Leo Club youth inducted at Lions Den in Enhams

Twenty young men and women were on Tuesday inducted as members of the new Leo Club of St Vincent South at the Lions Den in Enhams.{{more}}

As the new Leo Club received its charter, its sponsor, the Lions Club St Vincent South, also had reason to celebrate, as last Tuesday marked the 34th anniversary since the Lions Club South received its charter.

The Leo Club Charter night programme was held under the theme: “Energising our community through the power of youth”.

The new members are: Charter officers: President Antoinette Browne; Vice President Martin Sheen; Secretary Timora Peters; Treasurer Eben Wilkins; Assistant Secretary Treasurer Aifa Warren; Tamer Brent Cupid; Tail-Twister, Christal Oliver; First Year Directors Lenelle Snagg and Toshika Doyle. The Charter members are: Shanique Alexander, Kamisha Antoine, Jenella Bacchus, Landae Browne, Cristel Charles, Sunil Cupid, Jolene Doyle, Isana Saxton, Rosnelle Snagg, Kemuel Stapleton and Kelsey Ann Williams.

Delivering welcome remarks, Lion president Ronald Christopher gave a background on how the Leo Club St Vincent South came to life.

According to Christopher, more than three years ago, at one of their annual retreats, it was suggested that a Leo Club be formed as a project. However, he said that idea did not materialise until May 2012, when he attended a multiple district convention in Trinidad and Tobago and heard their district governor speak passionately about the importance of forming and supporting a new Leo Club.

On July 28, 2012, at the instillation of their new board, he indicated that the formation of a Leo Club was one of their top goals. A team of guiding Lions was put together to help form the club and Lion Junior Bacchus was appointed as advisor, once the club gained its charter.

“We thank Lion Isaac Solomon and Lion Dionne John for the tremendous work they have done for the formation of this club. After two months of hard work by Lions Club St Vincent South, we are pleased to unveil the new Leo Club of St Vincent South,” Christopher said.

“We have promised these young people that, as sponsoring Lions, we will provide for them leadership, the experience and the opportunity to grow professionally while serving the community.”

Christopher further stated that he is “very proud” with the quality of young people they have invited as Charter members. “We are impressed with their energy and drive and enthusiasm and creativity.”

In acceptance of the Charter, President of the club Antoinette Browne stated that the reality of their induction is a symbol of “love, understanding, and sound leadership” from their sponsor club.

Browne expressed gratitude to the Lions Club for accepting them into the Leo movement.

“We are elated to be associated with the largest humanitarian service organisation in the world. We will endeavour to meet the association’s motto ‘We serve’ and the Leo’s motto, ‘We care’.”

Browne also stated that she is looking forward to working closely with their fellow club members and others in the community to meet their service objective.

During the induction ceremony, the new members each held lighted candles as a symbol of the path they will light in their service to the community.

Guest speaker and Past Region 3 Chair Lion Gloria Thomas urged the new members to get excited about what they do, because they are making a difference.

Thomas, from Grenada, congratulated the Leos for seeing the need to associate themselves with the 1.3 million service minded persons in 271 countries in the world.

She also encouraged them to take steps with great optimism as they have the potential to energise the community through their work.

“You must endeavour to see the possibilities in every situation. You must never attempt to short change yourself, the club by negativity, complaints, excuses and procrastination,” Thomas said.

“As you pledge to energise the community, let us keep excellence as our watch word. We should make every effort to ensure that we uphold the standards, decorum, ethics and values of Lions International. Let service to our community be a hallmark of quality and dedication.”

Gift presentations and congratulatory greetings came from Lion Latesha Sandy; Leo First Vice President Rhonda Thompson; Zone 3C Chairman Wendy La Barrie; Past Council Chair Beverly Reddock and Region Chairman Ron Stephens.

Past Council Secretary Lion Gillian John was also in attendance.

Lion Artis Davis was also awarded a pin for the persons who brought the most members to the Lions Club.

The night’s event was capped off with an auction and a raffle. (KW)