In the lead-up to World Polio Day, observed on October 24th 2026, the Rotary family came together for an evening of fellowship, entertainment and fundraising in support of Rotary International's global campaign to eradicate polio.
Held on Friday, October 23rd 2026, at Carlisle Brewery in Fontabelle, St. Michael, Pints and Pizza for Polio brought together Rotarians, Rotaractors, friends and supporters for a lively evening built around a shared purpose: helping to create a polio-free world.
The event combined great food, craft beer and entertainment with an opportunity to support one of Rotary's most significant humanitarian initiatives. For a contribution of BDS$50.00 per person, guests enjoyed a pint of Carlisle craft beer, delicious pizza, karaoke, a fun pub quiz with prizes, guided brewery tours, music and entertainment.
There was also plenty to enjoy beyond the ticket package, with additional drinks, smoked meats, tacos and bar bites available throughout the evening. The relaxed atmosphere provided the perfect setting for fellowship, laughter and renewed commitment to a cause that continues to unite Rotarians around the world.
The fundraiser was supported through collaboration among the Rotary Clubs of Barbados, Barbados West and Barbados South, together with Rotaract and the wider Rotary family. This collective effort demonstrated the power of partnership and community engagement in advancing a global mission.
World Polio Day serves as an important reminder of the progress made through decades of vaccination, advocacy and fundraising. Rotary International, alongside its global partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, has helped reduce wild poliovirus cases by more than 99 per cent since 1988. However, the work is not yet complete, and continued commitment is essential to protect every child from this preventable disease.
A heartfelt thank you is extended to Carlisle Brewing Inc. for its support and hospitality, to the organisers and volunteers who helped bring the event to life, and, most importantly, to everyone who attended and contributed to the cause.
Pints and Pizza for Polio was more than just an evening out; it was a reminder that meaningful change can begin with simple acts of generosity, shared experiences and a common commitment to making a difference.
As the Rotary family continues its efforts, the message remains clear: Together, we can end polio. END POLIO NOW!
RECAPPING THE MONTH WITH RCBS
OCTOBER 7th 2026: Club Forum
The following decisions were agreed upon at Club Forum 1 to strengthen the Club’s financial management and support the effective administration of its operations:
Membership Subscriptions: Effective Rotary Year 2027 to 2028, all members will be required to settle their annual subscriptions within the first quarter of the Rotary year (July-September).
Administrative Contributions: Members were encouraged to participate in fines and raffles, which provide an important source of revenue for meeting the Club’s administrative expenses, including the newly introduced room usage fee for in-person meetings.
Annual Club Admin Fundraiser: The Club will establish an annual fundraising initiative to support administrative expenses, with the event to be scheduled between January and June of each Rotary year.
Budget Reallocation: Approval was granted to reallocate the BDS$2,500.00 previously budgeted for vocational service awards under Club Admin to the charity account. This adjustment will reduce administrative expenditure and support the financial sustainability of the Club Admin fund.
Attendance: 52%
OCTOBER 14th 2026: Strengthening Member Engagement and Fellowship
The Club’s Membership Engagement Meeting provided an opportunity for members to reflect on their experiences within the Rotary Club of Barbados South and identify areas for improvement in member engagement, leadership, service participation and fellowship.
PP. Terry Hall, Director of Membership, facilitated an anonymous six-question survey exploring members’ perspectives on the Club experience. The results highlighted several opportunities to strengthen the Club and enhance the value of membership.
Creating a More Engaging Club Experience
The survey revealed that while members generally feel comfortable attending meetings, many perceive them as routine, with opportunities for greater interaction and connection. Members emphasised the importance of engaging speakers, topical discussions, interactive presentations and member-led sessions in making meetings more stimulating and meaningful.
Leadership was generally viewed positively, although some members felt there was room for greater member input in decision-making. The discussion reinforced the importance of creating an environment in which members feel encouraged to contribute their perspectives and participate actively in shaping the Club’s direction.
Expanding Opportunities for Growth and Service
A key finding was that opportunities for personal and professional development exist within Rotary, but members may not always be aware of or able to access them. Eighteen of the 22 survey respondents agreed that such opportunities were available but not widely known. Suggestions included dedicating a short segment of regular meetings to highlighting Rotary Learning Center resources, fellowships, international events and training opportunities.
