The public is invited to celebrate with the Lions Club of Tortola as it observes its 50th Anniversary of service in the British Virgin Islands, with a fundraising gala dinner at Maria’s By the Sea Hotel on May 7, 2022, under the theme “50 Years of Service in the BVI: Honouring our Legacy; Embracing Our Future”.
Speaking on the milestone, President of the Lions Club of Tortola, Kevin S. Fahie, said that the Club has been a pillar for community service over the last 50 years and a beacon for civic minded persons interested in building up the Territory and helping others.
He opined that one of the most successful aspects of the last two Lionistic years was the induction of over 40 enthusiastic Lions with a revival of the Club. Through its efforts, the Club has become a model template of growth for clubs in the Lions Sub-District 60B chapter. Those inductions, Fahie added, will also ensure a greater level of service and future for Lionism in the Territory.
The keynote address for the gala will be delivered by Anthony “Spud” Webb, former NBA Slam Dunk Champion, who will speak on the importance of philanthropy and service.
President Fahie said, “Having assisted in the development of the first baskeball court in the Territory, the Lions Club of Tortola is pleased to build on our legacy of involvement in basketball by sponsoring NBA Trainer Tim Martin, to conduct a free youth basketball camp for children ages 9 years old to 18 years old on May 7.”
Over the past 50 years, some of the Club’s initiatives included construction of the first Basketball Court on the A.O. Shirley Grounds, installation of the first public restrooms at both the Noel Lloyd Park and the Queen Elizabeth II Park, donations of life-saving equipment to Peebles Hospital and donation of a bus to the Eslyn Henley Richiez Learning Centre. The Club is also renowned for its annual Christmas Tree Lighting which signals the start of the holiday season in the Territory.
In addition, the Club will use the event to recognize its relationships with other Non-Governmental partners, as well as the stellar service of its past presidents and Long Serving or Legacy Lions, which includes the late A.O. Shirley, MBE who made significant contributions to the development of basketball and sports.
As part of its 50th anniversary celebrations, limited edition commemorative license plates will be sold at a cost of $150 and may be purchased from the Department of Motor Vehicles. The plates will be unveiled at a Launch Event on April 27, 2022 – the date on which the Lions Club of Tortola was chartered under its motto – “We Serve”. Proceeds from the gala dinner and the sale of the license plates will be used to fund ongoing community service projects throughout the Territory.
A commemorative 50th Anniversary Publication documenting the history and work of the Club will also be available for purchase.
The Club will also host the 4th District 60B Cabinet Meeting on May 7, which will see a boost to the BVI’s tourism product as neighboring Lions Clubs visit the Territory to attend the meeting. The mission of the Lions Club is to empower volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace and promote international understanding. 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).