The Rotary Club of Barbados South celebrated International Literacy Day on September 8, 2026, with the presentation of Little Libraries to Grantley Prescod Primary, George Lamming Primary and Arthur Smith Primary as part of its Little Libraries for Childhood Literacy project. September is recognised by Rotary as Basic Education and Literacy Month, highlighting one of Rotary International’s key areas of focus.
The project seeks not only to increase access to books, but also to promote sustainable literacy practices through the transfer of skills and knowledge. This initiative was made possible through funding from a Rotary Foundation District Grant from District 7030, and the Club extends its sincere thanks to the District for its continued support.
RECAPPING THE MONTH WITH RCBS
SEPTEMBER 2nd 2026: "Kidney Health for All"
The evening, in-person meeting hosted by the Rotary Club of Barbados South on September 2nd 2026 was both informative and inspiring as members explored an important but often overlooked health issue: kidney disease.
Community advocate and long-term renal disease patient Rtn. Adrian Boyce delivered an engaging presentation on kidney health, chronic kidney disease (CKD), dialysis and the importance of prevention. Drawing on his own experience living with renal disease, Mr. Boyce provided practical information on the five stages of CKD, dialysis options, nutrition, lifestyle management and the importance of regular health checks.
Members were reminded that prevention and early detection are key. Managing blood pressure and blood sugar, eating healthily, exercising, avoiding harmful substances and getting tested when at risk can all play an important role in protecting kidney health. The presentation also highlighted the growing burden of kidney disease and dialysis in Barbados and the need for greater public awareness and advocacy.
The evening also brought a special reason to celebrate as we officially welcomed PP Lima Daisy into the Rotary Club of Barbados South! PP Lima was formally pinned as a member by President Kerryann Ifill, with Director Morexa Martin-Gardiner proudly serving as her sponsor. We are delighted to welcome PP Lima to our Rotary family and look forward to sharing many meaningful opportunities for service above self with her!
It was truly an evening of learning, health awareness and fellowship,a wonderful reflection of Rotary's commitment to making a positive difference both within our Club and throughout our community.
Attendance: 43%
SEPTEMBER 9th 2026: Business Meeting
The Club’s second meeting for September highlighted a busy period of service, fellowship and planning. Members celebrated the delivery of Little Libraries to Grantley Prescott and George Lamming Primary Schools, with five more installations to come. President Kerryann also announced the successful submission of five District Grant applications, supporting disability inclusion, accessible agriculture, education, peacebuilding and earthquake preparedness.
Members received updates on the Princess Margaret First Form Academy and the upcoming RYLA Cluster, which will engage approximately 150 young people in January. The Club is also looking forward to fellowship at BASE, participation in the Walk for the Cure, and a joint World Polio Day fundraiser with the other Rotary clubs in Barbados. Members were encouraged to continue supporting the Club’s upcoming service, youth and fundraising activities.
Save the Dates
October 4th: Walk for the Cure
October 7th: Club Forum
October 23-24th: World Polio Day Interclub Event
November 4th: Nominations Day
December 2th: Club Elections
December 12th: Hamper Packing
December 13th: Colours of Christmas - Nightingale Children’s Home
December 19-20th: Classical Best of Youth
January 9-10th, 2027: RYLA Cluster
Attendance: 44%
SEPTEMBER 16th 2026: "A Conversation on Estate Planning"
The evening, online meeting of September 16th featured presentations on school transformation and estate planning. Dr. Orville Blackman and teacher Tricia Forde shared plans for a comprehensive transformation programme at Princess Margaret Secondary School, focused on improving student outcomes through engagement with students, staff, parents and community partners. The Club was invited to support the initiative through mentorship, speaking engagements and material contributions, including accessible benches for the school’s green spaces.
Rotarian Lyanne Lowe-Blades delivered an informative presentation on estate planning, encouraging members to consider an important responsibility that is often postponed. She explained the purpose of a will, the difference between dying testate and intestate, and how assets may be distributed when someone dies without a will. Members also learned about selecting executors, naming beneficiaries, updating wills following major life changes, and the importance of ensuring that insurance and pension beneficiaries are properly identified.
The presentation also highlighted circumstances in which certain assets, such as jointly owned property, insurance policies, pension benefits and trust assets, may pass outside of a will. Lyanne emphasised the importance of keeping wills clear and current, particularly where there are overseas assets, blended families or complex ownership arrangements.
