BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, December 7, 2021 (MMS-SKN) — The St. Kitts (Basseterre) Lions Club is celebrating its 42nd anniversary since it was chartered in St. Kitts, and Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris is lauding the association for its deep community outreach.
In celebration of the anniversary, members led by their President Ms Heather Grant worshipped at the Antioch Baptist Church in Lime Kiln on Sunday December 7. Among those supporting them included Governor General’s Deputy His Excellency Michael and Mrs Cynthia Morton, and Prime Minister Dr the Hon Timothy Harris.
“It was a pleasure being here and to celebrate with the St. Kitts (Basseterre) Lions Club who are observing a major milestone,” said Prime Minister Harris, after the worship service. “Lions Club has been of service for some 42+ years and going strong. It has a deep community outreach, looking after the poor and the needy.”
Dr Harris, who is also the Minister of Sustainable Development, Constituency Empowerment, and Human Resource Management and Information, added: “Its creed is that of service and that, of course, is what we want for the Nation – people willing to serve, and to give to those who are less fortunate.”
The worship service was led by Lead Pastor Lincoln Connor who delivered the message under the topic, ‘Measuring God’s Love’. Two other institutions, Office of the Integrity Commission, and the St. Kitts and Nevis Police and Fire Retirees Association were also worshiping at the church.
Pastor Connor invited First Vice President of St. Kitts (Basseterre) Lions Club, Mrs Adaeze Hanley to deliver remarks.
“We as a club, we are celebrating 42 years, having been chartered in 1979,” said Mrs Hanley. “The St. Kitts (Basseterre) Lions Club is part of the Lions Club International organisation, which is the world’s largest service organisation which boasts over 1.3 million members in 200 countries. Our motto is ‘We Serve’.”
She told the congregation that as an organisation they are guided by a code of ethics which among others directs them to always bear in mind their obligations as citizens to their nation, state, and community, and to give them their unswerving loyalty in word, act, and deed.
The code of ethics also demands of Lions Club members “to give them freely of my time, labour and means. To aid others by giving sympathy to those in distress, my aid to the weak, and my substance to the needy.” She added: “And that in essence is the work of the Lions Club. The mission is serving.”
In the 42 years they have operated in St. Kitts, some of their accomplishments include library projects in schools, diabetes awareness, donations and disaster relief contributions, donations of wheelchairs, back to school drives, the kiddies park at the JNF, outreach to the Children’s Home and the Cardin Home, eye screening in schools, and Journey for Sight, medical and other assistance to individuals, the Camps bus stop, the Lions Roundabout, and hamper distribution among others.
Over the years, the First Vice President added, they would have partnered with the Diabetes Association and also the Association of the Blind, and other institutions on St. Kitts, both schools and churches and other organisations, and even with governmental organisations.
“Covid-19 may have changed the way we interact and we deliver some of these services, but the message still remains the same – as an organisation, we serve,” concluded Mrs Hanley. “I would like to also indicate that at some point in the near future we as a club will be making a donation to the church, so we will get in contact.”
Present at the church service included Secretary Ms Nydia Irish, Second Vice President Mr Ellamorrow Levy, Treasurer Ms Marsha Harris, past presidents Ms Charmaine Pemberton, Ms Nikiesha Thomas, Mrs Adora Warner, and general membership.
