Interview Skills
May 16th: Workplace Etiquette and Professional Dress
May 23rd: Digital Skills: Online Meeting Platforms
May 3oth: Digital Wealth (online)
In addition, a special training session for professionals on Inclusive Practices will be held on June 5th at the Savannah Beach Club, broadening the programme’s impact by encouraging more inclusive environments across workplaces and organisations.
The initiative will culminate with a Closing Ceremony on June 12th at the Courtyard by Marriott, where participants’ achievements will be celebrated and recognised.
This programme represents a significant step forward in advancing accessibility and inclusion in Barbados, aligning with Rotary’s commitment to service above self. The Club looks forward to the continued success of all participants and extends sincere thanks to all partners, facilitators, and supporters who have made this initiative possible.
Bridgetown Feeding
Individuals who assisted with Bridgetown Feeding on April 27th 2026
Another successful installation of Bridgetown feeding was completed on April 27th 2026. PDG Sonya, PP Irvine and PP Michael F provided the meals on behalf of RCBS. We served a total of 118 meals. We were joined by Rtn Melanie who is the newest Rotarian from RCBW as she recently transitioned from Rotaract Barbados
Meal distribution occurred quickly and efficiently as our amazing team of Rotarians executed flawlessly. Thank you to everyone who assisted. This project makes a significant impact on the lives of needy Barbadians and none of this will be possible without you.
As we get to the end of Immunization week (April 24-30th) let us examine what it takes to manage 400,000-plus polio eradication workers in Pakistan
🌍 Why community health workers matter
Community health workers — mostly women — are the backbone of Pakistan’s immunization system. They:
Go door‑to‑door administering polio drops
Provide maternal and child health support
Educate families about vaccines and dispel fears
Help connect underserved households to health services
Their deep personal ties within their communities make them trusted messengers, which is crucial in areas where vaccine hesitancy or misinformation persists.
🧩 How Pakistan recruits nearly half a million workers
Israr Ul Haq of UNICEF explained that workers must come from the communities they serve. Outsiders are not effective because trust is essential:
“People from within us would never harm us.”
After decades of effort, 95% of families now open their doors to vaccinators.
Recruitment priorities include:
Women, because cultural norms often prevent male workers from entering homes
Local familiarity, even if literacy is low
Flexibility in remote areas, where sometimes only men can travel safely
In low‑literacy regions, respected older women are sometimes hired even if they cannot read or write.
🎓 What training looks like
Workers receive:
Orientation on polio and routine immunization
Training in listening skills and community dialogue
A package of essential family health practices
A new model called the “golden triad” brings together:
The area supervisor
The frontline vaccinator
The social mobilizer
They train together every six weeks to build trust and coordinate more effectively.
💵 Pay and workload
Workers earn about US$150 per month.
Pakistan conducts 6–8 vaccination campaigns per year, though only 3–4 are nationwide.
The most recent major campaign vaccinated 45.2 million children.
🧠 Why this system works
Pakistan’s polio program succeeds because it blends:
Local trust
Massive scale
Frequent retraining
Culturally sensitive recruitment
Strong coordination between UNICEF, Rotary, and national partners
It’s one of the largest community‑based health workforces in the world — second only to Pakistan’s military in size.
Keep in mind that General Sessions will be held at the Taipei Dome. Breakout Sessions and the House of Friendship will take place at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (TaiNEX). Strategically choose lodging close to the areas you’ll spend the most time in. Click here to book your hotel.
The 2027 Rotary International Convention will be held in Barcelona, Spain from 26–30 June at the Fira de Barcelona.
Barcelona, Spain, will be the site of the 2027 Rotary International Convention . The convention will take place from 26–30 June 2027 at the Fira de Barcelona.
We’re grateful to our members and partners in Barcelona for their enthusiasm in hosting our annual convention, which brings together people from all over the world.
At the same time, we thank Dubai, our original 2027 host city, and Rotary members and leaders in the UAE for their commitment. We look forward to working with them on a future Rotary convention.
We’re excited to gather this June in Taipei, Taiwan, and again in 2027 in Barcelona. More info: https://bit.ly/4clUGCq
Rotary District 7030
RCBS Shines at the District level
The Rotary Club of Barbados South was proudly represented by 6 Rotarians at the recently concluded Rotary District 7030 Conference in Saint Lucia. The conference provided an opportunity to celebrate achievements across the district. RCBS was recognized in several key areas reflecting its continued commitment to service excellence.
One of the highlights was recognition for Public Image. The club’s online presence was showcased during a report by District Public Image Chair, Maria Mohammed-Maharaj, in which RCBS’ social media posts were featured prominently on screen acknowledging the tremendous work that Dir Graham and his team have been investing in effective communication and outreach.
At this point, RCBS is ranked fifth in the district for foundation giving. This recognition was shared by our own Sec Ryan as he delivered the report on foundation giving. This ranking underscores the club’s strong culture of giving and support for Rotary’s global initiatives. Sec Ryan is also expected to be the incoming District Polio Chair. Congratulations Sec Ryan!!!
Under the leadership of our learning facilitator PDG Sonya, RCBS received recognition for its commitment to Rotary Learning. It was highlighted as one of the leading clubs in the district’s learning challenge, having achieved gold status at the end of Quarter 2. RCBS remains on track to attain Platinum status by year’s end. Final awards in this category will be announced by the District Governor at an awards ceremony in June.
Membership growth was another area of commendation. RCBS was acknowledged as one of the clubs in the “50-plus” category that has achieved net positive growth.
In addition to these accolades, club members played active roles in the conference programme. PDG Sonia chaired a session focused on developing future leaders of the district. PE Kerryann lent her voice to the District Choir, while Sec Ryan delivered a presentation on The Rotary Foundation to the President-Elect Learning Seminar (PELS) group.
Overall, the conference was a resounding success for RCBS, highlighting both the club’s achievements and the meaningful contributions of its members at the district level.
In addition to the aforementioned, our Social and emotional learning project was featured on page 34 of "Youth in Focus" magazine.
You may use the following link to view the full issue
Please click the images below to find out more about our club members
Past Presidents
Paul Harris Fellow
Honorary Rotarians
THE OBJECT OF ROTARY
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and in particular, to encourage and foster:
First: The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
Second: High ethical standards in business and professions; the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations; and the dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
Third: The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian’s personal, business and Community life.
Fourth: The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service
THE FOUR WAY TEST
ROTARY GRACE
RCBS Banking Information
Club Account: CIBC Rendezvous 09616-1625923
Charitable Trust Inc. Account: CIBC Bridgetown 09606– 1001168072
Mailing Address: Club Secretary, G.P.O Box #995, Bridgetown, Barbados, West Indies.
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