Attorney Butcher is new Rotary president

Rene Butcher has been installed as President for the Rotary Year 2021-2022. Butcher is an experienced Attorney-atlaw with a broad civil and commercial litigation practice in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean. His focus is dispute resolution, civil and commercial litigation, and client advisory.

He is currently a member of the law firm, InterCaribbean Legal. Butcher is a passionate Rotarian who believes in the ideals of Rotary and the work that it does in improving the lives of people all over the world. The Rotary motto, “Service above Self” resonates deeply with him.

His theme for the year “Because We Can…and Because We Care!” captures the essence of the Rotary Club of Barbados West and what it will seek to accomplish this year. Butcher said: “This year we as a Club will challenge ourselves even further. We will continue to demonstrate our drive, unity, and commitment to impacting the success and wellbeing of Barbadians, and the overall community. We are determined to make a difference.”

The new Rotary Club president highlighted his signature project – a national screening program for students with hearing loss.

“With God’s help and the work of our partners we will be launching a hearing assessment project in the new year across this Island. Phase 1 of this project will focus on the students, ages 6 to 7. Phase II will involve students across all age groups ranging from ages 3 to 11. We intend to complete both Phases by 2023.”

The other initiatives for the 2021/2022 Rotary Year will build on the Club’s strong focus on the development of literacy skills, general health programs and the use of technology in teaching and learning. The Club will also continue its support for health care institutions like the Queen Elizabeth Hospital; its scholarships programme; its meal programme; and its programs which provide support to at-risk youth. To that end, the Rotary Club of Barbados West has chosen a team of capable Rotarians to serve on its Board for the year 2021/2022. These include: President: Rene Butcher Immediate Past President: Trevor Williams President Elect: Hugh Callender Vice President: Kevin Watson Secretary: Gale Reeves Treasurer: John Hadchity Director Membership: Gregory Hazzard Director Club Administration: Jean St. John Director of Service Projects: Nicholas Hartmann Director of Public Relations: Lydia McCollin Director of Rotary Foundation: Frank Hunte The members of the Rotary Club of Barbados West are part of Rotary International, a service organization dedicated to causes that build international relationships, improve lives, and create a better world to support peace efforts and end polio forever.

The Club has enjoyed a long history of community service in Barbados. For the last forty-five years members have worked to support the community in education, health, disaster response and protecting the environment. (PR)