The Rotary Club of South East Nassau (RCSEN) has donated two Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to Columbus Primary School and Doris Johnson High School, helping to strengthen emergency preparedness and potentially save lives in the event of sudden cardiac arrest.
Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death across the Caribbean. Recognizing
the urgent need for greater preparedness, Rotary District Governor William “Bill” Aiken, during his
2025–2026 term, challenged Rotary clubs in the ten countries that make up District 7020 to take
coordinated action to combat sudden cardiac death.
One key initiative has been the installation of AEDs in public spaces and schools, along with CPR
training, as these measures significantly improve survival rates when cardiac arrest occurs.
Responding to the call, the RCSEN provided AEDs to two schools where the club mentors youth
through Rotary programs: Columbus Primary School, home to an EarlyAct Club, and Doris
Johnson High School, which hosts an Interact Club. RCSEN President Kent Forbes said that the
AEDs help bridge the gap during a cardiac emergency until the arrival of emergency personnel.
The initiative was supported through partnerships with the Bahamas Heart Association and the
Bahamas Red Cross Society. Medical professionals from Doctors Hospital also delivered CPR and
AED training to school representatives. Many of the Clubs that make up the Rotary Clubs of The
Bahamas have also partnered with this important initiative.
During District Governor Aiken’s visit to Nassau in November 2025, he and RCSEN President Kent
Forbes presented the AED to Doris Johnson High School Principal Mr. Lightbourn. “A lot of times people experience what is known as an acute cardiac event, and it can happen to anyone — including young athletes,” Aiken said. “Cardiovascular disease is no respecter of persons.”
referencing the Rotary Club of South East Nassau’s donation at Doris Johnson High School.
along with representatives from Doris Johnson High School and Columbus Primary School, completed
CPR and AED training facilitated by Doctors Hospital. The AEDs were donated by the Rotary Club of
South East Nassau.
Principal Lightbourn expressed appreciation for the donation, noting that the device will help
ensure the school community is better prepared in the event of an emergency. On February 28, 2026, representatives from both Columbus Primary and Doris Johnson High School completed CPR and AED training facilitated by Doctors Hospital. RCSEN Immediate Past President and Foundation Chair Ruth Barr-Bethell emphasized that the project includes a sustainability plan.
“Once installation and training are complete, the schools’ administration and campus health
services teams will be responsible for maintaining the AEDs, ensuring they remain in optimal
condition and ready to serve the community,” she said.
Installation of the AED at Columbus Primary School is scheduled for the end of March. The Rotary Club of South East Nassau proudly supports health and wellness, a key priority of Rotary International. Disease Prevention and Treatment is one of Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus, reflecting the organization’s commitment to improving health outcomes in communities around the world.