Service participation was another area identified for improvement. Members noted that involvement in projects and committee activities was uneven, with some Rotarians uncertain about their committee assignments. The discussion highlighted the value of formally assigning members to committees and encouraging committee leaders to delegate responsibilities, thereby creating more opportunities for participation, learning and collaboration. Director Terry Hall confirmed that an exercise was underway to identify members who had not yet been assigned to a committee.
Building Stronger Relationships Through Fellowship
The survey also highlighted a tendency for members to form smaller social groups, with fewer respondents describing relationships across the Club as strong and deeply supportive. Members emphasised the importance of informal social gatherings and team-building activities in strengthening relationships, encouraging interaction across membership groups and helping newer members feel more connected.
In this regard, the Club’s upcoming inter-club social with the Lions Clubs, scheduled for November 25th, presents another opportunity to strengthen fellowship and build relationships beyond the Club.
Moving Forward
The Membership Engagement Meeting provided valuable insight into members’ experiences and expectations. The discussions underscored the importance of making meetings more engaging, improving awareness of Rotary development opportunities, broadening participation in service and committees, and fostering stronger relationships among members.
By acting on these observations, the Club can continue to build a more inclusive, connected and active membership, ensuring that every Rotarian has meaningful opportunities to contribute, grow and experience the full value of Rotary.
Attendance: 55%
OCTOBER 20th 2026: Joint Polio Meeting
The Rotary Clubs of Barbados, Barbados West and Barbados South came together on Tuesday, October 20th 2026, for a joint meeting under the theme “End Polio Now”, held at the 3W’s Pavilion, Cave Hill Campus.
The meeting brought Rotarians together to reflect on Rotary’s ongoing commitment to eradicating polio, both locally and internationally. The programme featured a presentation on the history of polio and Rotary’s journey towards eradication by President of Rotary Barbados, Jamella Forde, followed by a guest address from Past President Linda Goodridge of the Rotary Club of Barbados West.
President of the Rotary Club of Barbados South, The Most Honourable KerryAnn Ifill, provided an overview of the latest statistics on polio, highlighting the continued importance of global awareness, advocacy and support for eradication efforts.
The evening also provided an opportunity for fellowship and for members to renew their shared commitment to Rotary’s signature global health initiative. As the world prepared to observe World Polio Day on October 24th, the joint meeting served as a timely reminder that the fight against polio was not yet over and that sustained collective action remained essential to achieving a polio-free world.
OCTOBER 28th 2026: Club Nominations for Rotary Year 2027 to 2028 and Guest Speaker from IOM
The Rotary Club of Barbados South welcomed Mr. Patrice Quesada, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Coordinator for the Caribbean and Chief of Mission for Barbados, as its guest speaker at the October 28th 2026 lunchtime meeting, held at the Blue Horizon Hotel.
Mr. Quesada shared insights into the work of the IOM across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean, highlighting migration governance, humanitarian response, disaster preparedness and the importance of building resilient and inclusive communities. His presentation provided members with a broader understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with migration and its implications for Barbados and the wider Caribbean.
The presentation was particularly timely as the Club embraced its 2026 to 2027 theme, Inclusive Service: Resilient Communities - Prepare. Protect. Empower, reinforcing the importance of regional collaboration and preparedness in addressing emerging humanitarian and development challenges.
The October 28th meeting also marked Nomination Day for the Rotary Club of Barbados South, an important part of the Club's governance and leadership succession process. In accordance with the Club's bylaws, members were invited to nominate officers and directors to serve during the 2027–2028 Rotary year.
The following nominations were received:
Vice President: PP. Stephen Broome
Secretary: Dir. Graham Belle
Treasurer: Rtn. Wendell Scantlebury
President-Elect Nominee: Dir. Morexa Martin-Gardiner
Six members were also nominated to serve on the Board of Directors: PP. Katrina Sam, Tres. Dion Franklin, Dir. Shem Scantlebury, Rtn. Carrie-Ann Morris-Searle, Rtn. Lynn Rollins and Rtn. Denise Shepherd-Johnson.
