50 years of service in the community

1. Map 2  Mouse over any red bullet in the map to see the project name. Click on any red bullet in the map to view information and pictures on a specific project. Click on the red bullet in the top corner of the project screen to return to this map.  50 years of service in the community

2.  • St. Patrick’s School • An early morning fire in April 2001 destroyed a portion of the St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic School. • This catalyst propelled two successive club Presidents: Algernon Leacock (2001–2002) and Lionel Moe (2002 – 2003) to champion refurbishing and equipping of two classrooms. • The project was not simply about improving the physical environment, but also about improving the skills and capabilities of the teachers. • They play a critical role in the development of a school founded over 100 years ago, catering to students from the lower income homes around Bridgetown. • Thus facilitation of training for 3 teachers of the school in the Montessori method in Canada over a three year period. • Project is a legacy of the RCOB to the teaching facilities at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic School.

3.  • Renovation of Evalina Smith Home • This ward of the St. Phillip District Hospital is the home for persons born mentally and physically challenged for life. • In 2006 PP Michael Browne identified refurbishment of the Ward as an initiative to improve the quality of life of residents and staff • The project was successfully completed under the presidency of Jerome Ishmael in 2007. • A series of partnerships demonstrating in a practical way the purpose of Rotary – Working with and for the Community. • MOH approval was the start of a working relationship with the Principal Nursing Officer and the staff of over $100,000 dollars. • Included many weekends of manual labourprovided by Rotarians in repainting. • Refurbished Evalina Smith Children’s Ward officially handed to Health Minister, Hon. Dr. David Estwick, on June 18, 2008. • A flagship project for the Club, it has been on the itinerary of visits by many District Governors and GSE participants. • Its most signal visitor has been R.I. President D. K. Lee in 2009.

4.  • Mini Olympics • Each year RCOB, in partnership with the Child Care Board sponsors a day of fun, competition and picnicking for children in Homes under the Board’s management. • The children, ages five to sixteen, participate in an opening parade but also compete in sprint races as well as games such as egg and spoon, and sack race and broom stick race. • The first Mini Olympics started in 2006 with Rotarian Ron Ramsay as its promoter and cheerleader. • Over 40 Rotarians and partners lent a hand as starters, event judges, score helpers and snack distributors. • The first venture was so successful that the event was expanded to include 15 Day Care Centres operated by the Child Care Board, and catered to 800 – 1000 children. • Logistical assistance and expertise are also provided by the National Sports Council.

5.  • Pride of Workmanship • During the month of October celebrated by Rotarians worldwide as Vocational Service month, Rotarians are urged to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards. • RCOB has opted to use the spotlight on vocational service to recognise and promote those vocations in our community which do not generally get recognition. • The Pride of Workmanship Award was promoted in 2002 by Roger Smith, then Director of Vocational Service. • It is dedicated to those persons who, by the nature of their vocation, provide a service to the community but who are largely unrecognized and would not normally be selected for national recognition. • Over the years, awards have been presented to letter carriers, paramedics, red cap porters, school meal workers, bus drivers, lifeguards and nursing aides, to mention a few.

6.  • National Chain Link • Successfully attempted in 1979 (International Year of the Child). • Demonstrated to the world the care Barbadians felt for their children. • Also their support in combating hunger, disease, physical abuse and neglect. • Brainchild of Rotarian Paul Hadchity. • Realized by Peter Inniss, Club president (1979-80), along with other members of the Club. • On November 30th 1979,93,111persons spread out on 67miles of coastal road and joined hands. • Sang specially written Chain Link song “Let’s Join Hands”composed by Past President Pat Castagne. • Pledged faith in Barbados and their love and commitment to each other. • Event covered by several newspapers in UK & US. • BDS $150,000 raised was used to capitalize a Rotary Trust Fund to support programmesto benefit of children in Barbados.

7.  • Boy Scouts Association • The RCOB has had a relationship with the Boy’s Scouts Association for a number of years in the Club’s 50 year history. • This was strengthened with a number of interventions with donations given from funds raised from the Rotary Trust Fund for Community Projects • Starting with $3,000 in 1983 during the Club Presidency of Harold Tryhane, followed by $15,000 in 1985 (President George Hadchity) for the general repairs to the Headquarters Building in the International Year of Youth. • The first phase of major renovation project in 1998 was in collaboration with the Government of Barbados and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), and executed in two phases. • The second phase was completed in June 2000 in collaboration with Michael Greaves Associates as part of the project of President Stephen Brathwaite (1999-2000). • RCOB also recognized the Scout and Guide movement through the Pride of Workmanship Award in May 2005.

