3. Celebrating 60 years of Lionism in SVG 4. Joint Hurricane Beryl Relief efforts 5. ‘Bosom Buddies’ Breast Cancer Awareness 6. ‘Back to School’ initiative 7. Special events: • World Food Day • International Day of Senior Citizens • World Diabetes Day • Induction and End of Year Social
WELCOME
The members of the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG welcome you to the Lion Insider, which chronicles our ac�vi�es throughout this Lionis�c Year (1st July, 2024 - 30th June, 2025). This edi�on encompasses ac�vi�es from July-December, 2024.
Wine and Cheese Soirée
Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG - Lionism in Pictures
Dear Reader,
I AM TRULY HONOURED and humbled to serve as President of Lions Club Kingstown SVG 2024/25. For me there is only one thing be�er than watching a great team in ac�on and that is being on the team.
As we celebrate sixty (60) years of lionism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, I want to acknowledge and appreciate the dedica�on and commitment of our lions and leos. During these years, we have been done and con�nue to do some of the most impac�ul projects in St. Vincent & the Grenadines.
We are not just a service club, but a group of hard working, caring individuals dedicated to the same mission and common goal. As Lions and Leos, we rise to any challenge place in front of us, and we tackle these challenges with
boldness and ac�on.
Lions and Leos have a legacy of suppor�ng many great causes and some involve partnering with other clubs and organisa�ons to have a greater impact on our community. In this edi�on of our newsle�er, we will highlight some of our service and membership stories, le�ng you know what it means to be a Lion or Leo.
I trust that you will be encouraged to join us on this journey as we boldly lead the way to a brighter future and a be�er world.
Sincerely,
Lion Tonnyia Browne President Lions Club Kingstown SVG
LIONISM IS A CONCEPT that was forged around the world over one hundred years ago. Historically, a Chicago USA insurance business owner, Melvin Jones in 1917, conceived of the idea in collabora�on with colleagues who were members of the Chicago business circle. His personal code – You can't get very far un�l you start doing something for some body else – was a rallying call for voluntary humanitarian service globally.
The Lions movement in St. Vincent was ini�ated by a Barbadian banker, Lion Herbert Davis, affec�onately known as Herbs. He was transferred to St. Vincent to head the local branch of CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce). Having endeared himself to a group of businessmen in Kingstown, Herbs took the opportunity of star�ng the first Lions Club on the island on 2nd November, 1964, namely the Lions Club of St. Vincent.
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF
On the 1st July 2002, the Lions Clubs of St. Vincent and Lions Club St. Vincent West formally began operation as one Club...
prerequisite to the acquisi�on of the land, the government insisted that the lower floor of the building be reserved for the blind and visually impaired persons in the community. Subsequently, the Lions Club of St. Vincent was established u�lizing the upper floor of the said building. This building s�ll exist today as the clubhouse/Den for the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG.
Lion Herbert ‘Herbs’ Davis Founder of Lionism in St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Mee�ngs were first held at the Blue Caribbean Hotel Building on South River Road un�l early in 1970, when the government at that �me donated a parcel of land to the Club to construct its headquarters at Frenches Gate in Kingstown. As a
Following a somewhat turbulent period of existence in 1978, occasioned by leadership and par�san poli�cal issues, some members of Lions Club St. Vincent decided to start a new club in Enhams which gave birth to Lions Club St. Vincent South. This Club was officially endorsed by parent club Lions Club St. Vincent and received its Charter from LCI (Lions Clubs Interna�onal) on 27th April, 1978. Meanwhile, the growth of Lionism in SVG con�nued with the heralding of the Lioness Club of St. Vincent in 1980. This club which essen�ally consisted of wives or partners of Lions Club St. Vincent members, indulged itself in several
community projects, ably supported by their male counterparts. A�er a dozen years of existence in SVG, the Lioness Club, taking its cue from LCI was granted permission to start a new Lions Club, ending their opera�ons on 30th June, 1992. Consequently, a new Lions Club, namely St. Vincent West was formed. It was sponsored by Lions Club St. Vincent and operated from the community centre at Campden Park.
Prior to the forma�on of Lions Club St. Vincent West, Lionism took further root in SVG when the Lions Club of St. Vincent North was chartered on 27th April, 1991 and sponsored by Lions Club South. In its approximately fi�een years of service, this Club made an indelible impact on various communi�es it served on the northern sec�on of the island. It was quite depressing when in 2006 the Club ceased to func�on.
