INSIGHT - Issue 2 December 2013

INSIGHT ISSUE 02 DECEMBER 2013

Quarterly Journal of the Leo Region Secretariat (Jamaica & The Cayman Islands)

This issue Season’s Greetings from the Secretariat P.2 Leadership Personified P.3 Editorial P.4 Leoism Introduced to Labour Minister P.6 Leos Walk to Beat Cancer P.7 Leos Execute A Well-Needed Facelift P.8 Dates of Interest P.10

www.Facebook.com/leosecretariat

@LEOSECRETARIAT

LEADERSHIP REGION 1 ZONE 1A Bishop Gibson High School Frome Technical High Mandeville (Knox) Mannings High School Montego Bay Leo Club Savanna-La-Mar Leo Club ZONE 1B Charlemont High School Kemps Hill High School Clarendon Leo Club N. St. Catherine Leo Club STETHS REGION 4 ZONE 4A Mona Portmore S. Central St. Catherine Spanish Town St. Andrew Central ZONE 4B Cayman Brac Clifton Hunter High School Mico Practising Morant Bay High School St. Andrew Technical High School Kingston Downtown Kingston Leo Club St. Thomas Leo Club Grand Cayman Leo Club New Kingston Leo Club Find a Leo Cub Near You!

ISSUE 02 December 2013

Season’s Greetings from the Secretariat As we draw close to the ending of another calendar year, it gives me great joy to reflect on the year that was. We have indeed blessed many lives and touched many hearts, but let us remember that Christ should be the focus of our endeavours as we go throughout this Yuletide season. And Just as he brought joy and peace to those he came in contact with, let us as Leos try to make a positive difference at all times in the lives of the people “we serve too”!

Christ has left us the perfect example; He walked among the needy and provided for them. He healed the sick, and tended to the children and elderly. Just as he has done these things, we have the ability and the power to make others happy with our power of service.

It is my wish that you will enjoy this season, and have a peaceful, holy and special time with your family and friends; and remember to seize every opportunity you can to make someone smile!

Have a happy, blessed and safe Christmas holiday and a blessed new year! – Leo Allan, LRST

Leos, another year has come to an end and a new one is fast approaching. As we celebrate this festive season, let us not forget the true meaning of Christmas—A gift was given unto us. Let us mirror this gesture and give ourselves and time to the less fortunate no matter how small it is.

This is what we do as Leos— we do not go on Holidays from Leoism. it is times like this that we should shine the brightest. Merry Christmas to you and yours and all the best for 2014!

We Serve Too!!" - Leo Ryan, VLRST

During this season of love, laughter, peace and joy, let us all remember that Christ has blessed us immeasurably with the talent and power of service and humility. Just as He walked among men as a humble servant, let us continue to give of ourselves as humble servants of the needy and as we enjoy the fun, food and peaceful serenity of this Yuletide season, let us remember the needy among us in all we do. Capture every moment you can to extend a helping hand of kindness to warm the hearts of those who need it the most in this Christmas season.

I wish for you all a very special, pleasant and holy Christmas time. As we continue to serve too, let us keep Christ in the midst of it all.—Leo Natasha, Cabinet Secretary

Special Feature

ISSUE 02 DECEMBER 2013 EYE ON IT Current Industry Trends

Ryan Warburton—Leadership Personified Always readily available to give support and a listening ear, it’s this sort of involvement and dedication that drives excellence and excellence therefore is no stranger to this devoted Leo and graduate of the University of the West Indies (UWI) who boasts numerous awards and honours, dating as far back as 2003 when he was awarded Most Outstanding Student at Wolmer’s High School for Boys. It should then come as no surprise that Leo Ryan has been nominated to become the next Leo Region Secretary/Treasurer for the year 2014-2015.

“I became a Leo because I recognized that I could utilize my expertise and people skills to help make a difference in the surrounding communities. I also saw an opportunity for self-development”, said Leo Ryan.

Whether you are an active Leo or not, we’re sure you’ve heard of Leo Ryan Warburton. In fact, if you’ve never personally met this year’s Leo Region Vice Secretary/Treasurer, it’s highly likely that you’ve noticed his strong presence on Facebook, whether by way of him promoting Leo Club activities or by his highly amusing status updates or bitstrip comics and also importantly, through his active participation in all Leo activities at the Secretariat and club level.

Leo Ryan has contributed greatly to the Movement

and while his humble nature might lead you to overlook his ambitions, he has achieved prestigious awards such as Leo President of the Region in 2011 and most recently earned himself the Leo Award of Honour in 2012. But more than that, Leo Ryan values the mentorship of Lion Dr. Keith Peart who he describes as his “greatest mentor”. “He has always been supportive of my decisions and is readily available to assist the Leos. It is because of his guidance and the hard work of the Leos that my club was awarded Club of the Year and I was awarded President of the Region” explained Leo Ryan.

“In my association with Leo Ryan, I have found him to be a very organized person. He is leadership personified. I can safely say that he’s committed and dedicated but he is also miserable”, said Region Secretary/Treasurer, Leo Allan Carter with a light chuckle. “Leo Ryan is like a brother from another mother and I can recall our most recent adventure which was climbing to the Blue Mountain Peak. He motivated me every step of the way”, added Leo Allan.

