The Lions Club of Tortola has been commended for its community service initiatives being undertaken in the British Virgin Islands and the club’s tremendous efforts to drive its membership growth.
The commendation came from the Lions District Governor of Subdistrict 60B, Lion Claudio Buncamper, Progressive Melvin Jones Fellow (PMJF) as he concluded an evaluation of the Club’s activities during a recent visit to the Territory from October 15 to October 17, 2021, where he also met with the Valley Sound Lions Club. The meetings were part of his audit of all clubs in District 60B, which is comprised of the islands in the English-speaking Caribbean region spanning from Cayman Islands and Jamaica in the north west to Barbados and Grenada in the south east.
District Governor Lion Buncamper was pleased with the remarkable growth and revival of the Lions Club of Tortola, and especially with the 2021/2022 Board of Directors, comprised primarily of new and young Lions willing to help steer the Club’s service project initiatives in the Territory.
He said, “The world is changing and our Lions Clubs must change how we operate in order to adapt, drive membership and serve our communities. Today’s members are not what they used to be 40 or 50 years ago. They are young professionals who lead very busy lives, but still want to be involved in serving their communities and our clubs must find innovative ways to attract, train and keep quality members engaged.”
The recommendation came as he facilitated an open session with the Lions Club of Tortola where he provided suggestions on membership growth, leadership training, tips for retention, marketing, strengthening the relationship between the Leo and Lions Clubs, and supporting the Lions Club International Foundation.
During his visit, District Governor Buncamper, PMJF, accompanied by a delegation of Lions led by Club President, Kevin Fahie, paid courtesy calls to Governor John J. Rankin, CMG and Deputy Premier, Dr. the Hon. Natalio D. Wheatley.
Among other topics discussed with Governor Rankin, the District Governor shared the impact of COVID on the Clubs’ activities throughout the District, and creative ways that the Clubs adjusted, particularly with meetings, service activities and membership events.
Governor Rankin, an honorary member of the Lions Club of Tortola, applauded the work of the Club thus far, and recalled the success of the Operation Protect Each Other Vaccination Drive Thru initiative, which received the support of the Lions and other non-profit organisations.
The delegation also spoke about upcoming projects planned for the Christmas season which include the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Concert, Christmas Food Drive, Christmas Toy Drive and Christmas Hampers for the Elderly and Shut-In.
District Governor Buncamper also attended the Club’s Taste and Serve BVI fundraising event, which raised over $20,000.
The Lions Club of Tortola meets on the second Tuesday of every month on the 3rd Floor of the Cutlass Building in the BVI Finance Conference Room. For more information on the Club, the public is invited to visit the Facebook Page or contact the Membership Chair, Lion Abeana Baptiste-Phillip via email at tortolalions@gmail.com.