Attendance: 55.8%
SEPTEMBER 23rd 2026: Recognising Service and Promoting Inclusion
At its September 23 meeting, the Rotary Club of Barbados South celebrated the commitment to service of three members who were recognised as Paul Harris Fellows. Rtn. Glyne Husbands received PHF +1, Dir. Morexa Martin-Gardiner was recognised with PHF +3, and Rtn. DeniseShepherd-Johnson received PHF +7, reflecting their continued contributions to the Rotary Foundation and the community.
The Club also welcomed Akeem Rudder, Autism Exercise Specialist and Inclusion and Disability Educator at IncludeU Sports Academy. Akeem shared his passion for supporting persons with disabilities in Barbados and highlighted the meaningful impact of inclusive sport and recreation on individuals and their families. His presentation provided valuable insight into autism spectrum disorder and the diverse strengths, experiences and support needs of autistic persons.
He encouraged community organisations to take practical steps towards inclusion: welcome persons with disabilities, learn more about disability and accessibility, partner with organisations supporting families, and create opportunities for participation in sport, education, recreation and community life.
Akeem’s message reinforced the importance of moving beyond awareness to meaningful inclusion. We thank him for inspiring us to continue working towards a Barbados where everyone is welcomed, valued and empowered to thrive.
Attendance: 27.3%
SEPTEMBER 30th 2026: Fellowship at BASE
On September 30th, members and guests of the Rotary Club of Barbados South gathered at the Barbados Association for Supported Employment (BASE) in Greenwich Village for an enjoyable afternoon of fellowship, friendship and good food.
Attendees were treated to a delicious lunch prepared and served by young persons with disabilities participating in BASE’s supported employment programme. Their enthusiasm, hospitality and attention to detail helped make the experience both enjoyable and meaningful for everyone in attendance.
The afternoon provided a wonderful opportunity to relax, catch up and strengthen the bonds of friendship that are such an important part of Rotary. It also highlighted the valuable work being done by BASE to create opportunities for young persons with disabilities to develop skills, gain work experience and participate more fully in the community.
The Club extends its sincere thanks to the BASE team and the young people who catered the lunch for their warm welcome and outstanding service. It was a wonderful afternoon of fellowship with a meaningful purpose at its heart.
Attendance: 20.5%
SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE
BRIDGETOWN FEEDING
The Rotary Club of Barbados South continued its monthly Bridgetown Feeding Initiative on Monday, September 28, 2026, providing 108 meals to persons in need within the Bridgetown community.
Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Barbados South, joined by members of the Rotary Club of Barbados West, gathered at Independence Square to support the distribution. The initiative continues to provide not only much-needed meals, but also an opportunity for Rotarians to come together in fellowship and service.
The Club extends its sincere appreciation to all those who contributed meals, time and support to make this month’s initiative possible. The continued success of the project is made possible through the dedication and commitment of Rotarians who consistently give their time and energy to serve.
NATIONAL ARBOR DAY
Students of Gordon Greenidge Primary School joined in the celebration of National Arbor Day on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, by getting their hands in the soil and planting four fruit trees as part of an initiative supported through the Agrokids programme.
The tree-planting activity was made possible through a collaboration between the Rotary Club of Barbados South (RCBS), the National Conservation Commission (NCC) and Gordon Greenidge Primary School. The initiative provided students with a practical opportunity to learn about the importance of trees while contributing to a greener and more sustainable school environment.
Four fruit trees were planted by the students: soursop, golden apple, sugar apple and Suriname cherry. In addition to providing shade and enhancing the school’s landscape, the trees will eventually produce nutritious fruits that can be enjoyed by the school community.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
October 7th 2026 - Evening In-Person Meeting; Savannah Beach Club at 6:30 pm
October 14th 2026 - Lunch Zoom Meeting at 12:30 pm
October 21st 2026 - Evening Zoom Meeting at 6:30 pm
October 28th 2026 - Lunch In-Person Meeting; Savannah Beach Club at 12:30 pm
BRIDGETOWN FEEDING:
Date: Monday, October 26th 2026
Location: Independence Square, Bridgetown
Assignments: TBA
BIRTHDAYS :
Rtn. Wendell Scantlebury - October 3rd
Linette Mapp, PIS of Rtn. Malcolm Mapp - October 4th
PP Marcel Murrell - October 5th
PP Brian Lashley - October 6th
IPP Jacklyn Broomes - October 11th
Anne-Marie Elcock-Connolly, PIS George Connolly - October 29th
ANNIVERSARIES :
PP Malcolm Mapp and PIS Linette Mapp - October 21st
ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES:
Nil
SEPTEMBER IS BASIC EDUCATION AND LITERACY MONTH
September is Basic Education and Literacy Month in Rotary, highlighting one of Rotary International’s seven areas of focus. Education and literacy are fundamental building blocks for stronger individuals, families, and communities.
