Lionism began in San Pedro as a result of three local men, namely Wilfredo Alamilla, Alan Forman and Pedro Salazar Sr. who joined the Belize City Lions Club and decided to start their own club in San Pedro. After spreading the word about this worldwide organization and its objectives, they were ready to form a new club. On October 25^th, 1975, the San Pedro Lions Club was officially chartered, boasting an enrollment of 36 members. This historical celebration was held at Los Marinos Club.

    The first president elected to assume the challenges of leading these members was Lion Pedro Salazar Sr. Eager to see the humble village of San Pedro progress, the Club identified a number of community projects, but their main priority was to build and sustain a much-needed health facility in their growing community. A series of meetings were held to discuss draft plans, establish a location and obtain approval for the construction of this ambitious project. The San Pedro Lions Clinic project commenced on October 3^rd, 1977, under the dynamic leadership of President Wilfredo Alamilla Sr. The clinic was completed in April 1978, just weeks before District 59's first National Convention, hosted by the San Pedro Lions Club. President Edilberto "Beto" Marin recalls this particular year as "fantastic," with the San Pedro Lions National Queen candidate, Alma Staines, winning the prestigious title of District 59 Queen.

    This started the ball rolling and since then the San Pedro Lions have embraced the spirit of the Lions emblem - demonstrating pride, heritage and confidence in the future. Other great men continued to lead the San Pedro Lions Club over the next years; men who worked hard to assist the needy, supported by enthusiastic members and a generous and caring community.

    Only three years ago, the San Pedro Lions Club once again made history when they selected their first female president. This honor was bestowed upon Lion Flora Ancona, a proven hardworking and dedicated member. The island Club also takes pride in providing three District Governors who successfully led all the Lions Clubs of Belize. These accomplished leaders, still active in the Club today, are Lions Edilberto "Beto" Marin, Baldemar Graniel and Pedro Salazar Sr. In addition, the San Pedro Lions Club has awarded the highest honor of Lionism - The Melvin Jones Fellow Award to four individuals. This title of respect has been bestowed upon Lions Abel Guerrero Sr., Edilberto "Beto" Marin, Alfredito Alamilla (deceased) and Mrs. Celi McCorkle.

    In their twenty-seven years of existence, the San Pedro Lions Club has managed to aid countless people with emergency medical treatment, as well as a variety of other charitable services, in their area and other locations around the world. Today, the Club's main project is the completion of the San Pedro Lions Inter-Community Hospital. With the help of friends from abroad, local organizations and the Government of Belize, this dream appears to be nearing reality. The Club also participates enthusiastically in annual projects such as the Peace Poster Competition, the Lions Club International Foundation fundraiser, World Service Day and most recently, as part of the organizing team for the first-ever Tertiary Level Public Speaking Competition. Of course, it goes without saying that the San Pedro Lions weekly barbecue has become a trademark function for the island Lions, as both visitors and residents alike look forward to treating themselves to this finger-licking cuisine.

    Although the Club has suffered its ups and downs throughout their twenty-seven years of service, they move forward with an endless ambition and exemplify the Lions motto "We Serve". Presently, under the able leadership of Lion Francisco Verde, the Club hopes to continue its mission, utilizing the strength of its members and the unswerving loyalty of this island community. Guided in their service by the Lions Clubs Objectives and Code of Ethics, the San Pedro Lions pledge to AID others by giving their sympathy to those in distress, their aid to the weak, and their substance to the needy in "Our Community."