Barbados Report

Our mid-winter convention on the beautiful island of Barbados was a huge success. With postcard-perfect weather (fluctuating between a balmy 29º - 30º), friendly people and good Kiwanian comradeship it is hard to imagine anything but.

Governor Dr. John Button wants us to "kick it up a notch" and make a big noise; and he wasn't disappointed.

Our visit encompassed a school trip, a parenting seminar, a local Kiwanis meeting (anything for a make-up), reception, steamship ride and meetings; lots of them.

The east coast of Barbados, boarders the Atlantic ocean. High waves, rugged scenery and a national park make for great shots and some great surfing (for those Kiwanians wanting to surf).

The St. Lawrence Gap is perhaps the "trendiest" area in Barbados. Located in the Parish of Christ Church, The Gap is teaming with hotels, restaurants and small shops.

Beginning our meeting days at 7:30 a.m. meant that we could work until 2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. and still take in some afternoon activities. When it comes to looking for things to do, Barbados is in no short supply.

In addition to site-seeing and some quiet time by the pool or on the beach, Julia and I did get in a round of golf (3 rounds for Julia) and I managed to squeeze in two SCUBA dives.

Clear, warm Caribbean water held an abundance of multi-coloured marine life, 6 wrecks and several sea horses (my first sighting of sea horses).

Unfortunately, being the tough Canadian that I am, I chose not to wear an exposure suit. Whereas it was great diving aux natural (almost) I did learn of the power of the Barbados sun — the hard way.

LG Gary stands with Julia in the lobby of the Southern Palms.

The Canadian owned Southern Palms was our "home-away-from-home".

Our meetings were held at the Southern Palms. When going around the table, taking of each of our strengths and weaknesses, I felt proud of the many accomplishments of our Division 8.

I was able to talk of the aggressive growth that the Owen Sound Golden K is undergoing; of the increasingly successful fundraising campaigns Orillia undertakes; of the new club that PLG Doug (Collingwood) is working on; of the music CDs that Owen Sound is marketing.

Things are happening in Division 8 and it is great to be able to talk about them.

Although much of our meeting time was spent going over District growth plans and administration, Governor Dr. John arranged for a UN representative to address us about the growing concern of AIDS in the Caribbean countries.

We were introduced to this last year by PLG Dr. Sam in Tobago. Please refer to my Tobago report for more information on this.

LG Gary relaxes with Trinidad & Tobago LG Michael and E. C. & C. District Governor
Dr. John Button.

"Class President" LG Gary greets our new District Secretary Treasurer (DST) Les Gagné.

It was great to be able to meet and work with our new DST Les Gagné. Les comes to us with an extensive marketing background. He has spent much time working for Kiwanis International in new club building.

We have already seen several positive initiatives that Les has launched including our new K-Ray and weekly communication bulleting: The Noisemaker.

In the coming weeks I look forward to visiting our Division 8 clubs and making a full report.