Confidently outlining his agenda for the upcoming year Leo Ryan said: “My plans for moving the Secretariat forward next year is still being developed but I have already identified some areas of focus such as continued visibility, bridging the communication gap between Lions and Leos and increased training.

Leo Ryan has undoubtedly gained much respect from Leos and Lions within Regions 1&4 and has the full support of Leo Allan who believes that he has the ability to surpass his expectations for the movement and beyond.

E ditor’s Note When I think about 2013 for this Movement, I can only think of one

Mandela, we aspire to make a global impact and we believe in a cause for better communities and a better

word: LEORIFIC!

world.

Through hard work, dedication and pride, we have seen major

As the year 2013 comes to a close, the Secretariat is

improvements in the way we serve our communities and our fellowship with each other.

Sadly, while we celebrated our 56th Anniversary on December 5, it was the day that Humanitarian and former South African President, Nelson Mandela took his last breath.

I believe Leos should all aspire to achieve Mandela’s level of compassion and unwavering commitment to serving others, especially during this festive season. He has certainly been a powerful inspiration to millions around the world and he should be an even greater inspiration to us, because like Mr.

already gearing up to make the next six (6) months of this Leoistic year more exciting and impactful. Let’s not forget all the fun and enlightening experiences we will have along this journey, and our quarterly journal, “INSIGHT” will continue to be the link that showcases our Innovative brilliance and love for this movement.

I encourage you all to approach this new year with high hopes and take this time to demonstrate more unity and love for each other.

Merry Christmas everyone! I wish for you all peace, health and strength to continue our mission of service in 2014 and beyond!

Tissona

Featured Photo The Leos of Spanish Town along with their Advisor, Lion Rita Lalah visited St. Monica’s Home for the Elderly on Saturday, October 19, 2013.

In addition to spending some quality time with the seniors, the Leos and Lion Rita presented the staff with toiletries and cleaning products to assist with maintaining the facility’s sanitary conditions.

impossible until it’s done“

“It always seems

Nelson Mandela

Rev. the Hon. Ronald Thwaites (centre) is presented with a copy of “INSIGHT” at a Courtesy Call with Leos of Regions 1&4 on September 24, 2013

ISSUE 02 DECEMBER 2013

Labour Minister Introduced to “Leoism” “Youngsters are drifting in the wrong direction as there is no leadership in the community. Clubs are not aesthetics; they are concrete, therefore they are to show youngsters how to advocate for needs as well as to focus on positive things…”

reservation in expressing his appreciation of the Leos’ visit while both parties shared and discussed views of national concern.

That was said by Minister of Labour & Social Security, Hon. Minister Derrick Kellier on November 13 at a Courtesy Call with Leos of Regions 1&4 at his Office in Kingston, Jamaica.

The Minister informed that a programme had been implemented under the Labour Ministry to assist the disabled but added that there were gaps in registering persons with disabilities. He then encouraged the Leos to assist the Ministry in narrowing the gap by adding the National Registry for the disabled to our agenda.

“The purpose of this visit was to heighten the awareness of the Honourable Minister and by extension the entire Ministry of Labour & Social Security in regards to our impact and existence as a youth voluntary organization that is indeed alive and thriving in Jamaica”, said Leo Allan Carter, Leo Region Secretary/Treasurer.

The Minister shared his delight and held no

A mutual concern shared by the Leos and Minister Kellier was that of disability among the nation’s citizens.

Both Leos and Lions proudly enlightened the Minister and his Advisors about some of

the projects that they’ve undertaken.

Minister Kellier’s response to their presentation was: ‘I was concerned that the spirit of voluntarism was dying, but it is still alive and well.”

This visit to Minister Kellier’s office marks the third Courtesy Call undertaken by the Secretariat in an effort to build a relationship with Government Agencies and increase their awareness of the Leo Club Movement in Jamaica and the globe by extension. The Minister was also presented with a copy of the first Issue of “INSIGHT” and a certificate of appreciation for his hospitality and willingness to host the Lions and Leos at his office.

Clarendon, Jamaica—Anyone who has ever heard the word “Cancer” can think of at least one person known to them who has been affected by this silent killer either directly or indirectly.

inform and educate the May Pen community.” said Leo Yanique, Sight & Health Chairperson. In addition to the walkathon in May Pen, The Leos spent the month of October selling pink ribbon pins on behalf of JCS.

Breast Cancer is no stranger to us and the Leos of Clarendon took their first step towards beating cancer on Saturday, October 19, 2013.

The boiling morning sun challenged the Leos but they were determined to complete the challenge. They walked from Glenmuir Road stoplight on Manchester Avenue into the town’s centre at the historic May Pen Clock Tower where a total of 12 pink and white balloons were released in honour of those who had lost their lives to the disease.