The nomination process was conducted in keeping with the Club's established procedures, with nominations and their respective seconders recorded and the closure of nominations formally proposed and seconded.
Election Day is scheduled for Wednesday, December 2nd 2026, during the Club's in-person evening meeting. Members are encouraged to participate in this important exercise, which will determine the leadership team responsible for guiding the Club into the 2027 to 2028 Rotary year.
Attendance: 44%
SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE
OFFICIAL OPENING OF GORDON GREENIDGE PRIMARY SCHOOL'S SHADEHOUSE ON WORLD FOOD DAY 2026
The Rotary Club of Barbados South celebrated another milestone in its AgroKids initiative with the official opening of the new shadehouse at Gordon Greenidge Primary School on October 16th 2026, coinciding with World Food Day.
The initiative was made possible through the generous support of Republic Bank’s Power to Make a Difference programme, which sponsored the shadehouse, equipment and other essential inputs to support the school’s agricultural activities.
President Kerryann Ifill addressed the students on behalf of RCBS, highlighting the importance of agriculture, food production and developing an appreciation for where our food comes from. The shadehouse will provide students with a practical learning environment in which to explore crop production, develop agricultural skills and understand the importance of food security and sustainable agriculture.
Through AgroKids, RCBS continues to encourage young people to discover the value of agriculture and develop an appreciation for its role in everyday life. The new facility represents an investment in hands-on education, environmental awareness and the next generation of agricultural enthusiasts.
The opening was especially fitting on World Food Day, reinforcing the importance of investing in young people and equipping them with the knowledge and skills to contribute to a more food-secure and sustainable future.
RCBS extends sincere appreciation to Republic Bank’s Power to Make a Difference programme for its support and to the Gordon Greenidge Primary School community for embracing the AgroKids initiative.
BRIDGETOWN FEEDING
The Rotary Club of Barbados South continued its commitment to serving the less fortunate through its participation in the Bridgetown Feeding initiative on October 26th 2026. Four Past Presidents and two Rotarians from RCBS came together to distribute meals to persons in need.
Members prepared and provided 55 meals, while a further 54 meals were supplied through the caterers engaged by the Rotary Club of Barbados West.
The evening was a reminder of the power of fellowship, generosity and service. As reflected by those who participated, blessings were shared by both those who gave and those who received. Every meal represented an act of kindness and a tangible expression of Rotary's commitment to serving the community.
FUNDRAISING: BEST OF YOUTH CLASSICAL CONCERT AND CHRISTMAS HAMPERS
The Rotary Club of Barbados South is pleased to acknowledge two generous contributions that will help advance its community service initiatives and bring meaningful support to persons and families across Barbados.
The Club recently received a donation of BDS$8,000.00 from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Barbados toward the Best of Youth Classical Concert (BOY). The cheque was collected by President Kerryann Ifill and Past President Irving Burrowes, representing the BOY committee. During the engagement, the Embassy also expressed its willingness to explore further partnerships with the Club on future initiatives. With 2027 marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Barbados and China, there are encouraging opportunities to strengthen this relationship and collaborate on projects that benefit the wider community.
In another significant show of support, Geneva International Insurance has generously donated BDS$10,000.00 towards the Club’s Christmas Hampers Project. This contribution will assist the Club in providing much-needed assistance to families during the Christmas season, helping to make the holidays a little brighter for those in need.
The Rotary Club of Barbados South extends its sincere gratitude to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Barbados and Geneva International Insurance for their generosity and confidence in the Club’s work. Contributions such as these are invaluable in enabling the Club to continue delivering impactful projects and responding to the needs of our communities.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
November 4th 2026 - Evening In-Person Meeting; Savannah Beach Club at 6:30 pm
November 11th 2026 - Lunch Zoom Meeting at 12:30 pm
November 15th to 18th 2026 - District Governor's Visit; Activities TBA
November 25th 2026 - Joint Service Clubs Independence Quiz; Guardian General Clubhouse, Collymore Rock, St. Michael.