8.  • Drug Awareness Programme • To just say ‘no’ to drugs is not enough for RCOB. • For many years it has sponsored an anti-drug programme aimed at fourth form students from 30 secondary schools. • The project is geared at affording the students first hand knowledge on the results of the use of drugs. • Over a ten week period in the school year, RCOB arrange to transport students for tours at HM Prisons, Verdun House (a drug rehabilitation centre) and the Psychiatric Hospital • A Rotarian always accompanies the group of students. • This initiative was first championed and undertaken by Maurice Foster a former member of RCOB in the early 1990’s. • It serves as a powerful demonstration effect to the students as many of the crimes committed by incarcerated persons were carried out while under the influence of drugs. • This programme continues with unabated enthusiasm as it is another unique and ‘hands on’ opportunity for Rotarians to serve their community with the knowledge that with the service given, they have truly made a difference. Verdun House

9.  • School Signs Crossing Project • “Drive carefully – Rotary cares” are signs which are strategically placed on the road just before, and after, the location of 24 schools throughout Barbados. • This project was piloted in 1995 by Stanley MacDonald during his year as president of the Club. • It was extended in 2010/2011 under President Erskine Thompson when an additional 12 schools received signage. • The objective is to target the safety of school children by cautioning motorists to ‘slow down’ within the vicinity of the school and the inevitable presence of children. • Signs are located within 50 feet of a school allowing high visibility to approaching motorists; made of reflective material, visibility is further illuminated by vehicle headlights. • The project was conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Works and Transport, whose staff readily provided the physical labourand technical assistance for the project. • Further plans include additional signs with a visual of a police officer directing children at a Pedestrian crossing.

10.  • Repairs of Homes for the Indigent • In its 50th anniversary year, under the presidency of Brenda Pope (2011-2012) RCOB undertook a community service project centred around the improvement of living conditions and accommodation for children, senior citizens and the challenged.  • In two separate but related projects RCOB  refurbished: • Chattel house at Newcastle St. John for one older male born with non-functional legs and now living alone.  • Chattel house at Long Bay, St. Philip for one middle-aged female declared disabled due to epilepsy but with 3  resident children whom she supports.

11.  • Tree Planting and Rotary Arboretum • The Rotary Club of Barbados has always embraced the need for environmental stewardship. • In 1979 under President Peter Inniss (1979-1980), they planted dozens of Neem Trees along the ABC highway. • In 2012 as part of the 50th anniversary activities under President Brenda Pope (2011-2012), RCOB unveiled the Rotary Arboretum at the National Botanical Gardens at Waterford where fifty (50) different varieties of trees will be planted. • This also supported DG Lara’s district tree-planting project of each club planting at least 10 trees.

12.  • Heartbeat International/Pacemaker Bank • In 1986, RCOB established a Pacemaker Bank in Barbados a short 2 years after the formation of Heartbeat International. • In the period 1986 – 2009 ,271 pacemakers were donated on a pan-Caribbean basis – 186 of them to indigent Barbadians, in partnership with QEH where implants take place. • RCOB continues to support the Pacemaker Bank programme in conjunction with Heartbeat International financially although no longer managing it directly . • This is due to incorporation of Pacemaker Bank “franchise” into a “HEART CENTER” for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean as mandated by Heartbeat International from July 2011. • One of the early recipients who received one at age 88 is still alive and active at age 105. • It is estimated this program has saved the Government of Barbados over nearly $2M in that period. Recipient on her 105th birthday

13.  • Senior Citizens Sunset Concert • October 1st, UN International Day of the Elderly held “Sunset on the Board Walk with the Seniors” • Brought seniors (including Rotarians’ relatives) to Hasting Rocks next to Board Walk . • Entertainment by steel pan and narrative reading. • Those in wheelchairs assisted by members, as well as Rotaract and Interact members. • The evening concluded with watching the sunset with light refreshment. Expected to be an annual affair.

14.  Please use Map 1 to view details of this project