MAHO:--- On Friday April 25th 2014 at a very impressive ceremony at the Royal Pavilion at the Maho Sonesta Hotel among their parents, friends and members of the St. Maarten Lions and Leo Club, Sint Maarten South Leo Club was formally chartered and welcomed no less than 22 (twenty-two) new Leo Club members to its fold. This club is an Omega aged group which means the young professionals are all between the ages of 19 and 30 years.
The Induction Ceremony was conducted by Past District Governor Lion Claudius Buncamper MJF. Before taking the oath of membership these 22 new Leos were addressed by PDG Claudius Buncamper, who placed the emphasis on the fact of being privileged of joining this great International Organization. He stressed on the fact that their development as Leos will be three fold. First through their Logo LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITY Leos first develop their own leadership skills, integrity and moral values, their talents and in particular a sense of responsibility of designing the community based projects which should benefit the community at large and in particular their own peers, this will be their leadership role in the club.
Secondly they are to gain a great deal of experience in planning, working as a team and being responsible for the execution of community projects, fundraising projects and building a great self-esteem.
Thirdly membership gives them a great opportunity to develop their own future when tomorrow they go abroad to further their studies. They will have the necessary Leadership skills, have gain a certain amount of experience of standing on their own feet and an opportunity to pass these qualities on to others of their peers.
After the responsibilities of membership had been read to the prospect Leos, they jointly took the oath of membership.
The Zone chairman of Zone 2B Lion Franklin Wilson and the St. Maarten lions Club President Lion Claudio Buncamper placed the Leo lapel pin on all the Leos in the presence of all parents, family and friends of the newly inducted Leos. All Leos received their vest, membership certificate and their ID cards.
Leo President Leo Jennifer Carty and her board consisting of Vice President Fraenseen Fowler, Secretary Nathalie Tackling, Treasurer Giovanella De Weever and board member Janique Coram and Kristen Laurence all accepted the charter from Lion President Claudio Buncamper which highlighted the ceremony. The Lion President Claudio was also awarded an extension award by Lions International for the new club formation program of international that was fulfilled by the chartering of this new club. St. Maarten is one of the few islands in the Caribbean where the Lions Club have an Alpha and Omega club belonging to one club making the project and program assistance for the community better balanced. Leo Jennifer Carty also accepted a donation form the Lions Club to start of their operations as a new Leo Club. Leo Jennifer Carty gave a great speech and highlighted in collaboration with her secretary Leo Nathalie some never before done fundraising projects.
The St. Maarten South Leo Club will make the meeting date known to all interested young professionals in the very near future. Lion Past District Governor Claudius Buncamper and Lion Alphons Gumbs will be the Leo Club advisors.
Young people, age18 to 30 years who would like more information about the St. Maarten South Leo Club can contact Lion Claudius Buncamper at 5201188.
Lions clubs sponsor approximately 5,800 Leo clubs in 140 countries. While helping others in their community, Leos develop leadership skills and experience teamwork in action. For more information about the Leo Club Program, visit the Youth Programs section of the Lions Web site at www.lionsclubs.org.
