PHILIPSBURG:--- Members of the Sint Maarten Lions Club, Sint Maarten Alpha Leo Club, and Sint Maarten South Omega Leo Club gathered earlier this month at the Paradise Event Hall with their Partners-in-Service, parents, and other invited guests for their annual Change-of-Board ceremony.
Among the attendees celebrating the achievements of the past year and preparing to herald in the new year, which runs from July 1st to June 30th, were PDG Rotary District 7020, Rotarian Louis Wever and his spouse, Amanda, PDG French Caribbean District 63, Lion Felicien Maccow, PMJF and his Partner in Service, Maggie and Past President of Lions Club St. Martin Fort Louis, Lion Sandra Fleming.
During the evening, two members of the Sint Maarten South Omega Leo Club, Leo Stephania Prescod, and Leo Nichele Abreu were inducted as Leo-Lions into the Sint Maarten Lions Club.
Outgoing Presidents of the Alpha and Omega Clubs, Leo Aisha Khatnani and Leo Stephania Prescod respectively, both thanked their membership and the Lions Club for their ongoing support during the past year with their Projects, some of which included the annual Tis the Season food collection and distribution drive, Beach clean up’s, Back to School “Fresh hair cut and style”, and the joint collaboration with UNICEF “Empowering Youth Leaders.”
Outgoing President of the Sint Maarten Lions Club, Lion John Schaminee, in recounting some of the accomplishments of the Club under his theme “Seeing through the Eyes of a Lion” mentioned the Bridging the Gap initiative to ensure a greater understanding and collaboration between Lions and Leo’s through joint community activities, while fostering the growth of the Leo Movement. He remarked that he was happy to have been a part of the 40th Charter Anniversary celebration of the Sint Maarten Alpha Leo Club this year.
Lion President John expressed that the focus on our seniors continued with activities, in partnership with other Senior Citizens’ Foundations, such as social events at Ms. Lalie Center and the Hope Estate Recreational Center and spreading Christmas cheer at the White and Yellow Cross Senior Citizen’s Home.
He thanked the community for their overwhelming support of the Lion Wally Havertong Christmas bingo. While the event provided good entertainment and attractive prizes, it helped to generate much-needed funds for the Club’s Signature Vision Project.
Citing the Signature Vision Project as one of the highlights of the Lionistic year, in collaboration with 21 specialists from VOSH International (Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity) Ohio, USA, eye screening tests were successfully conducted for close to 5,000 students, teachers and adults over a two-week period in March. A large amount of persons in our community benefited from free eyeglasses and sunglasses.
Another event was the hosting of the MD60 Convention at Divi Resorts in May for close to 300 Lions and Leo’s delegates from the Caribbean and USA. Lion President again remarked on the very positive feedback received about the generous hospitality of our local Lions and the entire community.
The Boards of Directors of all three Service Clubs were then installed by MD60 Council Chairperson PDG Lion Claudio A. Buncamper PMJF.
The President-Elect of the Alpha Leo Club is Leo Isaiah Peterson while the reins of leadership for the Omega Leo Club will be taken over by Leo Boogie G. Etienne. Both leaders committed to continuing the excellent work of service to the community while at the same time, embodying their motto “Leo, Experience, Opportunity” for the overall development of their members.
President Elect of the Sint Maarten Lions Club, Lion Felix Richards thanked the membership for placing their confidence in him. “I accept this appointment not only with pride but also with a deep sense of humility.” He introduced his theme “Kindness to others is Service to ourselves” and reminded members of the importance of always putting kindness into action in their journey of humanitarian service.
