On July 28th a team from the Rotary Club of Barbados South assembled in Independence Square for the first Bridgetown Feeding for the 2025/26 Rotary year. Between RCBW and RCBS we distributed a total of 90 meals. Rotarians Lyann, Malcolm and Rose provided the meals on behalf of our club. A number of Rotarians and friends came out to assist with this month's distribution.
Present were:
President Jackie
IPP Terry
Dir Kemi
Dir Morexa
PP Hiro
PP Randy with his PIS, mother-in-law and sister-in-law
Rtn Josie
Rtn Lyann and her mother
Rtn Maurice
Rtn Mechelle
Rtn Rose and
PP Gail(from RCBW)
Special thank you to everyone who came out to assist in making this the swift and efficient process that it was. None of this will be possible without you.
We started this meeting by pinning two of our Paul Harris Fellows as they were elevated to new status. Secretary Ryan was elevated to +4 and Rtn Denise was elevated to +5.
Director Carrie-Ann was also pinned as Director of membership as she was absent from the installation due to travel. Congratulations to all 3 exemplary Rotarians.
Dir Carrie-Ann was pinned as Director of Membership for 2025/26 and received a Certificate of Appreciation for service for 2024/25
President Jackie and the various directors outlined our strategic direction and club goals for the Rotary year
A Few Highlights from the Club Forum Presentation:
2025-2026 Theme: “Breaking Barriers” – focusing on collaboration, inclusivity, and positive change in our community.
Club Goals:
Membership growth and engagement
Increased participation in service projects
Enhanced contributions to the Rotary Foundation and PolioPlus Fund
Strengthening our public image and inclusivity
In addition to this, the club financials for the 2024/25 Rotary year were presented.
Wednesday July 16th 12:30pm Zoom
As July was maternal and child health month, our guests were invited to place specific interest on child health. As a part of our observance of this theme, we were joined by two guests; Ms. Sue McMillan, a speech and language pathologist from Toronto who visits Barbados on occasion to train caregivers on managing children with autism. Sue was present in a supporting role as she recommended our guest speaker Ms. Carm Viola.
Ms. Viola was invited to educate the club on mental health considerations in children. She is a psychotherapist and early childhood educator from Toronto, who functions to support the developmental needs of children with specific emphasis on social and emotional learning. She assists children with navigating childhood mental health challenges with compassion and evidence based care. She focuses on early intervention as it relates to anxiety, speech and language development, self regulation and emotional behavoural difficulties in children from early childhood through adolescence.
After describing the various mechanisms she utilizes with her children, she introduced those present to a number of techniques she teaches the children to utillize in periods of distress or anxiety to assist with self-soothing and self-regulation.
Everyone present followed along as we participated in soothing rituals which we all wish we had been aware of sooner. We were happy to have been introduced to these techniques which I am sure that some will now utilize in moments of anxiety as they are equally effective for adults.
Wednesday July 23rd- 6:30pm Zoom
The Rotary Club of Barbados South held its third meeting for 2025-2026, focusing on maternal and child health, and welcomed guest speakers Dr. Clyde Cave; a neonatologist operating in Barbados, and Harper Lorencki from World Pediatrics to discuss neonatal care initiatives in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.
They focused on neonatal care challenges and capacity strengthening initiatives and highlighted that 80% of newborn deaths worldwide are preventable. They further indicated that their programs have provided training, clinical attachments, and system strengthening to improve neonatal outcomes in the region.
Dr Cave discussed the Shaw Center's pediatric excellence project in Barbados, which began with a $10 million Canadian donation to improve child healthcare. The initiative focused on nursing quality improvements, leading to the development of a postgraduate diploma in pediatric nursing in collaboration with the University of the West Indies and SickKids Hospital. The program has trained 40 nurses in pediatric-specific skills. The project has also expanded to include specialist training programs, with the first neonatologist returning to Barbados and plans to train additional specialists in areas like pediatric psychiatry and developmental pediatrics.
Ms. Lorencki highlighted Barbados and Queen Elizabeth Hospital's success in reducing neonatal mortality rates despite limited resources, while Dr. Cave noted that their perinatal mortality rate of 7-8 is better than many other countries but still higher than the US's rate of 3.
Ms. Lorencki expressed interest in partnering with the Rotary Club of Barbados South to support further work through a grant, which would involve the Rotary Club of Richmond Virginia along with RCBS to apply to Rotary International for a grant to further expand the project, with Rotary International potentially covering up to 30% of the cost.
