The new Rotary year 2026-2027 is upon us! Let's get into it!
FEATURED STORY
RCBS AWARDED ITS 1ST GLOBAL GRANT!
(An example of a Snoezelen Room)
The Rotary Club of Barbados South is delighted to announce the approval of a US$64,982 Global Grant from The Rotary Foundation. Conceptualised during the 2024–2025 Rotary year under the leadership of Past President Terry Hall, the project will build the capacity of educators in Barbados through Snoezelen-informed training, coaching and guided application. Implemented in partnership with District 5280, California, the initiative will strengthen inclusive educational support and improve learning experiences for students with disabilities and diverse learning needs.
This achievement reflects the dedication and collaboration of everyone who helped transform the initial concept into a successful Global Grant application. The Club extends sincere appreciation to the grant-writing team, our international partners and all those who contributed their expertise, time and support throughout the process. We look forward to the lasting impact this project will have on educators, students and their families.
RECAPPING THE MONTH WITH RCBS
JULY 1st 2026
The Rotary Club of Barbados South held its first lunchtime in-person meeting for Rotary Year 2026-2027 on July 1st, 2026. President Kerryann Ifill presided over the meeting which was graced by the presence of Assistant Governor Gale Reeves and President of the Rotary Club of Barbados West, Wayne Alleyne. President Kerryann first highlighed the new year message by DG Maurice Saad. She then followed with a presentation on the Club plans for the new Rotary year as well as the club goals. All Rotarians were encourage to participate in the service and fellowship activities.
Attendance: 30%
JULY 8th 2026
The Rotary Club of Barbados South held its second lunchtime Zoom meeting on July 8th, 2026. President Kerryann Ifill made a detailed presentation on plans for RYLA 2027 (Rotary Youth Leadership Award), outlining a new cluster-based approach targeting at least 200 young people across the three Barbados clubs, planned for January 9–10th, 2027.
Treasurer Dion Franklin then presented a high-level financial overview for the club and charity accounts for the year ending June 30, 2026, followed by Director Morexa Martin-Gardiner who presented a tentative meeting schedule for July through December 2026. Key upcoming activities include Bridgetown Feeding, the Joint Service Club Quiz, Dining in the Dark, Best of Youth, and Annual Hamper Packing.
Attendance: 44%
JULY 15th 2026
The Rotary Club of Barbados South held its third evening Zoom meeting on July 15th, 2026. Director Courtney Ramsay presented a detailed plan for the service project portfolio for this Rotary year, inclusive of Legacy/ returning projects and themed initiatives under "Inclusive Service: Resilient Communities - Prepare. Protect. Empower". Are you interested in learning more about how you can assist? Kindly contact Director Courtney Ramsay for more information!
Attendance: 40%
JULY 22nd 2026
The Rotary Club of Barbados South welcomed District of Emergency Management Consultnt Selwyn Brooks as its first guest speaker for the 2026-2027 Rotary year on Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026, at the Savannah Beach Club.
In recognition of Maternal and Child Health Month, Mr. Brooks delivered an insightful presentation on resilience during and after disasters, with particular emphasis on protecting and supporting vulnerable mothers and children. Drawing on his extensive experience in disaster preparedness, response and resilience planning, he highlighted the importance of proactive preparation, inclusive emergency planning and strong community support systems. The presentation aligned closely with the Club’s theme, “Inclusive Service: Resilient Communities - Prepare. Protect. Empower.” Mr. Brooks reminded members that "Healthy mothers means healthy children; Healthy children means healthy future; healthy future means resilient societies".
At this meeting, PP Terry Hall was also pinned as Director of Membership for this Rotary year. Congratulations! Attendance: 31%
JULY 29th 2026
In fine fellowship form, members of the Rotary Club of Barbados South descended on Worthing Square, Worthing, Christ Church on July 29th, 2026, the fifth Wednesday for the month. Rotarians were joined by family and friends for an enjoyable evening filled with laughter, lively conversation and camaraderie. PE Ryan Best was accompanied by two Rotarians from Guadeloupe, while PDG Sonya introduced two friends from the United Kingdom.
The gathering provided a welcome opportunity to unwind, appreciate one another and strengthen the friendships that unite the Rotary family. The evening was a meaningful reminder that fellowship remains one of the cornerstones of Rotary, helping to build the strong relationships that support effective service and more resilient communities.
SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE
NEW CLUB THEME ALERT
President Kerryann Ifill has announced the Rotary Club of Barbados South’s 2026-2027 theme: “Inclusive Service: Resilient Communities - Prepare. Protect. Empower.”
The theme emphasises that disaster preparedness, response and recovery must include everyone, especially persons with disabilities, older persons, children and vulnerable families. Through awareness, planning and community participation, the Club will help people understand risks, access support and build resilience: Prepare through knowledge. Protect those most at risk. Empower communities to become stronger and safer. Stay tuned for more information!
THE BURNS REHABILIATION AND ORTHOTICS SUPPORT PROJECT
The Rotary Club of Barbados South recently supported the specialised treatment of a young child who sustained serious scald burns to the abdomen, lower torso and thighs. Through the Burns Rehabilitation and Orthotics Support Project, the child received an occupational therapy assessment, temporary Redi-Fit burn vests and briefs, silicone gel sheets and custom-made pressure garments designed to control scar growth and help prevent contractures, disfigurement and reduced mobility.
The child will continue receiving occupational therapy and will require replacement garments as she grows throughout the approximately 18-month treatment period. Her family and caregivers are also being guided in scar care, garment maintenance and supportive home-based treatment.
This was the second installment of this initiative and cost BDS $4,675.64 in total. It was funded through a BDS $4,000.00 Rotary District 7030 grant from 2025-2026, supplemented by a BDS $657.64 contribution from Ross University. It was implemented in partnership with the Barbados Burns and Orthotics Charitable Trust, helping to ensure access to essential care that may otherwise have been beyond the family’s financial reach.
BRIDGETOWN FEEDING
On Monday, July 27th 2026, Rotarians gathered in Independence Square for another successful evening of fellowship and service through the Bridgetown Feeding Programme. A total of 108 meals was distributed to persons in need. On behalf of the Rotary Club of Barbados South, meals were provided by Rtn. Malcolm Mapp, PP Richard Kennedy and PP Terry Hall, who were joined by members of the Rotary Club of Barbados West in carrying out the initiative.
The evening was made even more meaningful by the participation of four children, two children of a Rotarian and two of their friends. They eagerly assisted with serving the meals and expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to be involved. Inspired by the experience, they shared that they would be happy to participate again. The initiative demonstrated the impact that can be achieved when Rotarians work together in service to their community. Blessed are those who are given the opportunity to serve. Well done to the entire team!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UPCOMING MEETINGS:
August 5th 2026 - Evening In-Person Meeting; Savannah Beach Club at 6:30 pm
August 12th 2026 - Lunch Zoom Meeting at 12:30 pm
August 19th 2026 - Evening Zoom Meeting at 6:30 pm
August 26th 2026 - Lunch In-Person Meeting; Savannah Beach Club at 12:30 pm
BRIDGETOWN FEEDING:
Date: Monday, August 31st 2026
Location: Independence Square, Bridgetown
Assignments: Rtns. Lyanne Lowe-Blades, Mario Carter and Nigel Adams
BIRTHDAYS :
Dir. Shem Scantlebury - August 2nd
Howard Hall, PIS of PP Terry Hall - August 10th
Rtn. Denise Shepherd-Johnson - August 19th
Andrea Thompson, PIS of PP Peter Thompson - August 30th
ANNIVERSARIES :
PP Michael and Maria Trotman - August 9th
PDG Sonya and David Alleyne - August 15th
PP Michael and Evelyn Forde - August 16th
Rtn. Lyanne Lowe-Blades and Ramon Blades - August 24th
Treas. Dion and Tanisha Franklin - August 27th
Hon Rtn. David and Shera Clarke - August 27th
ROTARY ANNIVERSARIES:
PP Peter Thompson - August 11th
July is Maternal and Child Health Month
Each July, Rotary places special emphasis on Maternal and Child Health, one of its principal areas of focus and an essential foundation for strong families and thriving communities.
Rotary believes that every mother and child should have access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to enjoy a healthy future. Around the world, Rotarians support programmes that improve prenatal and postnatal care, strengthen community health services, promote proper nutrition and sanitation, train healthcare professionals and provide families with vital health information.