The ability to read, write, understand information, and communicate effectively is essential to everyday life. These skills help us make informed decisions, access opportunities, communicate with others, enter into agreements, and participate meaningfully in our communities.
Investing in basic education and literacy can help break the cycle of poverty. Improved educational opportunities can contribute to better health outcomes, increased economic and community development, greater opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship, and stronger, more peaceful communities. Education also plays an important role in improving maternal health, increasing childhood survival, and empowering individuals to build more secure and productive futures.
Rotary Clubs around the world support initiatives that address a wide range of educational needs. Projects may focus on improving adult literacy, helping young people return to school, strengthening student performance, providing educational resources, or supplementing limited resources in schools.
There are many ways for Rotary Clubs to make a meaningful difference, from supporting literacy programmes and reading initiatives to providing books, learning materials, technology, and opportunities for children and adults to develop essential skills.
This September, let us remember that literacy is more than the ability to read and write but it is a pathway to opportunity, independence, and a better quality of life. Through service, advocacy, and partnerships, Rotary can help ensure that every person has the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential.
Coming up in October, Community and Economic Development Month!
FOUNDATION CORNER
PintS & Pizza FOR Polio
Join us as we get ready for another great opportunity to End Polio Now while enjoying good food, fellowship and fun!
Pints & Pizza for Polio will take place on Friday, October 23rd and is a joint fundraising initiative involving all Rotary Clubs in Barbados. Tickets are $50, with the majority of the contribution going towards Rotary’s PolioPlus Fund, while a small portion covers pizza and a beverage.
We are now seeking commitments from members for ticket sales. We encourage everyone to support the initiative by purchasing tickets, attending the event, and helping to promote it among family, friends and colleagues.
Every ticket sold brings us one step closer to a polio-free world, and your participation helps demonstrate Rotary’s continued commitment to End Polio Now. Please let us know how many tickets you can commit to selling or purchasing. Let’s rally together, fill the venue and make this year’s Pints & Pizza for Polio a success!
RCBS foundation contributions 2026-2027
Foundation contributions thus far for this Rotary year are as follows (USD):
the interact club of princess margaret begins a new year of service
The Rotary Club of Barbados South welcomed the Interact Club of Princess Margaret Secondary School into another year of service, leadership and fellowship, with a kickoff meeting on Tuesday, September 15th, marking the official start of its new Interact year. The meeting was led by Acting President Sarah Rogers and Acting Vice President Nathan Joseph, who guided students through the session and set the tone for the year ahead.
Representing the Rotary Club of Barbados South were Director of Youth Kemi Brewster and Director of Club Administration Morexa Martin-Gardiner, who addressed the students and encouraged them to embrace the opportunities that Interact provides for leadership, personal development and community service.
The PMSS Interactors will continue building on the Club’s tradition of youth-led service, working alongside Rotary to identify opportunities to make a positive difference in their school and wider community.
DISTRICT 7030
top giving clubs for polio - september 2026
The fight to End Polio Now continues, and Rotary clubs across District 7030 are already setting the pace. Congratulations to our Top Ten Giving Clubs year to date, led by the Rotary Club of Fort-de-France Sud in first place, the Rotary Club of Barbados South in second, and the Rotary Club of Dominica in third.
These clubs have demonstrated an early commitment to the fight against polio, helping to build momentum across the District. Let’s continue working together to raise awareness, increase giving, and help Rotary finish the job of eradicating polio.
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 28, 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
From raising funds for young people in Mexico to expanding access to healthcare in Uganda, Rotary clubs continue to turn local ideas into meaningful action around the world.
In Mexico, the Rotary Club of Mérida English organised a chili cook-off that raised more than US$6,600 for youth services. Fourteen chefs competed, with more than 200 diners voting for the winner. The event was organised in partnership with the Mérida English Library and the International Women’s Club, demonstrating how collaboration can strengthen community impact.
In Uganda, the Rotary Club of Lake Bunyonyi organised a one-day medical clinic that provided consultations, screening, testing, health education and treatment to 772 people, many from rural communities with limited access to healthcare. Rotarians worked alongside medical professionals, local leaders and Red Cross representatives.
And in Taiwan, the Rotary Club of Taipei continued its long-running student innovation competition. This year's challenge focused on supporting the country's ageing population. The winning university team developed low-cost improvements to medical-alert bracelets, allowing the devices to transmit a wearer's location following a fall, including from inside buildings with thick walls.
These projects demonstrate the breadth of Rotary's work — from youth development and inclusion to healthcare, veteran support and innovation — and show how local Rotary action can create lasting impact in communities around the world.
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