Rotary Club’s Annual Installation Celebration

The Rotary Club of Barbados West recently celebrated its annual Installation Dinner and Ceremony at the Hilton Barbados Resort on July 11, 2026, welcoming Wayne Alleyne as the 51st President for the 2026/2027 Rotary year. The milestone evening brought together 85 members, families, dignitaries, sponsors and community partners for an evening of ceremony, fellowship and celebration.

Guests were welcomed with cocktails and steelpan entertainment before being seated for a formal ceremony that
included the presentation of the Presidential Collar, the pinning of the incoming Board of Directors, and milestone
service recognitions. A year-in-review showcase highlighted the club’s achievements across scholarship
programmes, food hamper distribution, hearing screenings, the Diamonds International Golf Classic and
community service projects throughout Barbados.

The evening’s keynote address was delivered by the Honourable Chad Blackman, Minister of Educational
Transformation, whose remarks centred on the critical role of mentorship, community leadership and education
in shaping the futures of young men and boys in Barbados – a theme that resonated deeply with the club’s focus
for the year ahead.

Entertainment was provided throughout the evening by TC, who performed and led the celebration into an after-
party of music and fellowship. Incoming President Alleyne takes office under the theme “The Power of Our Influence,” with a signature initiative titled “Ending Abuse, Restoring Dignity for Young Men and Boys” – a community-centred
programme dedicated to mentorship, counselling support, education, life-skills development and community
engagement for vulnerable young men and boys across Barbados, delivered in partnership with community and
faith-based organisations. This club has built something extraordinary over 51 years. Our work this year will honour that legacy while pushing further than we have ever gone before.
— Wayne Alleyne, President, Rotary Club of Barbados West 2026/2027

The ceremony was expertly presided over by Antoine Williams as stalwart of Barbadian culture as Master of
Ceremonies, with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mark Thompson. Outgoing President Wharton was recognised
for a year of strong leadership that included the launch of new partnerships, expanded social media presence,
national media coverage and the successful execution of the club’s annual Golf Classic and flagship community
projects.

The Rotary Club of Barbados West meets weekly and welcomes new members, partners and donors committed
to creating lasting impact in Barbados and the wider Caribbean.