S.P. Lion President Severo Guerrero, Stann Creek President Beverly Usher, S.P. Lions Queen Irenie Gonzalez, D-59 Governor Leo Cuellar, D-59 Queen Ariani Zamora and Belmopan Club President Cortes Nurse

    President of the San Pedro Lions Club, Severo Guerrero, gave the welcome address. He spoke of the Lions Clinic and Inter-Community Hospital as two examples of projects that the club has undertaken. He encouraged interested persons to join the organization to keep the Lion Spirit alive in San Pedro.

    Miss Ariani Zamora, District 59 Queen brought greetings from her hometown San Estevan and the entire Lions District. During her address, she expressed her happiness of being in San Pedro and spoke highly of the friendliness and warmth of the islanders. She congratulated the club for achieving another successful year and gave them good wishes for the future. Miss Zamora had been on the island since Friday, accompanied by her mother. This was an invitation extended to her by the San Pedro Lions Club. During her stay here, along with her island chaperon, Miss San Pedro Lions Irenie Gonzalez, they toured the island and went on an excursion to the reef.

    The program continued with a moment of silence for three Lions which, sadly, passed away this year, Lions Roberto Toriz, Octavio Alamilla and Alfredito "Fred" Alamilla. The program was changed a bit to accommodate Lion Ramon Nuñez to inform the club about some great news. Lion Nuñez, who has officially been named the Chief Fundraiser for the Inter-Community Hospital Project, once again, amazed the gathering with more wonderful news. He confirmed that, as a result of talks with friends of his, a group of people have committed to donate US$50,000; others have committed to supplying three dental offices and equipment; and one person has agreed to donate the elevator for the hospital. Negotiations with well-known wrestlers of the World Wrestling Federation to come to San Pedro to stage a fundraising show is still underway. Brett Hart, "The Hitman," is eager, along with other wrestlers, to put on this show. Lion Ramon also informed the gathering that negotiations are being discussed to bring well-known Mexican comedians/actors of "Chespirito," a famous TV show starring Ernesto Gomez Bolaño (El Chavo del Ocho), Florinda Mesa and La Chilindrina.

    The guest speaker for the evening was the Governor of District 59, Lion Leonides "Leo" Cuellar. Governor Cuellar took the time to make mention of some chartered members who still serve in the club presently. He expressed his admiration of the San Pedro Lions Club saying this was the leading club of the district. Following the Governor's speech, the ceremony took a different beat when members of Barbara's Dance Group performed a dance to change the pace. The San Pedro Dance Company then presented two dances and put the crowd in a cheerful mood performing the "dance of the decade." 

    Past President, Lion Ruben Gonzalez then took the opportunity to present the Melvin Jones Fellow Award to Mrs. Leni Alamilla, wife of the late Afredito Alamilla. This is one of the highest awards given by Lions International to hard working Lions for their outstanding service to the Club. Lion Fred was a founding member of the San Pedro Lions Club who served as President for two consecutive years and was also chairman of the Lions Den for over ten years. Lion Ruben Gonzalez also gave out awards to deserving lions throughout his term as President (see Lions Roarrr story). The vote of thanks was given by 1st Vice-President Lion Flora Ancona. The group then joined voices to sing the Lions song and the official ceremony came to a close. The group then enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner and Steven Bob entertained until the wee hours of the morning. The San Pedro Lions Club celebrated its 24th anniversary surrounded by friends and family who have supported the club throughout the years.