Continued on Page 5.
CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF LIONISM IN SVG
Continued from Page 4.
A nostalgic feeling envelops the people of Georgetown today whenever reference is made of the benefits of Lionisn in their town/community.
As he works of Lionism began to spread and the many benefits derived through humanitarian efforts on the mainland, the need for service to the Grenadines clearly beckoned. The Union Island Lions Club was chartered by LCI and sponsored by Lions Club St. Vincent South on 21st August, 2001. This Club has had its share of progress and decline. However, the members are resilient and despite several setbacks con�nue to upli� their community.
One of the most recent significant development in Lionism in SVG has been the first and only merger of Lions Clubs. On the 1st July 2002, the Lions Clubs of St. Vincent and Lions Club St. Vincent West formally began opera�on as one Club, following the signing of a joint resolu�on document by the respec�ve presidents in the Clubs – Lion Alson Jack and Lion Frankie Young. Is was then ra�fied by both Clubs and later adopted by LCI.
The approved name by LCI for this new Club is Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG. Generally, the circumstances which brought about the merger were (1) acute decline in membership of both Clubs, and (2) encroachments by occupants of the Campden Park Community Centre. A close working rela�onship which existed at the �me between both Clubs, greatly facilitated the merger. According to Lions Interna�onal Account,
the Charter Established Date of Kingstown-SVG Lions Club is 20/7/1992.
Is is impera�ve that acknowledgment be paid to the contribu�on of our Leos since incep�on. The first Leo Club – Leo Club of St. Vincent received its Charter from LCI on 5th May, 1985. With the mo�o being WE CARE, Leo Clubs worldwide are the youth arm of Lions Clubs. Leo Club St. Vincent has made fundamental contribu�ons to the community having undertaken numerous outstanding projects. Foremost is the feeding of the homeless in the capital of Kingstown. Notably also, the Club has developed a �ght bond with the School for Children with Special Needs. Other Leo Clubs which contributed to Lionism in St. Vincent were the Leo Club West and Leo Club South. Unfortunately, both of these clubs are no longer in existence.
Undoubtedly, the establishment of Lionism in SVG has made phenomenal impact on the poor and marginalized in various communi�es.
Throughout the years, Lionism in SVG has seen signature projects like the naming of streets, lanes and avenues in the Cane Garden area; the impressive natural beau�fica�on of the central Georgetown area; the
annual secondary school public speaking compe��on; the annual free colonoscopy and endoscopic surgical clinics, as well as the annual free eye care clinics and surgeries held at Milton Cato Memorial Hospital to name a few.
The challenges we faced, and are currently facing, have strengthened our resolve to be be�er Lions. Together, our three Lions Clubs and the Leo Club have made remarkable strides. Surely, we have made a difference by improving health and well-being, suppor�ng the needy and strengthening communi�es through a variety of projects. As a respected movement in the public domain, with just over 100 members, we must endeavour to stay the course and be the epitome of devoted service to humanity for another sixty years and beyond. Certainly, Lionism in St.
Vincent and the Grenadines is alive and well. Congratula�ons Lions... Forever Con�nue THE ROAR!!!
Submi�ed by Lion Alson Jack
Hurricane Beryl Relief efforts Bringing hope to Vincentians!
HURRICANE BERYL le� a trail of destruc�on on the islands in the Southern Caribbean on 1st July, 2024. The lives of many Vincen�ans, par�cularly those in the Grenadine islands of Union Island, Canouan and Mayreau were greatly impacted. The Lions Clubs of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were immediately called to ac�on by our mandate “to serve.”
A joint hurricane relief team was formed with all three of the Lions clubs in SVG: the Lions Club-Kingstown, the Lions Club South and the Lions Club Union Island, along with the St. Vincent’s Leo Club.
Members of the International Relief organisation partnered with The Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG to provide medical care to affected persons on Union Island. Medical supplies were also donated to the clinic for further use (top left).