BRIDGETOWN FEEDING:
Date: Monday, November 30th 2026
Location: Independence Square, Bridgetown
Assignments: Rtn. Glyne Husbands, Dir. Shem Scantlebury, PP. Terry Hall
BIRTHDAYS :
Rtn. Damian Branford - November 3rd
Ayodele, PIS of Rtn. Irving Burrowes - November 5th
Claire, PIS of Rtn. Cleviston Haynes - November 8th
PP. Michael Forde - November 10th
Rtn. Nigel Adams - November 13th
Rtn. Susanna Corbin - November 15th
Lana Adams, PIS of Rtn. Nigel Adams - November 16th
Kimberley Ramsay, PIS of Rtn. Courtney Ramsay - November 19th
Rtn. Glyne Husbands - November 29th
ANNIVERSARIES :
PP. Hiranand Thani and Nisha Thani - November 4th
PP. Peter Thompson and Andrea Thompson - November 7th
PP. George Connolly and Anne-Marie Elcock-Connolly - November 11th
ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES:
Dir. Morexa Martin-Gardiner - November 1st
Rtn. Nicole Hall - November 1st
Rtn. Lyanne Lowe-Blades - November 1st
Rtn. Rose Clarke - November 2nd
Rtn. Gayle Headley - November 2nd
PP. Terry Hall - November 6th
Rtn. Josie Robinson - November 6th
Rtn. Rosanne Trotman - November 6th
Dir. Courtney Ramsay - November 6th
Rtn. Malcolm Mapp - November 23rd
OCTOBER IS ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT MONTH
October is recognised by Rotary International as Economic and Community Development Month, highlighting Rotary’s commitment to strengthening communities by creating opportunities for individuals and families to achieve greater economic security and an improved quality of life.
Economic and community development is about more than financial assistance. It involves empowering people with the skills, resources and opportunities they need to become self-sufficient, support their families and contribute meaningfully to society. Through vocational training, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, job creation and community-based initiatives, Rotarians work to address the underlying causes of poverty and promote sustainable development.
Rotary recognises that strong communities are built when people have access to education, meaningful employment and opportunities to develop their potential. By partnering with governments, businesses, non-profit organisations and community groups, Rotary clubs can help create lasting solutions that respond to local needs and build resilience.
For the Rotary Club of Barbados South, this focus reflects the importance of service that empowers individuals, strengthens communities and creates opportunities for lasting change. Initiatives that support young people, promote inclusion, develop practical skills and encourage community participation demonstrate how service can extend beyond meeting immediate needs to building a foundation for a more sustainable future.
Economic empowerment must also be inclusive. Persons with disabilities, vulnerable families, young people and other underserved groups should have equitable opportunities to participate in economic and community life. By removing barriers and investing in people's abilities, Rotary helps create communities where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.
As we observe Economic and Community Development Month, Rotarians are encouraged to reflect on how their clubs can support sustainable livelihoods, strengthen local partnerships and develop projects that deliver measurable, long-term benefits. Whether through mentoring, skills training, supporting small businesses or connecting people with essential resources, every effort can make a meaningful difference.
This October, let us reaffirm our commitment to building stronger communities by empowering people, expanding opportunities and creating pathways to a more secure and prosperous future for all.
Coming up in November, Rotary Foundation Month!
FOUNDATION CORNER
Message from the Director of foundation, shem scantlebury, for rotary foundation month!
Are we getting everything we can from The Rotary Foundation?
We give to The Rotary Foundation. We hear about Annual Fund-SHARE, PolioPlus, grants and fundraising, and each year Rotarians around the world contribute towards the work of Rotary. But how often do we stop and ask what all of that actually makes possible for our club and the communities we serve? November, as The Rotary Foundation Month, gives us an opportunity to explore that question and take a closer look at what the Foundation can mean for Barbados South.
The Rotary Foundation is much more than a place where Rotarians send contributions. It is one of the ways Rotary turns the generosity of its members into action on a much larger scale, supporting projects that provide clean water and sanitation, improve maternal and child health, strengthen education and literacy, promote peace, prevent and treat disease, support community economic development and protect our environment. It also continues to support Rotary's decades-long commitment to a world without polio.
