2003-2004 San Pedro Lions Club Board of Directors

Belize and Mexico Lions celebrate international fellowship

    Lion Angel Nuñez served as the Master of Ceremonies for this important occasion. He called upon Lion Abel Guerrero Sr. to lead the gathering in a prayer. Welcoming everyone to the island, was San Pedro Mayoress Elsa Paz, who praised the San Pedro Lions for their endless contributions to the community. Special recognition was given to the Lion delegation from Mexico, which included Cancun Lions Club President Nellie Valencia, Chetumal Lions Club President Jose Guadalupe Rodriguez and reigning Chetumal Lions Queen Angeles Anais Pacheco Forbes, as well as several Lion members from their country. Later in the evening, the two Lions Club presidents expressed their happiness over the recent solidarity created between the two Lions groups. They also invited the Belize Lions to join them at the upcoming Cancun Lions installation ceremony on July 19^th..

   Following the introduction of dignitaries, outgoing President Lion Francisco "Pancho" Verde reviewed the Club's activities and accomplishments during his term. These included but were not limited to: the annual Christmas caroling and children's party, the rental agreement established between the Club and the San Pedro Lions Clinic doctors, the formation of a Lions Club band to perform at the Lions Den on Saturday nights, and the recent picnic held for the Belize Council for the Visually Impaired. The outgoing president then presented the financial report for the past year. Lion Verde ended by giving special thanks and small tokens of his appreciation to those members who assisted him with his duties during the past year.

    Belize Zone 59 Chairman Lion Beto Mahler of the Belize City Lions Club then offered advice to the Lions attending. He urged the new board of directors to perform their duties to the best of their abilities during their term in office stating, "The success of the Club depends on each of you." Zone Chairman Mahler then accepted the honor of installing the 2003-2004 San Pedro Lions Club Board of Directors (BOD). Introducing each inductee, the Zone Chairman read aloud their individual responsibilities, as a reminder of the important tasks each had accepted as leaders of the Club.

    Immediately following the installation ceremony, the "gavel" was handed over to the newly inducted San Pedro Lions President Milo Paz Jr. The Lion President graciously accepted his responsibility, and this opportunity to serve his fellow Lions and the community. He then stated his goals: to increase membership by targeting Caye Caulker and the San Pedro business community; to work on fulfilling this year's Lions theme, "Lions serving youth, enhancing the future," and to pick up where the previous president had left off - by continuing the work on the Lions Inter-Community Hospital.

    Guest Speaker for the evening, Senator Barry Bowen, was the next to address the gathering. His message focused on the power of the word "We" in the Lions motto "We Serve". Senator Bowen explained that if all Belizeans worked together in harmony as well as Lions did, "we" could accomplish great things for the future of our country.

    Past President Lion Alex Eiley then presented the SP Lion of the Year award to Lion Javier Graniel for his dedication and service to the Club.

    Past President Lester Marin of the former Caye Caulker Lions Club was introduced next. He expressed his delight at being part of the festivities and urged all San Pedro Lion members to support their new president.

    Following the vote of thanks by San Pedro Lions Queen Emily Verde, the attendees enjoyed dinner, drinks and danced the night away to the melodious music of Wil and the Tequila Trio. 

    The 2003-2004 San Pedro Lions Club Board of Directors is comprised of the following: President - Milo Paz Jr., Vice Presidents - Nita Marin, Joe Alamilla and Baldemar Graniel, Secretary - Beto Marin, Treasurer - Abel Guerrero Sr., Tail Twister - Melanie Paz, Lion Tamer - Lupe Caceres, One-year Directors - Ramon Guerrero and Flora Ancona, Two-year Directors - Melly Kumul and Severo Guerrero Sr., Membership - Angel Nuñez and Immediate Past President - Francisco "Pancho" Verde.

    Through this medium, the San Pedro Lions Club would like to express their gratitude to sponsors Tropic Air and Holiday Hotel for their generosity and assistance in making the 28^th San Pedro Lions Club Board of Directors installation, an international celebration of fellowship.