One of the first ini�a�ves was to procure a warehouse at Richmond Hill for the sor�ng, packing and distribu�on of medical supplies, food, water and clothing. These vital necessi�es were promptly donated by individuals, groups and organiza�ons mere days a�er the storm. Addi�onally, there was a great influx of humanitarian assistance through the generous dona�on of aid and relief items by local, regional and interna�onal groups and organiza�ons.
relief team were made to the affected islands of the Grenadines. The Interna�onal Medical Relief Organiza�on partnered with the Lions Clubs of SVG to conduct a needs assessment on a few visits. The team of doctors from the Interna�onal Medical Relief Organiza�on provided medical care to individuals in their communi�es and at the shelters.
Continued on Page 7.
Several visits by the joint hurricane
Medical volunteer interacts with a resident of Union Island who se home was severely affected by Hurricane Beryl.
Members of the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG and the Lions Club South were part of the joint effort organised to serve persons affected by the passing of Hurricane Beryl.
Members of the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG and the Lions Club South were part of the joint effort organised to serve persons affected by the passing of Hurricane Beryl. The can be seen putting together packages for distribution at the Comsport Sporting facility.
Various organisations were happy to get on board with the iniative to provide food and other essentials to persons affected by Hurricane Beryl’s devastating passage.
Bringing hope to Vincentians!
C ontinued from Page 6.
Furthermore, aid was distributed to families, individuals along with medical supplies to the health facili�es.
Support also poured in from the Environment and Disaster commi�ee of Lions Club District 60B was crucial to bolster our reach and effec�vely serve those affected and displaced by Hurricane Beryl.
With the kind and generous support and assistance from several en��es, we were able to serve thousands of displaced individuals and families and we con�nue to be of service to those affected.
The collabora�ve effort exemplifies the spirit of service among like-minded individuals and en��es, showing
that together, we can rebuild lives and restore hope.
The work is far from over, but with con�nued dedica�on, we remain commi�ed to aiding the recovered and resilience in the a�ermath of the disaster,
Thank you to all who con�nue to make this effort possible!
Lions Club-Kingstown
“Bossom buddies” brings free breast cancer screenings to Vincentians
OCTOBER is commemorated globally as World Breast Cancer awareness month. In October of this year, the Lions Club of Kingstown made a powerful impact with its annual “Bossom Buddies,” project offering free breast cancer screenings to Vincen�ans. It is widely known that early detec�on saves lives and this project exemplifies the club’s dedica�on to health and preventa�ve measures.
This project was made possible through the invaluable partnerships of local medical professionals including Dr. Malcom Grant, Dr. Maurice Robertson and Sean Young of SONOGRAM SVG. Screenings were made
ON 20TH AUGUST, 2024, we hosted our signature “Back to School” distribu�on at the Lions Den, Kingstown. This project served eighty-one (81) primary and secondary school students from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. From book bags, to books and sta�onery, this distribu�on drive equipped our youth with the tools needed for the upcoming academic year.
Excited cha�er and beaming smiles were on display as each child received their book bag to start the school year confidently and prepared. The Lions Club Kingstown-SVG stands commi�ed to suppor�ng and empowering our youth!
The Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG thanks Dr. Malcolm Grant (above right) and Dr. Maurice Robertson (furthest right) for their hard work and dedication to the 'Bosom Buddies' project.
accessible from which ninety-three (93) individuals benefited.
We thank our partners for making this project a resounding success.
“Backpacks, books and bright smiles- Our ‘back to school’ distribution drive
Right: Members of the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG with the happy recipients if school supplies.
Lions Club Kingstown reflects on six months of meaningful service
The Sandals International Foundation donated a quantity of toys for distribution to children affected by Hurricane Beryl. Here, Manager of Public Relations for Sandals Resorts International Jamila Soso-Vincent makes the presentation to Lion President Tonnyia Browne.
IN EVERY CORNER of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Lions Club Kingstown has spent the past six months proving that “We Serve” is a lived reality, not just a mo�o. From delivering disaster relief to families affected by Hurricane Beryl, to equipping students for the school year ahead, to fostering health awareness and extending care to the elderly, the Club’s ac�ons have le� a tangible mark on those they’ve touched. These efforts, rooted in genuine care and a desire to make a difference, reflect the heart of what it means to serve. As the Lionis�c Year progresses, the Club looks back on its achievements from
July to December 2024 with a renewed drive to con�nue upli�ing those in need.
