Lion Louis Walters (left) was given the Life Membership certificate and pin by Hon. Skelton at the dinner last evening, April 28, 2012. Photo: Aneka Edwards/VINO

Close to 100 patrons attended the formal event including Premier Dr. D. Orlando Smith, Minister for Health and Social Development Hon. Ronnie Skelton and Opposition leader Hon. Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE.

Premier Smith, in his congratulatory remarks, said he is amazed with the number of projects that the club has been involved in, and jokingly added “no wonder it is broke...broke for a good cause.”

The dinner and fundraiser is to raise funds for the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA), one of its sponsor partners, in order to purchase a second set of Renal Access Instruments and an Ultra Sound Machine to improve the quality of Renal Access Surgery at Peebles Hospital.

“The club could not have chosen a better project for ...we have an increasing number of persons in the BVI who need the service of that particular unit. Recent investigations have shown that we are spending so much money on dialysis in the country that it may come to a point where it’s not affordable. Therefore, I want to congratulate the Lions Club in having the foresight to partner with Government to contribute towards the dialysis programme. The Lions can’t be thanked enough for the contributions they have made over the past 40 years, and they cannot be praised enough,” the Premier added.

Meanwhile, Hon. O’Neal admitted he is a Rotarian but keeps company with the Lions. According to him, such Clubs are important to society as they help educate “our people and help prepare them for the new world they live in.”

In an evolving world, the opposition leader added, he’s proud to see the Lions Club for 40 years have kept up the pace.

[slideshow]

Furthermore, the 35 past presidents were recognised for their dedication, while Louis Walters was awarded the life membership pin and certificate. He has given 36 years to the Club.

A. O. Shirley and Leando Nibbs were also given plaques for their longstanding support.

The keynote speaker was Dr. Joel Stevens, a kidney transplant and vascular access specialist, who highlighted the rapid growth of dialysis patients in the VI, explored its root causes; the effect on the economy and life style changes required to turn the trend around.

For over 40 years, the Tortola Lions together with its sponsor partners have:
Ø Assisted in the reconstruction of homes damaged by fires and storms!
Ø Constructed restroom facilities at the Queen Elizabeth and the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Parks!
Ø Constructed the BVI’s 1st public basketball court at the A. O. Shirley Recreation Ground.
Ø Erected “Lions Welcome Signs” at strategic locations on Tortola
Ø Hosted the annual games for the Children of Special Needs
Ø Conducted eyes screening exercises at primary schools
Ø Hosted the lighting of the Christmas tree
Ø Distributed food baskets to the elderly and shut-in on Tortola, and have;
Ø Given assistance and donations to statutory bodies, individuals and organizations

Its current president is Jeremy Hodge.