She agreed to share her proposal with us for our consideration.
Wednesday July 30th- 12:30pm In-person
This meeting started with the acknowledgement of another exemplary Rotarian. PP Marcel was absent from the installation ceremony as he was overseas. This was our first opportunity to reward him for his service.
IPP Terry acknowledged his contribution to the club by awarding him with Paul Harris Fellowship. He is our newest Paul Harris Fellow, an award he obtained as a result of his sterling contribution to the club and club projects. He was also in receipt of a South Star, an award that IPP Terry conferred upon all the Rotarians who contributed significantly to club projects in 2024/25. Lastly and by no means least he was awarded a certificate of appreciation for his service on the board for the 2024/25 Rotary year. Well done PP Marcel.
Our guest for the meeting was Mrs. Pamela Haynes. Mrs. Haynes, a retired physical therapist, wife, mother and grandmother and secretary of Barbados Association of Supported Employment (BASE) from its inception in 2008 and a strong advocate for youth and the rights of the disabled; especially as she has a daughter with special needs.
Guest Soeaker Mrs. Haynes A few of the young people at BASE
BASE was started in March, 2008 to cater to the physically and intellectually challenged young adults who find it difficult to find work in the open market after leaving special needs schools. At inception in 2008 the Anglican Church afforded them the use of the building in Greenwich, St James, from which they now operate. The building was refurbished with the assistance of the Barbados National Bank, now Republic Bank and other well wishers.
First BASE commenced operations in 2010 with 5 male and 5 female youngsters under the supervision of two adults. The centre provides for development of marketable skills in the youngsters while assisting them with focus and staying on task, all while creating a supportive environment for social and intellectual development. They are also taken on tours to fellowship, explore and be educated about Barbados.
BASE continues to be supported by the Anglican church and other charities. The youngsters are trained in food preparation, including knife skills, production of regular and breadfruit fish cakes, coconut bread, assorted jams, chutneys and juices. They are also trained in customer service, to produce rag mats and maintain a kitchen garden. They also provide laundry services on request.
The Items they produce are sold at the St James Parish Church annual tea party, as well as to tourists and taxi drivers who visit the church. They can also provide catering services for groups of up to 40 persons. The funds they raise from the sale of the items they produce are used to run the facility.
RCBS has become a supportive partner of BASE. With funding from M E Murrel & Co., BASE was provided with an aquaponics system which will be populated with fish in September when they return from break. RCBS assisted with a grant application on behalf of BASE. A grant from the Chinese Embassy will fund the acquisition of kitchen supplies up to a total of $4,515. Our next involvement with the group will be to assist with the refurbishment of their kitchen garden as well to help with painting of the premises.
Rotarians will be notified as to when we will fellowship at BASE while we assist with the painting of the premises and rejuvenating the kitchen garden.
Business meeting and update on the status of club projects.
Wednesday August 20th -Evening Zoom 6:30pm
Guest speaker Hilary Bethel from Barbados Burns and Orthopedic Charitable trust
Wednesday August 27th- In-person Lunchtime 12:30pm
Fellowship activity - Speed bonding
Upcoming Events
August is Membership and New Club Development Month
Meals on Wheels
Red Cross Building Warrens
Thursday August 21st
at 8:30 AM
Bridgetown Feeding
Independence Square Bridgetown
Monday August 25th
at 5:30 PM
The August meals will be provided by:
PP George
PP Nigel
Rtn Mario
Inspirational
"If you want to elevate your life, serve selflessly and develop friendships, join Rotary."
– PP Rabibdra Harry Outar
RC of Central Port of Spain
Club Directors & Officers
President: Jacklyn Broomes
Vice President: PP Stephen Broome
Immediate Past President: PP Terry Hall
President Elect: Kerryann Ifill
Secretary: Ryan Best
Treasurer: Dion Franklin
Director Service Projects: Shem Scantlebury
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 - Sangkoo Yun
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
5th July - Gail Chase (PIS Robert Chase)
13th July - David Alleyne (PIS Sonya Alleyne)
30th July - Richard Kennedy
31st July - Don Gittens ( PIS Vivian-Anne Gittens)
Birthdays
2nd August - Shem Scantlebury
10th August - Howard Hall (PIS Terry Hall)
19th August - Denise Shepherd-Johnson
30th August - Andrea Thompson (PIS Peter Thompson)
The Paul Harris Society has grown significantly since it became an official Foundation recognition program in 2013-14. Society members make up a vital community of philanthropic leaders whose contributions account for over 23 percent of the donations to The Rotary Foundation's Annual Fund, and over 21 percent of donations to the Foundation overall. This support allows The Rotary Foundation to fund life-changing projects in your local community and around the globe.
