Lions District Governor and Council Chair elect, Marvin A. Grant MJF (right) installs Carvin Malone as the new President of the Lions Club of Tortola on June 18, 2016. Photo: Provided

Mr Carvin Malone said he accepted the challenge of President of the Lions Club of Tortola for the third time, firstly in honour of the late founding member Lion A. O. Shirley MBE and the many stalwarts who have served in the club during its 44 year history. Photo: Lions Club of Tortola

It was a historic moment for Malone and his club as he is the first to have been elected three times to serve in the position.

"I reluctantly and then enthusiastically accepted the challenge, firstly in honour of our late founding member Lion A. O. Shirley and the many stalwarts who have served in this club during its 44 year history. Secondly, because of a collective commitment from our remaining and existing club members," said Malone at last night’s installation ceremony.

Previously, Lion Malone served as president for the period 1992-1993 and 2008-2009.

Resurging towards 45

According to Malone, the theme he has chosen for this 2016-2017 Lionistic year is ‘Resurging towards 45’ as the club will celebrate its 45th anniversary on April 27, 2017 and that attracting younger people to the world of service is a major priority."

Mr Malone said that during his new period as club president he and team will be working to expand the Tortola Lions membership base by rebuilding a vibrant Tortola Leos Club; encouraging new leadership into the organisation; spearheading a successful 45th anniversary celebration; giving 100% support to the new “Alzheimer’s Awareness Advocate” Association; giving support to the works and success of the Eselyn Henley Richez Learning Center; giving fund-raising support to the works of the BVI Red Cross; supporting the Family Support Network in its quest to eliminate domestic violence from our society by strengthening the social safety net and family values; and giving fund-raising support to the Health Services Authority for the purchase of medical equipment among other plans.

"Team work by ordinary citizens throughout our community is the only solution. Government will never be able to do it alone. The common attribute of all successful leaders is that of giving freely of your time to the call of community service. A will to serve! That is the motto of the Lions Service. None of the initiatives listed above are deemed as glamourous and yet they are each critical," stressed the new Lions President.

Mr Malone is also the President of the Opposition Virgin Islands Party (VIP).