Rotary Club of Barbados Ushers in its New Leadership at its Annual Installation Ceremony – July 05, 2025
The Rotary Club of Barbados recently installed its new leaders for the upcoming year 2025 in what was deemed a Cocktail Reception with a difference. Held under the patronage of the President of Barbados, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, GCMG, DA, QC., this reception and awards ceremony awards took place at the picturesque Mahogany Ridge.
In concert with previous years, this year the Rotary Installation event was well attended by Rotarians across Barbados and their honoured guests to witness and welcome the new leadership under this year’s theme Unite for Good. In true Rotarian style the outgoing President Arlene Ross, showcased the years in review and touched on key projects and engagements such as the continuation of the Youth Elevation Scheme, environmental project such as the Hummingbird Project, and the signature project Project Amai. The now Past President gleamed as she spoke about Project Amai and what joy and advancement it brought to the lives of young mothers between the ages of 13 and 22 years as they themselves sought a better life for their families.
The participants received a wealth of knowledge and tutoring from professionals in Mental Health, awareness, Self-care, Entrepreneurship, Finding Your Purpose, Resume Writing and Meditation, just to name a few. All projects were aimed at improving the lives of those who needed it and through those projects the Magic of Rotary was created in their lives.
Past President Arlene thanked the Club for their unwavering support and commitment shown during the year and asked for their continued support to the incoming President for 2025, President Jeff Evelyn.
Proudly accepting the baton, the newly installed President Jeff Evelyn, evenly passionate about living the Rotary life with a sense of purpose, delivered his vision for the year ahead, which easily aligned with the Rotary theme; Unite for Good. In his remarks President Jeff highlight the flagship project for the year. He stated, “ This year we continue our proud tradition of impactful service with a bold and innovative project as our flagship initiative. One that speaks to Rotary’s enduring motto of Service Above Self and to the shared commitment that no child should ever be left behind”. He further stated that in collaboration with WizdomCRM and the Ministry of Education, he was pleased to introduce Pathways to Learning – Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tutor program, an educational breakthrough tailored specifically to support children who are too often left in the shadows. “Whether due to learning difficulties such as Dyslexia, ADHD or to challenging home environments, too many of our youth are not afforded the same opportunities to thrive”.
Inclusion and unity are a missing ingredient in our society and Pathways to Learning can provide that added benefit to its participants through round-the-clock academic support in literacy and numeracy. “Of utmost important, the program offers dignity, inclusion and hope to those labelled children who are left to face life on their own. It is designed to support those most at risk of being forgotten.
President Jeff noted that the project was a big one and encouraged all Rotarians to embrace the goal and boldly walk into the year with hope, and a spirit of giving back to the communities.
The Club further celebrated the induction of their newest Honorary Rotarians for 2025-26. Dr. Neal Massy. Past President & Senator Lisa Cummins and Mrs. Hurley.
The title of Honorary Rotarian is a prestigious recognition granted to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the Rotary Club's principles of Service Above Self. It is an esteemed acknowledgment of their remarkable achievements, tireless efforts towards community betterment, and embodiment of the core values that the Rotary Club upholds.
President Jeff closed the evening with a toast to Rotary International and a challenge to the club - “Embrace it, and through unity let’s continue to impact lives, one child at a time, one act of service at a time