The Lionis�c Year began in July with an outpouring of support for those affected by Hurricane Beryl. In collabora�on with the Lions Club South, Union Island Lions Club, and St. Vincent Leos, the Club coordinated disaster relief efforts at the Lions Den and distribu�on centers in Richmond Hill and Union Island. Families received essen�al items such as food, water, clothing, and medical supplies, thanks to the generosity of partners like the Sandals Founda�on, Interna�onal Medical Relief, and the Athens Lions Club (Illinois, USA).
Amid the upheaval le� by Hurricane Beryl, the Lions Club turned its a�en�on to the children of Union Island, Mayreau, and Canouan, whose rou�nes had been thrown into disarray both at home and in the classroom. To help restore a sense of normalcy, the Club distributed school supplies; bags filled with notebooks, pens, and other essen�als, into the hands of students ready to take their next steps in the classroom. These items carried the quiet reassurance that someone cared.
In August, the Club focused its efforts on nurturing educa�on and suppor�ng
the elderly. On August 20th, the “Back to School” ini�a�ve saw 81 primary and secondary school stu dents receiving book bags packed with supplies, each item carefully chosen to equip them for the new school term. The sight of students eagerly exploring their bags, pulling out notebooks and pens, spoke of their readiness to tackle the challenges ahead. Just a day later, on Na�onal Senior Ci�zens Day, the Lions Club extended its reach to the elderly, delivering care packages filled with food, toiletries, and other essen�als. Each package, though�ully prepared, became a quiet gesture of care, a way to remind seniors that they are seen and appreciated. The Club also partnered with the Chateaubelair Red Cross to further support the needs of senior ci�zens, leaving no doubt that their presence enriches the fabric of society.
Continued on Page 10.
Members of the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG distrubuted school supplies to students from Union Island who were temporaily beings accomodated in St. Vincent. Special thanks to .... for providing the items for distribution.
Service Chairperson Lion Monica Glasgow presents items to the Chateaubelair Red Cross for distribution to Senior citizens.
Lions Club Kingstown reflects on six months of meaningful service
Continued from Page 9.
As October unfolded, the Lions shi�ed their focus to children, bringing joy and generosity to Li�le Eden Preschool and Nigh�ngale Preschool on October 16th
School supplies and toys were also sent to Union island for distribuition to the students that remained in school there.
filled with water, fresh fruits, and toys donated by the Sandals Founda�on, the Lions were greeted by children whose excitement lit up the classrooms. Laughter echoed as �ny hands reached for their gi�s, turning an ordinary day
The Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG joined with the Nightingale Pre-School in Campden Park to celebrate World Food Day 2024. Below: These wonderful children were rewarded with toys compliments the Sandals Foundation at the end of the session.
The Little Eden Preschool in Campden Park was also the recipient of fruits, water and toys compliments the Sandals Foundation to celebrate World Food Day 2024.
into one filled with wonder and delight. What might seem small to some became an unforge�able moment for many, reminding everyone present of the beauty in though�ul gestures.
Members of the Lions Club of Kingstown-SVG joined the SVG Hypertension Association on World Diabetes Day for march to raise awareness of this prevalent disease.
November brought with it a chance to spotlight the pressing issues of diabetes and hypertension, as the Lions Club Kingstown joined the SVG Diabetes and Hypertension Associa�on in marking World Diabetes Day on November 14th. Ini�a�ves like these bring to bear the reality of living with chronic illnesses and the steps needed to prevent them, crea�ng space for educa�on, ac�on, and solidarity. The walk, winding through streets alive with purpose, drew people together in a shared effort to promote awareness and healthier lifestyles. It was a month dedicated to the idea that collec�ve ac�on can illuminate the path to be�er health for everyone.
The Lions Club Kingstown extends hear�elt gra�tude to the individuals, organiza�ons, and businesses that have made these projects possible. Through their contribu�ons, lives have been upli�ed, and meaningful rela�onships have been forged. As the Lions Club looks ahead to the next half of the Lionis�c Year, it remains steadfast in its dedica�on to crea�ng las�ng posi�ve change.
& Bingo Night Karaoke
Wine & Cheese Soiree
On Saturday, 30th November, 2024, the Lions Club ofKingstown-SVG hosted our major fundraiser for thisLionis�c year under the theme Let’s Sip. It was as always, a fun-filled evening.
