Lions and Leos join together to celebrate founder, Melvin Jones

The Grand Cayman Lions Family came together on Saturday the 16th January at Joel Walton’s “The Plantation” for a luncheon to celebrate the birthday of the Founder of Lions International, Melvin Jones.

Melvin Jones was born on 13th January 1879 in Fort Thomas, Arizona. As an adult he joined the Business Circle, a businessmen’s luncheon group and was soon elected secretary. This group solely promoted the financial interests of their members. Melvin Jones however had other plans. “What if these men,” he asked, “who are successful because of their drive, intelligence and ambition, were to put their talents to work improving their communities?” On 7th June 1917 Lions Clubs International (LCI) was born.

At the luncheon, three Melvin Jones Fellowships (MJF) and one Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship (PMJF) were presented. Lions Cordella Chollette and Andrew Hulse of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman were awarded for their work in sight conservation during the Grand Cayman Lions Club’s annual sight screening which took place during the months of September and October 2015. The third MJF was presented to Leo Jerrique Seymour, Past President of the Leo Club of Grand Cayman in recognition of his leadership service as President and Immediate Past President. Lion Andrew Eden, an eight time PMJF, was pinned as a nine time PMJF. Grand Cayman Lion President, Ewan Jacques, commended these Lions and Leo for their dedication and selfless contribution to our country. He described Lion Andrew Eden PMJF as “epitomizing a man of devotion and strong belief in service whose continued support of Lions Club International through the Progressive Melvin Jones Fellowship programme is exceptional”.

The Lions Club of Grand Cayman and the Lions Club of Tropical Gardens both added numbers to their ranks as they inducted three and two new members, respectively. The newly inducted members into the Grand Cayman Lions Club were Lions Gary Franklin, Michael Troop and Daniel Reid a former Grand Cayman Leo; and Lions Miriam Ebanks and Tonita Powell joined the Tropical Gardens Lions Club. The induction ceremony was performed by Region 4 Chairman, Lion Elva Smith MJF. She reminded the newly inducted members of their responsibilities as a member of the world’s largest service organization and asked them to wear their pins and vests with pride. On completion of the induction ceremony the five new members were welcomed by their fellow Lions with the Lions Roar lead by Lion John Ebanks PMJF, Past Council Chairman Multiple District 60.

A presentation dubbed “The Road to Chicago and Lions Centennial Services Challenges” was made by Lion Deborah (Debbi) Ebanks MJF, Past President of the Lions Club of Grand Cayman and District 60B Environment and Climate Change Chairman. In her presentation Lion Debbi highlighted the four LCI Centennial Service Challenges: Youth; Vision; Hunger; and Environment. In expanding on the environmental theme, Lion Debbi challenged all to commit to the 3 R’s: ‘Reduce’, ‘Reuse’ and ‘Recycle’; and to these, she added a 4th environmental challenge to ‘Replant’. Those present were then encouraged to attend the 2017 convention, commemorating the 100th Anniversary of Lionism and taking place in Chicago, the birth place of Lions Clubs.

Lunch was catered by Liberty’s Restaurant and bar service was provided by Brian Barnes Mobile Bartending Service.

Tropical Gardens Lion President, Clint Powery MJF, indicated that Lions, Leos and Guests were gathered to celebrate the Founder of Lions and also celebrate and enjoy the company of each other. This objective was clearly accomplished.