Lions unite for 24th Convention

The Island Newspaper, Ambergris Caye, Belize            Vol. 11, No. 17            May 3, 2001

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Divers prepare to place one of six mooring buoys

In keeping with this year's convention theme, a large amount of Lion members, their families and friends "United in Spirit and Deeds" last weekend to celebrate the 24th Annual Belize Lions Zone 59 Convention.

    From early Friday morning conventioneers started arriving aboard Maya Island Air and Tropic Air, who very graciously offered special discounted rates for those attending. A great sense of friendship filled the Lions Den, the unofficial meeting place for the convention, as last minute registrations were conducted. Opening the official program on Friday night was the dynamic Salsa Caliente (recycled teenagers) dance group. Their three-dance presentation was the perfect opening to pave the way for the excellent schedule of events that followed throughout the night. Another highlight was the introduction of club queens and the club cultural presentations performed by Belize City, San Estevan and San Pedro Lions Club. Various speakers enlightened the Lions with their words of wisdom including messages from Zone Chairman Dr. Chris Bennett and the Governor General of Belize, Sir Colville Young. Then, to put icing on the cake, the hospitality booths were opened up to conventioneers. The five clubs displayed and gave away some of their homemade "goodies" including curry beef from Belmopan, cassava bread and Marie Sharp products from Stann Creek, "sweet treats" from San Estevan and tamales from Belize City. The San Pedro Lions Club outdid themselves in their "Best of Temptation Island" booth. Thanks to mouthwatering treats from Ramon's Restaurant, La Margarita, Elvi's Kitchen, Alebran's Delights, Holiday Hotel, Jaguar's Temple, Caribe Island Resort, Victoria House, Captain Morgan's Retreat, Journey's End and the Pier Lounge conventioneers walked away quite satisfied. Because of these tasty sensations and the creative ideas of Lion Shelly Huber and her committee, San Pedro was voted the BEST BOOTH; a first for this club.

    On Saturday morning, many Lion members congregated at the Lions Den to attend a series of interesting and educational seminars and to elect a new Zone and Vice-Zone Chairman. Ruben Gonzalez of San Pedro was elected as the incoming Vice-Zone Chairman and Dr. Chris Bennett was unanimously voted to serve for another year as Chairman.

Luisana Nuñez represents the Goddess of the Sea during her cultural presentation

     The San Pedro Lions Club also took the opportunity during this part of the convention to inaugurate their new office, dedicated to the late Lion Alfredito Alamilla. Lion Betito Marin of San Pedro conducted this very special and emotional ceremony. Lion Cortez Nurse of Belmopan did the honors of blessing the office while Lion Lenny Alamilla (Alfredito's widow) cut the ribbon. The congregation then convened at Central Park for the convention's symbolic community project. Each club sponsored a mooring buoy, painted in Lion colors, to be placed at specific dive sites. Mr. Mito Paz of Green Reef then spoke about the fragile reef and the importance of the mooring buoy project. "The mooring buoys," he explained, "are used by dive boats to anchor to instead of anchoring on the reef which can result in damage to the fragile corals." Mr. Paz congratulated the Lions for their past achievements and thanked them for their interest in the environment. Four boats loaded with conventioneers, led by Mr. Albino "Changa" Paz of Amigos del Mar, headed outside the reef to replace six buoys. The divers for the project were Mito Paz, Alejandro Paz (a 15 year-old youth who was recently certified), Caroline Price, Paul DuKenny and Russell Casimiro. Although some of the people in the boats experienced some seasickness, the trip was one of the most talked about events of the convention. After a dip in the swimming area of the Amigos del Mar dock, conventioneers departed to prepare for the evening's events. Saturday night was dedicated to the five beautiful young ladies representing each club. Each took the stage where they displayed their special talents whether it was dancing, poetry or public speaking. All of the presentations were unique and well done. As part of the San Pedro Lions Club Queen's performance named "The Sea," Luisana Nuñez, with the help of other actors, demonstrated how important the sea has been to our livelihood, yet at the same time, how it could be our biggest threat. Luisana ended her presentation depicting the Goddess of the Sea using a specially designed costume that captured the attention of all attending. Also performing two special numbers were the members of the San Pedro Dance Company, who once again displayed their professionalism and excellent talents on stage.

    After some delays and last minute changes in the program, the gathering then traveled to the Lions Den for the coronation of the Zone 59 Queen, Miss Luisana Nuñez of San Pedro. The Lions Den was filled to capacity to witness this event. A dance followed featuring Wil and the Caribbean Shells who "rocked the house" until the wee hours of the morning.

Lion Cortez Nurse blesses new Lions office

    Sunday morning commenced with an ecumenical service dedicated to the Lions of Zone 59 at the Roman Catholic Church. The Lions parade and awards ceremony then followed at Central Park. Awards were given out as follows: Hospitality Booth - First place - San Pedro, Second place - San Estevan; Parade - First place - Belize City, Second place - San Estevan; Best Float - San Estevan; Most Participation - San Estevan; Host Club Overall Award for Good Convention - San Pedro; Hurricane Keith Relief Effort Zone 59 Award - San Pedro and San Estevan. 

    Conventioneers then enjoyed barbecue on the beach with entertainment by Wil and the Caribbean Shells and Barbara's Dance Group. Sadly though, goodbyes to old friends and new had to be exchanged as the convention came to an end. Nevertheless, once again Lions came together to enjoy fellowship and discover ways to improve the future of Lionism in Belize. The San Pedro Lions Club was happy to have been able to host the Lions of Zone 59 and hopes that, through this convention and many other events, they continue to remain "United in Spirit and Deeds."

    The San Pedro Lions Club wishes to make special mention of the following sponsors that helped make this convention a success. The Blue Tang Inn - the official host hotel for the queens, Moncho's Golf Cart Rentals, Riverwalk Nursery, Sweet's Decorations, Jesus Castillo, San Pedro Town Council workers, Ramon's Dive Shop, Bottom Time Dive Shop, Amigo's del Mar, Javier Graniel, Mrs. Martita Leslie, Mrs. Leonor Trejo, Mr. George Kumul, Cars ėR' Us, Castillo's Hardware, Milo's Ice Factory, Sundancer and Moondancer Boutiques, Elvi's Kitchen, San Pedro Supermarket, Island Super Market, Atlantic Bank, Maya Island Air, Pete's Enterprises, Harmouch Hardware, San Pedro Hardware, Belize Bank, Tropic Air and all advertisers and supporters of the 24th Annual Belize Lions Zone 59 Convention.



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