Three Lions honoured with prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship for Outstanding Service

On Saturday, June 21, 2025, three distinguished Lions were honoured with the prestigious Melvin Jones Fellowship (MJF) award at the final Zone 3C meeting held at the den of the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG in Frenches.

The recipients were Lion David Anthony Hopkin of Grenada, who served as Zone Chair for the 2024–2025 Lionistic year, and two Vincentians: Lion, Sylvia De Freitas, and Lion Dr Alson Jack, both longstanding and dedicated members of the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG, the club said in a release.

The Melvin Jones Fellowship is the highest form of recognition given by Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF). It honours individuals who embody humanitarian ideals consistent with the values of Melvin Jones, the founder of Lions Clubs International. MJF recipients are recognized for their exemplary service and commitment to making a difference in their communities. Lions Clubs International has been active in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) for several decades, serving communities through various outreach programs and humanitarian efforts. Currently, the country is home to three Lions Clubs:

Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG; Lions Club of St. Vincent South; and

Lions Club of Union Island.

In addition, the Leo Club of St. Vincent continues to empower youth through leadership and community service initiatives.

Lion Sylvia De Freitas joined the Lions Organization on March 25, 1980 after being a Lioness, and has since held numerous leadership roles, including Club Director, Tamer, Tail Twister, Secretary, Treasurer, President, Zone Chairperson, Region Chairperson, and Leo Advisor.

Her journey in service began with the Girl Guides Association and the Red Cross, and she found that Lions Clubs International allowed her to help even more people as part of a united group.

Lion Sylvia has been named Lion of the Year twice, received several 100% annual awards, and was the first Vincentian to receive the District 60B Secretary of the Year Award.

She is mother of five, two of whom are also Lions, and grandmother to five. She has been married for 50 years. Her eldest son, Lion Rohann De Freitas, will assume the role of Club President on July 1, 2025.

Dr Alson Jack joined the Lions movement in 1992 as a charter member of the Lions Club of St. Vincent West, and became a charter member of the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG in 2002.

He has served as President of both clubs, Zone Chairman, Vice President,

Treasurer, Director, Leo Advisor, Membership Director, and in several other key leadership roles. He was also a signatory to the 2002 merger agreement that unified Lions Club St. Vincent and Lions Club St. Vincent West.

Now marking 33 years of service, Lion Alson continues to serve with dedication and humility, always focused on improving lives through Lionism.

Lion David Anthony Hopkin joined the Lions Club of St. John’s, Grenada, just six years ago but has rapidly advanced through leadership roles, culminating in his appointment as Zone

Chairperson for Zone 3C for the 2024–2025 term. His dynamic service and commitment to Lions values have made a strong impact in a relatively short time.

The Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG in its release, said it extends heartfelt congratulations to all three MJF recipients, and expresses profound pride in Lions Sylvia and Alson for their decades of outstanding service to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.