On January 21st; Errol Barrow Day, Rotarians from the RCBS got together for a morning of fellowship as part of our charter anniversary celebrations. Each Rotarian brought something to share, and contributed to a magnificent breakfast.
We assembled at Andromeda Gardens from which we took a scenic walk enjoying the fresh air and terrain of Bathsheba. After our walk, we shared a sumptuous breakfast in Rochelle's Garden; the newest section of Andromeda Gardens. This section was designed to allow Wheelchair users to explore independently and is characterized by a beautiful mural that was painted by students of the Irvine Wilson School.
It was a wonderful morning of fun and fellowship that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present.
On Sunday January 26th Rotarians from RCBS attended the church service at St Matthias church as part of our celebration of our 39th charter anniversary. It was a lovely service with relevant readings and sermon. President Terry did us proud with her excellent reading of the lesson and impromptu talk about the club. We were warmly welcomed and invited to return in the future.
Model United Nations (MUN) 2025
On January 25th 2025 the three rotary clubs of Barbados joined forces with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade and the United Nation Mission in Barbados to launch the 13th installation of MUN. Our own PDG Sonya chaired the opening ceremony in her usual fine style.
There were remarks from Rotary by the presidents of RCOB, RCBW, PE Jacklyn and AG Paul. Mr. Simon Springett made remarks on behalf of the UN and Ms. Donna Forde made remarks on behalf of the ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade.
After the opening ceremony, Rotarian Lisa Cummins (Aunty Lisa) introduced the individuals who will facilitate the sessions over the next 7 weeks and gave the teens an overview of what will be expected of them. After introducing themselves, the teens were assigned the countries they will represent for the next 7 weeks.
It was an exciting start to an amazing project that will be facilitated by Rotarians and foreign service officers in the upcoming weeks.
MUN Opening Ceremony images:
Top Left-Coordinating Group and Club Presidents. Top right-PDG Sonya as Master of Ceremonies
Middle left- Participants. Middle Right- PE Jacklyn giving remarks on behalf of RCBS
Bottom from left to right- President of RCOB, President of RCBW, AG Paul, Mr. Simon Springett (Resident coordinator of UN Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean), Ms. Donna Forde (Director General- Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade).
Vocational Service Awards Dinner Meeting
On Wednesday January 29th 2025, RCBS held a special meeting at the Mount Gay Visitor Centre. We had a few very special guests with us.
President Terry Welcomed everyone and in her remarks, reiterated the message that she read so beautifully at the church service. She reminded us that we are all members of one body and that all of our gifts are important components of the functioning of that body. She also welcomed our special guests that were invited in acknowledgment of their exemplary vocational service.
Rich Burger now Rotarian Rich and his wife Judy visited us yet again. Rich and Judy are no strangers to the club. Rich was so enamored by his experience while visiting with us that he was encouraged to become a Rotarian himself and is now a proud member of the Rotary Club of Burlington. He exchanged club banners with President Terry and presented her with a hat from his club's ugly sweater fellowship project as he proudly announced that he is now officially a Rotarian.
The main highlight of the meeting however, was the recognition of a special individual and an institution for their Vocational Service. This year's vocational service awards were presented to Ava "Pinky" Lewis of the Barbados Red Cross Society and Divisional Officer Small on behalf of the Barbados Fire Service.
"Pinky" has proudly served with the Barbados Red Cross for over 5 decades. Even though she is now officially retired, she continues to serve diligently, daily and is one of the main executors of the Meals on Wheels Program of the Barbados Red Cross. Rotarians expressed great joy and admiration as they recounted their experiences of serving with her. The presentation was witnessed by her great granddaughter Kahisha Gail Forde who was visibly proud to witness the recognition.
Divisional Officer Small expressed gratitude to be in receipt of the award which acknowledges the work of the Barbados Fire Service. He was thrilled with the timing, as the Fire service is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. He thanked us for the recognition and invited us to look out for their new programs on fire safety and public education.
Later in the evening, PP Marcel made some surprise presentations of his own as he took the opportunity to award Rotarians who were not present at the installation ceremony last July. Though he had 4 overdue President's Awards only PP Brian and PHF Morexa were present. Both were surprised by and thrilled to receive these awards.
All in all in was a wonderful evening for both Rotarians and guests. The venue was the perfect location for such an affair. At the end, the Sarge disciplined us with his usual entertaining flair. It is fair to say the we all enjoyed a wonderful evening of festivities.
Bridgetown Feeding