For RCBS, this opportunity is particularly relevant because we are already doing the work. We have ideas, projects, relationships within our community and Rotarians willing to serve, so the question is whether we are making full use of the resources available to help us take that work further. We do not have to look very far for an example of what that can mean.
Recently, The Rotary Foundation approved a US$64,982.00 Global Grant for a project submitted by the Rotary Club of Barbados South, in partnership with District 7030 and District 5280 in California. The project will build the capacity of educators in Bridgetown, Barbados through Snoezelen-informed training, coaching and guided application. This is a powerful example of what can happen when a club combines its local knowledge and commitment to service with the resources and reach of The Rotary Foundation.
The significance of that approval goes beyond the value of the grant itself. It demonstrates how our participation in the Foundation can help us access resources that allow a good idea to become a much larger project with the potential to benefit more people. Through its funding mechanisms, partnerships and matching opportunities, the Foundation can amplify what Rotarians contribute, meaning that what we give is only part of the story. The other part is what our participation can help us access, develop and accomplish.
That is why understanding the Foundation matters just as much as supporting it. This year's Rotary theme, Create Lasting Impact, provides a fitting lens through which to look at the opportunity before us. Lasting impact is not simply about completing a project or responding to a need once. It is about helping create solutions that continue to benefit people and communities long after the Rotary banner has come down, while using the resources available to us wisely and finding ways to make our service go further.
None of this happens without Rotarians who choose to participate, and to the members of RCBS who have consistently supported The Rotary Foundation through Annual Fund-SHARE, PolioPlus, Rotary Direct or other contributions, thank you. Your generosity helps make Rotary's work possible around the world and strengthens the Foundation that clubs like ours can draw upon when we have an opportunity to create greater impact. For those who have not yet started giving, November is an opportunity to learn more, ask questions and find a way to participate that works for you.
It is also an opportunity for all of us to think beyond the question of how much we give and consider how effectively we are using the Foundation as a club. Which of our projects could be strengthened through Foundation support? What opportunities are available to us? How can we make our contributions work harder? And what could RCBS accomplish if more of us understood how to use the Foundation to its full potential?
Throughout November, we will explore those questions together. We will look beyond the fundraising to understand where our contributions go, how Annual Fund-SHARE and PolioPlus work, how Foundation grants can strengthen our service and how we can turn the resources available to us into greater impact for the communities we serve. The more we understand, the better positioned we are to participate, make informed decisions and ensure that the generosity of our members translates into meaningful and lasting service.
The Rotary Foundation gives us more than an opportunity to give. It gives our club an opportunity to do more with the spirit of service, ideas and commitment that we already have. As we celebrate Foundation Month, let us take the time to understand that opportunity, consider how we can make greater use of it and continue building on the work that has already shown us what is possible.
RCBS Foundation Contributions 2026-2027
Foundation contributions thus far for this Rotary year are as follows (USD):
Rotaract 101 - Building the Next Generation of Service Leaders
The Rotaract Club of South Barbados continued its focus on membership development and engagement with a special Rotaract 101 session held on Saturday, October 24th, 2026, at the Luther Thorne Memorial Primary School.
Facilitated by Dir. Graham Belle, the session introduced participants to the purpose and values of Rotaract, highlighting the opportunities it provides for fellowship, leadership development and meaningful community service.
Through discussions and engagement, participants explored what it means to be a Rotaractor and how they can contribute to positive change within their communities. The session also reinforced the importance of building connections, developing leadership skills and creating opportunities for young people to make a difference.
Guided by its theme, Belong. Build. Become., the club continues to encourage young professionals and community-minded individuals to get involved, grow through service and become agents of positive change.
the rotaract club of south barbados is looking for volunteers
Do you want to give back to your community and help nurture a love of reading in children? The Rotaract Club of South Barbados is inviting volunteers to support the Rotaract Reading Room, a literacy project for children ages 6–11. They are looking for volunteers to assist with group reading, storytelling, games, crafts and session activities. You don't have to be a teacher, just bring your enthusiasm, patience and willingness to help!
Dates: First and third Saturdays starting November 7th, 2026
Location: St. Ambrose Primary School, Cypress Street, Bridgetown St. Michael.