The LEO Club of Clarendon held its first staging of "Support For Breasts: Leos Walking for the Cure" in May Pen, Clarendon as part of it’s month of activities in October. Leos from Clarendon, Kingston, Mona, Downtown Kingston and several prospective Leos painted the town pink and played their part in helping to increase breast cancer awareness among the May Pen population through an unofficial partnership with Jamaica Cancer Society (JCS).

“October is recognized internationally as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Clarendon Leos wanted to do something that no other youth organization has ever done in May Pen before. Breast Cancer is a global health issue that affects the young and the old and we saw a need to

An elated Leo Yanique expressed that the project turned out to be a major success as the community was “receptive of the Leos.” She said that at the end of October, the Leos helped to raise over Thirty Thousand Dollars (JMD $30,000.00) that will be donated to JCS’s Public Education Programme offered at no cost to the public. “in addition to increasing Breast Cancer Awareness, we integrated this year’s visibility theme in order to strengthen our public image and so far the responses have been positive” added Leo Yanique.

Leos in Jamaica Execute A Well Needed Facelift

Junction, St. Elizabeth — Armed with paintbrushes, rollers, rolled up sleeves and enthusiasm, a total of 17 volunteers from the Leo Clubs of Clarendon, South Central St. Catherine, Kingston, Downtown Kingston, Portmore, Mona and Spanish Town along with three (3) Lions from St. Elizabeth South Lions Club braved the scorching St. Elizabeth heat and spent an entire Saturday afternoon washing, scrubbing and painting in order to give the Ballard’s Valley Primary bus shed a well needed face-lift in a little over five hours on December 7, 2013.

The deplorable bus shed located at the foot of Ballard's Valley Primary in Junction, St. Elizabeth was given a makeover by the Leo Clubs of Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on Saturday, December 7, 2013 in commemoration of International Leo Day, which is celebrated annually on December 5.

Speaking at the Leos' Second Quarterly Meeting on Sunday, December 8, 2013, President of St. Elizabeth South Lions Club, Lorna Wright said: "I am positive that the children and staff of Ballard's Valley Primary will be in for a

Facelift Cont’d wonderful surprise on Monday. It is truly amazing to see the eagerness and willingness of our young people to serve in their communities and we [Lions Club of St. Elizabeth South] are always happy to assist the Leos in their endeavours."

island. Leo Ryan also expressed profound gratitude to the Lions Club of St. Elizabeth South for its hospitality and willingness to host the Leos over the weekend.

To close the weekend’s activities, the Leos attended a church service at Junction Baptist Church the following day on Sunday, December 8, 2013 and ended the Each year on December 5, Leos all over the world weekend's activities with a lively Quarterly Meeting at including Jamaica and the wider Caribbean Junction Guest House Meeting Room. participate in community service activities in commemoration of the day the Leo Movement was founded in 1957 and Leos in Jamaica come together for a weekend celebration of this global network and the impact of their service and fellowship.

Leo Ryan Warburton, Chairman of the Leo Weekend Committee expressed that the weekend celebration was in honour of the Leos' dedication to service and further mentioned that Leos look forward to this event each year because it gives them a chance to leave the stress of club business at home and have a blast with fellow Leos across the

Leo Allan learns how to use a machete

Leos share lens time after completing the makeover

Leo Grace-Ann shows us that sometimes the job can be extremely exhausting.

LEADERSHIP

EXPERIENCE

OPPORTUNITY

Send us your events to be listed Contact:

Source: stayevents.co.uk

Leo Tissona

S a v e

T h e

D a t e s :

Newsletter Editor Email: tissona_04@hotmail.com

1. Melvin Jones’ Birthday—January 13, 2014 2. Leo Club of Kingston Anniversary Week of Activities—Jan 26-Feb 1, 2014 3. *Presidents Council - February 2014 4. Leo Competition - February 8, 2014 5. Clarendon Leos’ Valentine’s Auction—February 15, 2014 6. *Leo Fun day and 3rd Quarterly Meeting - March 2014 7. Leo Awareness Month—April 2014 8. Leo Club of Kingston Leadership Forum—April 6, 2014 9. Leo Club of Clarendon Sweet Dreams pt 2.—April 19, 2014 10. *4th Quarterly Meeting—June 2014 *The exact date tentative/to be determined later Twenty-five years ago “The Leo Region Secretariat” for Leo Clubs in Jamaica and Grand Cayman came into existence.

The Secretariat is headed by the Leo Region Secretary/Treasurer and serves four (4) main functions: 

Management of the Leo Region Fund



Keeping the District Officers and Leo Clubs informed



Arranges for Leo Presidents’ Council and Quarterly Meetings to be convened and



Coordinates the Annual Leo Convention

INSIGHT ISSUE 02 DECEMBER 2013 “A Leader is one who KNOWS the way, GOES the way and SHOWS the way.”

John Maxwell

For more details on Leo Clubs in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, please contact: Leo Allan Carter Leo Region Secretary/ Treasurer 2013-2014 Regions 1&4 leoallancarterjr@gmail.com or Leo Natasha Merchant Cabinet Secretary merchantnatasha@ymail.com

A PUBLICATION OF THE LEO REGION SECRETARIAT