PHS membership growth
Paul Harris Society membership has grown from 10,607 in 84 countries in 2013-14 to 35,025 in 157 countries in 2024-25.
PHS growth in giving
Overall contributions from Paul Harris Society members are increasing. In 2013-14, society members gave $15.3M, which was 9.15 percent of Foundation giving, not including contributions to the Endowment Fund. That increased to 21.5 percent in 2024-25, or $44.5M.
PHS new member testimonials
Why did you join the Paul Harris Society?
I have chosen to support The Rotary Foundation because it helps to fund global humanitarian projects, focusing on issues like education, disease prevention, clean water, and economic development. Being part of the Paul Harris Society is a way for me to make a meaningful impact by contributing to these causes. it helps me feel connected to the global network of Rotary and its mission to improve lives and create lasting change worldwide while serving in my community at the same time.
Anisha Gilley, of the Rotary Club of Milan, Tennessee, USA
I chose to support The Rotary Foundation as a Paul Harris Society member because I believe in creating lasting change. Through Rotary, I’ve seen how every contribution transforms lives—bringing clean water, education, and healthcare. It’s my way of giving back meaningfully and supporting sustainable global and local impact.
Nikunj Goydani, of the E-Club of Indore North, India
PHS Spotlight: District 2041 Italy
Rotary leaders in District 2041, Italy, are dedicated to promoting and expanding the Paul Harris Society and support for The Rotary Foundation. Last Rotary year, D2041 achieved a PHS giving fulfillment rate of 82%, which is well above the global average of 52%. This great success can be attributed to the hard work of Rotary leaders such as D2041 PHSC Roberto Pincione, as well as Rotarians Donatella Bonfatti, Stefano Caspani and Matteo Garzya.
Together, this dedicated group created a PHS promotional booklet in English and Italian. This booklet includes background information on The Rotary Foundation and tips on how to grow and maintain a healthy and successful Paul Harris Society.
In addition to educational resources such as the booklet, this group also plans events to honor and celebrate Paul Harris Society members. For example. in January 2026, they will host a National Foundation Seminar in Milan, Italy, which will include a gala dinner specifically for PHS members.
Thank you to PHSC Roberto Pincione and Rotarians Donatella Bonfatti, Stefano Caspani and Matteo Garzya for your hard work and dedication on behalf of PHS and The Rotary Foundation!
Let us sit down with RI’s new president Francesco Arrezo
A member of the Rotary Club of Ragusa in Sicily, Arezzo has been part of Rotary for more than three decades. He has served as vice chair of the Joint Strategic Planning Committee, RI director, and chair of the 2023 International Convention Committee for Melbourne, among other leadership roles. Throughout his Rotary journey, Arezzo has supported initiatives that strengthen RI’s impact and expand opportunities for engagement across generations. He has served as president of Fondazione Rotary Italia, a national initiative that makes it easier for Italian citizens to support Rotary’s humanitarian projects around the world.
The following interview was conducted by Etelka Lehoczky during multiple conversations with Arezzo in Calgary. Despite his packed schedule, he set aside time to talk with Rotary magazine about his life, his Rotary journey, his plans for the organization, and two of his other passions: opera and olive oil.
Holiday photo of RI President Francesco Arezzo and his family. Front row (from left): Arezzo, holding grandson Francesco; and Arezzo’s wife, Anna Maria, holding granddaughter Anna Maria. Standing (from left): Arezzo’s daughter Elena; his son-in-law Magnus; and daughter Raffaela.
Q: You’ve worked as an orthodontist for many years. Are there things about your job that make you an effective Rotarian?
A: I’ve been a practicing orthodontist for 46 years now. I work mainly with young people, and it’s very important to try to understand them before beginning treatment. You have to win their cooperation. Forging those relationships is one of the best aspects of my job.
Q: And you now have grandchildren of your own, right?