Interested? Complete the volunteer form here:
https://forms.gle/NrWNajhePDxPQiTw6
Help us grow Little Readers with Big Imaginations!
INTERACT CLUB OF PRINCESS MARGARET: UPCOMING EVENTS
WORLD INTERACT WEEK 2026
DISTRICT 7030
DISTRICT 7030 Stepping Forward Together for a Polio-Free World!
Representatives of Rotary District 7030 joined Rotarians from across the region and beyond in reaffirming their commitment to a polio-free world through the Revolutionary Walk to End Polio, held on Saturday, October 24th 2026, in observance of World Polio Day. The walk formed part of the activities of the Rotary Zones 33/34 Summit in Williamsburg, Virginia.
The initiative brought together Rotary leaders to raise awareness and demonstrate their continued support for the global effort to eradicate polio. Their participation served as a reminder that, although significant progress has been made, the fight against polio is not yet over.
Representing District 7030 were District Governor-Elect Steven Tjin A Djie and his wife, Inez Woei A Tsoi; Past District Governors Leslie Ramdhanny, Sonya Alleyne and C. David Edwards; and District Governor Nominee Giselle Holder.
Through their participation, the District 7030 representatives demonstrated the enduring spirit of service and collective responsibility that continues to drive Rotary's global End Polio Now campaign.
As Rotarians around the world marked World Polio Day, the message remained clear: every step, every contribution and every effort brings us closer to a polio-free world.
Barcelona 2027 Is Calling!
Rotarians of District 7030, it’s time to start planning for Barcelona! The 2027 Rotary International Convention is heading to one of the world’s most vibrant cities, and we want District 7030 to be there in force.
From June 6th to 9th, 2027, Rotarians from around the world will come together in Barcelona to connect, learn, celebrate and be inspired by the incredible impact of Rotary. Whether you are a seasoned Convention attendee or have never experienced a Rotary International Convention before, Barcelona promises to be an unforgettable opportunity to meet fellow Rotarians, strengthen friendships and experience Rotary on a truly global scale.
The Early Bird registration period may be over, but there is still plenty of time to secure your place. Register now at https://buff.ly/cL4OEuf and start making your plans for this exciting Rotary experience.
And the Convention is only part of the excitement. Plans are already underway for “The Gathering,” the signature Zones 33/34 Convention event, as well as the much-anticipated District 7030 Fellowship Lime on Monday, June 28th, 2027.
Imagine experiencing Barcelona alongside Rotarians from across the Caribbean and around the world, enjoying fellowship, making new connections and creating memories that will last long after the Convention ends. So don’t wait until everyone else is talking about Barcelona. Register, share the news with your Club and encourage your fellow Rotarians to join you!
ROTARY INTERNATIONAL UPDATES
Trinidad and Tobago
In his native Trinidad and Tobago, legendary calypso artist David Rudder is known as “King David.” Yet many Trinidadians don’t know that as a toddler Rudder contracted polio, leaving him with a weakened left leg. In February, the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain honored Rudder as a Paul Harris Fellow. The artist, who continues to perform at age 73, was feted during a gala aligned with the World’s Greatest Meal initiative, which supports the End Polio Now campaign.
“By honoring Mr. Rudder, the Rotary club not only celebrates a towering cultural figure but also underscores the very real human impact of polio, a disease that Rotary and its global partners are working tirelessly to eradicate,” says former club member Kimberly De Souza. “His life story powerfully reinforces why the fight to end polio must continue until no child, anywhere, suffers from a preventable disease.”
CANADA
In an attention-grabbing effort to introduce new members to Rotary’s polio push, the Rotary Club of Southampton, Ontario, scheduled a dinner packed with purple. A club member concocted a menu that included meatballs in grape jelly sauce, red cabbage, roasted beet and carrot salad, purple sweet potato, and blueberry crumble, with grape punch to wash it down. “We have many new members and we wanted a fun way to introduce them to the campaign,” says Susan Macdonald, a past club president.
The club showed a video on the history of PolioPlus, and a member spoke about her polio vaccination service trip. Many of the roughly 60 attendees dressed in purple. “I was blown away by the dedication and commitment to this project,” says Jim Stark, a new member.
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