Nine members of the community have been inducted as new Lions in the Lions Club of Tortola, and three students have been inducted as new Leos in the Alpha Leo Club of theVirgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS).
Dubbed the “Class of 2021/2022” at the induction ceremony held on November 6, the incoming Lions are Floyd Campbell, Zirimavo Dyett, Esther Durand, Celestina Fahie, Sara Joseph, Savitre Khan, Jerome Morton, Shakeema Vanterpool and Annetta Williams. The incoming Leos are Angeleah Cupid, who was also installed as President, Whitney Blyden and Public Relations Officer, Ana Reyes Hernandez.
Speaking on the membership and the Club’s growth, President of the Lions Club of Tortola, Kevin Fahie said, “I am very pleased to be able to welcome our new members, who have made the decision to join the Leo Club and Lions Club of Tortola respecitively.”
He commended them saying, “You could have chosen to join any service club and you made the decision to choose us, to which we are grateful. The Leo Club and Lions Club of Tortola are extremely happy to have you on board. Your passions will help us all to unite as a body and the energy that will be created will allow us to achieve our individual, as well as Clubs’ goals. There is strength in numbers and I believe that by joining us, we will be able to accomplish far greater things.”
President Fahie added, “During the next few months, you will be learning about the different initiatives through our planned activities, meetings and special events, where you will be able to join in and get hands on experience. I trust that these experiences will not only assist in building the Leo Club and Lions Club of Tortola, but will also assist you in your growth as an individual and being even more productive within the community and amongst your peers.”
In her remarks at the induction of the new Leos, Vice President of the Lions Club and member of the Leo Advisory Committee, Kamika Forbes said, “Though the history of our VISTS Leo club is short, its future has never been more promising. While the new members will be officially inducted tonight, our Alpha Leo Club has already been able to raise triple digit funds in a few short weeks and are teeming with ideas for other projects and activities. I know I speak for our President and the entire Lions Club of Tortola when I say that our VISTS Club has our full support. Lions and friends Look out for our Leos!”
Community projects of the Lions Club of Tortola include the donation of a bus to the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre, its annual Christmas Food Drive and Christmas Toy Drive. Most recently, the Club partnered with the BVI National Culinary Team, the Governor’s Office and a number of community partners to raise funds for service-oriented projects, and presented a check to the team to assist in preparing for 2022 culinary competitions.
The Lions Club of Tortola was chartered on April 27, 1972, with 49 years of continuous service under its motto – “We Serve”. The mission of the Lions Club is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding through Lions clubs. Its vision is to be the global leader in community and humanitarian service. It also provides numerous leadership opportunities for personal and professional growth within the organization.
The Lions Club of Tortola was sponsored by the Antigua Lions Club, and has sponsored the Lions Club of Tortola II (formerly Tortola Lioness Club), the Virgin Gorda Lions Club, the Leo Club of Tortola, Shamrock Lions Club Montserrat and the Alpha Leo Club at the Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies (VISTS).