Maternal and child health is about more than surviving pregnancy and infancy; it is about creating the conditions in which mothers feel supported, children can grow and develop, and families are empowered to make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
As we observe Maternal and Child Health Month, the Rotary Club of Barbados South joins the global Rotary family in recognising the importance of protecting mothers and children and promoting healthier, more resilient communities. When we invest in their health today, we create stronger families and brighter futures for generations to come.
Coming up in August: Membership and New Club Development Month!
The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. Together, we can make an impact in your community and around the world.
What impact can one donation have?
$3 is the average cost to fully protect a child against polio.
$50 can maintain water filters to help fight waterborne illness.
$200 to develop work opportunities by replacing livestock for people impacted by disasters.
Did you know that the Rotary Club of Barbados South is a 100% Foundation Giving Club? Foundation contributions thus far for this Rotary year are as follows (USD):
The Rotaract Club of South Barbados has officially announced its return, bringing renewed energy, fresh ideas and a clear vision for the year ahead. To mark this exciting new chapter, the Club launched its 2026-2027 theme: “BELONG. BUILD. BECOME.”
More than a collection of words, the theme reflects the Club’s commitment to its members and the communities it serves. Belong represents the creation of a welcoming environment where friendships flourish, every voice is valued and everyone feels at home. Build focuses on strengthening the Club through meaningful service, leadership development, impactful partnerships and memorable fellowship experiences. Become encourages members to grow into compassionate leaders, confident changemakers and the best versions of themselves while creating a lasting difference within their communities.
District 7030 Rotaract Conference returned to Antigua after more than 20 years. Antigua and Barbuda proudly welcomed nearly 200 young leaders from across the Caribbean as Rotaract Antigua hosted the 2026 Rotaract District 7030 Conference. Click here to learn more!
ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS (RYLA) 2027
The District 7030 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) programme is proposed to be a two-day leadership development experience designed for young people between the ages of 14 and 18. Through expert presentations, interactive workshops, group activities and personal reflection, participants will be encouraged to learn, connect emotionally with important issues and commit to meaningful action within their schools and communities.
The programme will focus on four key themes: leadership, bullying and cyberbullying, health and childhood obesity prevention, and environmental sustainability. Participants will explore Rotary’s Four-Way Test, examine the role of active bystanders in addressing bullying, develop healthy lifestyle challenges and use design thinking to create practical solutions to community problems.
At the end of the programme, each participant will make three personal leadership commitments and become part of the District 7030 RYLA alumni network. Sponsoring Rotary clubs and mentors will provide follow-up support after three and six months, helping participants to sustain their commitments and advance the projects developed during the programme.
RYLA is therefore more than a weekend of activities; it is an investment in confident, socially conscious young leaders who are prepared to create lasting impact. For more information, or to find out how you can assist, please contact President Kerryann Ifill or Click here to learn more!
DISTRICT 7030
HAPPY NEW ROTARY YEAR FROM DG MAURICE!
The District Governor extended warm wishes to Rotarians and their families at the start of the new Rotary year. Looking ahead to a year filled with projects, fellowship and opportunities for service across District 7030, the Governor expressed enthusiasm about working alongside and supporting clubs throughout the year. Rotarians were encouraged to embrace the year ahead in the spirit of friendship, collaboration and Service Above Self.
Every Rotary year, the Rotary International Board of Directors makes minor changes to the list of zones based on decisions to merge or create new districts, or grant district requests to change zones. In addition, the Board conducts a comprehensive review at least every eight years to comply with RI Bylaws that districts and clubs be divided into 34 zones of approximately equal number of Rotarians. This is done to ensure that Rotary’s Board of Directors accurately reflects our diverse and global membership.
In 2025, three Board-approved regional workgroups developed rezoning proposals for Asia, Europe/Africa, and the Americas. These workgroups submitted their proposals to the Zones Review Steering Committee, chaired by RI Vice President Alain Van de Poel, which consolidated them into a single, worldwide plan for the Board’s consideration at their January 2026 meeting. The Board voted unanimously to approve this plan.
At their April 2026 meeting, the Board voted unanimously on the sectioning, pairing, and director rotation cycle for the new zones structure.
:
:
