Nassau, Bahamas — July 1st marked the start of the new Rotary year and the installation of Kent Forbes as the 49th President of the Rotary Club of South East Nassau (RCSEN). Despite losing his home and mementoes in a devastating May fire, Forbes stepped into his role with resilience and purpose, attending to duties just days later.

One of the youngest presidents in the Club’s history, President has been a Rotarian for eight years. Known for his passion and vibrant leadership, he believes: “True leadership is measured not by titles, but by the impact you leave on people’s lives.” Supported by his board and advisors, he has already chaired eight meetings, inducted new members, and rolled up his sleeves for one of the club’s important fundraisers — the Edwin “Smiley” Bastian Steak Out on August 23rd. On September 1^st, he joins Youth and Literacy Director Pam Culmer for the welcome-back red-carpet event at Columbus Primary, a primary school where RCSEN sponsors an EarlyAct Club.

At his inaugural meeting, President Kent tied Rotary’s vision — “Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change” — to the 2025–2026 theme “United for Good.” His presidency will focus on:

·         Continuity: building on the legacy of past leaders.

·         Partnerships: collaborating with nonprofits and civic groups to expand impact.

·         Innovation: growing membership and strengthening proven initiatives.

August, which is Rotary’s Membership Month, celebrated new members: Wilfred Bain and Rev. Canon Stephen Davies were inducted, and there were new transfers that took place at the start of the new Rotary year and during membership month. Don Williams, Willicia Hart, Past President Montgomery Penn, and Rotarian Narissa Penn transferred from other Rotary clubs.  With many different clubs to choose from in New Providence, the RCSEN is proud to have these individuals choose to serve and bring their talents to South East Nassau.

club’s final monthly meeting — a partnership that strengthens ties and expands community impact. Many former Rotaractors have transitioned into RCSEN, serving as presidents and directors while upholding Rotary’s “Service Above Self” ideals.

Looking ahead, President Kent pledged: “We will be bold in vision, grounded in service, and unshakable in unity.”

Rotary Club of South East Nassau Engages Youth at

UHAB’s 15th Annual Youth Conclave

In July, the Rotary Club of South East Nassau (RCSEN) proudly partnered with the United Haitian and Bahamian Association (UHAB) for their 15th Annual Youth Conclave, held July 23–24, 2025, at Victory Chapel Church of the Nazarene.

The Conclave brought together young people from across the community for a two-day program of inspiration, empowerment, and mentorship—an event that resonated strongly with Rotary’s avenues of service. “Rotary's ideal of service is based on the Five Avenues of Service – Club, Vocational, Community, International and New Generations – that comprise Rotary International's philosophical cornerstone.”

RCSEN members actively contributed to the program in meaningful ways:

·         Past President Ruthnell Barr-Bethel delivered the morning keynote address on “Isaiah 43:19 – Behold, I will do a new thing,” offering spiritual encouragement and hope to the youth in attendance.

·         Vocational Service Chair Shakera Johnson represented Rotary on a dynamic panel alongside Tracey Boucher, VP of Engineering at Cable Bahamas Ltd., discussing how women can thrive in male-dominated industries. This session reflected Rotary’s Vocational Service Avenue, which challenges members to use their skills to inspire others and foster professional excellence.

·         Disaster Relief Chair Raymond Charles, who also served on the organizing committee, facilitated the Q&A session, ensuring youth voices were heard and engaged.

Also participating from the Rotary Club of Old Fort:

·         The evening keynote was delivered by the President Elect Lashanta Smith of the Rotary Club of Old Fort (RCOF) who spoke on leadership and identity, guiding youth to embrace their potential as future leaders.

·         Past President Derek Smith Jr. of the RCOF attended in support, underscoring the fellowship and collaboration that strengthen Rotary’s impact.

Participation in the Youth Conclave emphasizes the heart of Rotary’s mission: to serve, inspire, and create lasting change. By engaging directly with youth—many of whom face barriers to leadership opportunities — these Rotary Clubs helped to open doors, mentor, and encourage a new generation to step into their potential.

This initiative reflects the Club Service Avenue through teamwork, the Youth Service Avenue through mentorship, and the Community Service Avenue by partnering with UHAB to uplift young people. Most importantly, it exemplified this year’s Rotary theme, “United for Good.” Together, Rotary and UHAB showed how collaboration can multiply impact, inspire hope, and prepare youth to be tomorrow’s leaders.

The Rotary Club of South East Nassau (RCSEN) supported the Rotaract Club of South East Nassau Centennial's (RCSENC) successful Feminine Product Drive, an initiative that delivered much-needed supplies to the Penn Pratt Co-Education Unit. RCSEN's Director of Public Image, Azaleta Ishmael-Newry, learned of the school's need for ongoing support for its female students. She reached out to RCSENC President Eboni Johnson, who committed to the project although they had recently held a feminine drive a few months prior. By August, the school received the gifting.

"We're proud to share our Feminine Product Drive in support of the Penn-Pratt Co-Educational Unit," said President Eboni. "Thanks to the generosity of Rotaractors, the unwavering support of Rotarians, and contributions from The Women's Haven, a local Bahamian company, we were able to collect and donate the much-needed supplies for the young women of the school."

Principal Renée Bowe expressed her gratitude, noting the urgent need and meaningful impact of the donation. "This support is deeply appreciated. It goes a long way in helping our students maintain dignity and confidence," she said.

The project highlights Rotary and Rotaract's shared commitment to Maternal & Child Health, one of Rotary's key areas of focus. It also demonstrates the power of collaboration — when service and compassion unite, the results create lasting change.