Local Lions meet governor

Head of the region’s Lions Club Fraternity has appealed to the public to support the local Lionistic family in their effort to improve the social welfare of the less fortunate.{{more}}

Lions Governor Johnny Banks (MJF), on his visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines earlier this week, called for support for the clubs as they venture into activities in this second quarter.

Banks, speaking at a press conference, held at the Sky Blue Apartments at Indian Bay on Monday, indicated that he was on an official visit to assess the work of the local clubs.

While here, Banks paid a courtesy call on Governor General Sir Frederick Ballantyne, as well as the Ministry of Social Development, and took in the final preliminary round of the Lions Club South public speaking competition.

Banks also visited the Lions Club branch in Union Island, and met with the club’s youth arm, the Leos, before leaving on Thursday for Grenada and St. Lucia.

The Cayman Island born Banks is president of the largest club in the region, and oversees 1962 members in four regions consisting of 26 islands.

His task as governor is, among other things, to oversee the marketing of the organization, establish camaraderie among the Lions Community and to foster leadership development.

Banks said that a great challenge of the Lions is enlisting civic minded persons to join the organization, and at the same time retaining old ones.

He said that a number of factors are leading to the loss of members, and is encouraging clubs to do more marketing.

He said that although the various clubs are doing an excellent job, there is always room for improvement.(JJ)