A: I have two wonderful grandchildren. The elder one, who’s three years old, has my name: Francesco. The younger is one year old, and she has my wife’s name. So we have another Anna Maria and another Francesco.
Q: You’ve been a Rotarian for more than three decades. Do you remember why you first wanted to join?
A: At the beginning, Rotary was just a place to meet new friends with different points of view. It wasn’t until I became club president that I began to really understand Rotary. Now, when I speak to Rotarians, I tell them to change the verbs they use. You don’t “go to” Rotary like you go to the cinema, where you sit and watch other people doing something. Rotary is something you do. You have to participate. And then you begin to grow.
Q: How have you grown in Rotary?
A: When my club first proposed that I become president, I didn’t want to accept. I had a stutter, so I was terrified of being obliged to address my club. But it wasn’t so bad. Then they invited me to be a district governor, and again, I didn’t want to accept. But once more, they convinced me. Now, when I think about the fact that I’m going to be the Rotary International president and speak onstage in another language, I understand how much Rotary has changed me in a positive and lasting way.
Q: How can Rotary convey a sense of this impact to members and potential members?
A: We have to improve our communications with club presidents, because they’re on the front lines of dealing with members. While we do a wonderful job of instructing district governors in the importance of membership and new clubs, the district governor often speaks with a club president only two or three times a year. There are too many club presidents who don’t have any idea why our membership goals are so important.
Q: What challenges do you anticipate you’ll face during your term as president?
A: I’m very conscious that I’m beginning very late. Even if I begin studying problems and setting goals now, I can’t do very much. Rotary isn’t a scooter that can change direction quickly. It’s like a big cruise ship: If you want to make a turn, you have to begin many kilometers in advance. I hope to work very closely with President-elect SangKoo Yun. I think SangKoo and I can create a two-year plan that will be really effective.
Q: What has been one of your most memorable moments in all your years in Rotary?
A: One moment that was very, very moving for me was when, as district governor, I organized a Rotary Youth Leadership Awards event for districts bordering the Mediterranean Sea: Italy, France, Spain, North Africa, Greece, Turkey. The problem was putting together Turkish and Italian young people, because they looked at one another as very different. The first day was tense; it was clear that they didn’t like each other. But after a few days, they began to discover that they had the same tastes and the same dreams.
When the last day came, they sang John Lennon’s “Imagine” together and performed a skit they’d written about the cultural differences between their countries. It was one of the most beautiful things I can remember.
Q: In your professional life, you’ve led trade organizations for dentists and for olive oil producers. What group is most difficult to unite in a consensus: Dentists, olive oil producers, or perhaps Rotary members?
A: From my experience, it’s the olive oil producers. Each producer of olive oil is strongly convinced that his olive oil is the best in the world. So they usually don’t want to cooperate sincerely with others.
Q: How long have you been producing olive oil?
A: My family has produced olive oil for more than a century now. I am the last, I fear, because my daughters are not interested in this field.
Q: I understand you love opera also. What’s your favorite opera or composer?
A: A composer I like a lot is Vincenzo Bellini. He was born in Sicily, and he died very, very young. He did only a few operas, but they are all of a very high quality. And of course, there are many other great composers — Puccini, Verdi, Mozart. It’s hard to pick one.
Registration is open for the 2026 District Conference in St Lucia
Rotary District 7030 Conference 2026 – St. Lucia Awaits!
Save the Date: 22nd to 25th April 2026 Location: Stunning Saint Lucia
Get ready to Experience Rotary in Paradise at the 2026 District Conference!
From vibrant culture to breathtaking views, this conference will be a celebration of Service, Fellowship, and Impact. Don’t miss your chance to connect, collaborate, and create lasting memories with Rotarians from across our District.
On July 5th the Rotaract Club of South Barbados held their handover ceremony at Mt Gay Visitor Centre. A few Rotarians turned out to show support to the Rotaract team, especially President Melanie and our very own Director of Public Image Graham as he was pinned as Rotaract Director of Rotary Foundation.
The new Rotaract board is as follows:
Rotarians who came out to support President Melanie and her team
Rotaract South Kickoff Meeting
On July 19th as a continuation of our show of support for RCSB, Rotarians attended the Rotaract kickoff meeting to engage in a BYOB, pizza making fellowship session.
Rotarians at Rotaract BYOB pizza making fellowship session
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.
Rotary Club of Barbados South Charter Banner