I recognize the PROTOCOL already established. First I give GOD thanks for this TIME and this PLACE and this EVENT. Let me express my gratitude to each of you for taking time from your busy schedules and joining us as we begin a new Lionistic Year.

I congratulate Reverend Edris O’Neal and I thank her for accepting our award as Citizen of the Year and for her humanitarian works in our community.

I also congratulate Lion President Barbara and Leo President Khalid. Together with their administration they took the challenge and did their best in what can only be described as challenging times.

It is important that I extend a big THANKS to the members of our new Board for accepting the challenge that lie ahead of us. None of our programs would be possible if we are unable to work together as a TEAM. Our membership would be encouraged to assist once we take the leadership role.  It was some 36 years ago – in 1972 – that the Lions movement was started in Tortola. During that period; great men and women have given of their resources; whether by MONEY or by TIME.

Now more than ever!

Today more that yesterday -- A number of our people are falling through the cracks ---- They are left with a feeling of hopelessness! Governments alone cannot do solve the problems or cannot fill the voids. Organizations such ours – The Lions and Leo Clubs of Tortola – are called upon to STAND OUT and assume their rightful roles in providing “SERVICE” to the less fortunate. This call to duty is at a time when a lot of service minded individuals are being challenged in their own finances; Challenged in their work places; Challenged with family issues and; Challenged as to whether or not they should SERVE!

For my year as President, I have chosen as my Theme: “Restoring the SPIRIT of SERVICE”! Institution such as Lions International are stronger that any one individual. Some 201 years ago the Lions movement was started. Individuals come and individuals go! The common factor that holds service organizations together is “THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE”!

SERVICE takes personal time!

Do I have the time? ---  The selfish answer is NO!

I stand here before you in the SPIRT of SERVICE.

In this Lionistic year we will complete our traditional projects such as; Fundraising during the August Festival Parade and; The lighting of the Christmas Tree to mark the start of the Christmas season.  Lion Shirley, (one of our founding members), have always expressed his feeling of fulfillment  when Lions deliver both the Christmas and Easter Food baskets to the needy throughout the community and; this year, would be no different. As you heard in earlier reports, the activities of Lions during World Service Day are met with enthusiasm by the students of the Esline Richie Learning Center and I am especially pleased with the hosting of the Annual Special Olympics. Two years ago, Lions and Leos combined their efforts and with the voluntary services of Dr. Hubert O’Neal embarked on a School based “Sight First Program”. Students at the Ivan Dawson Primary School had their sight tested and recommendations were made for further evaluation, as appropriate. Personally I would like to see this program expanded and properly funded through the efforts of the Tortola Lions Club.

Two years ago, the Tortola Lions embarked on a program of rebuilding our LEO club.

I must extend a special thanks to those Leos who were part of the rebuilding process and are now desirous of starting their own “New century Lions Club”. I pledge my support in your efforts.

Personally I am pleased with the young people who have sine joined the LEO Club and especially to those who have stuck-it-out and have been installed as officers and as members of this organization. Again, I pledge my support and would assist when ever and where ever possible.

While I did not have the opportunity to work very closely with our present Zone Chairperson, Lion Lillian --- Myself and Lion Grace of the Valley Sound Lions Club were already summoned to a brief meeting with Zone Chairperson-Elect, Lion Corrine and were given an impressive package with a thoughtfully laid out vision for the entire ZONE. I look forward to working with all clubs within the Zone.

 Lions work with other organizations such as the Rotary Clubs and others will continue. I pledge our assistance to the Red Cross in their annual Prostrate Screening Exercise. The trade off is impressive; A single moment of discomfort can lead to early detection and an extension of LIFE; All other things being equal.

These are simple things that are effective and meaningful to the lives that they touch; it is special if you can help someone why might have gone blind; Help someone who could not hear well; Bring joy to someone who is physically or mentally challenged. These little acts may never make it to the headlines but each of them is SPECAL in the lives that they touch.

YES, there are those who would ABUSE the generosity of service minded people; Some can help themselves but will try to beat the system and make it impossible for those who are truly in-need.

There is a challenge to Lions and all other service organizations; We are challenged to reach out to the needy; the poor and down trodden; Visit the sick and shut-in; Show a little kindness even as we face the challenges of our own lives; It took some time for us to get here and it would take a village to turn this around. TOGETHER, we can do our part and throughout each of our communities; Together we can “RESTORE THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE”.

Thank You.

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