Kiwanis Club of Montego Bay turns 50
THE OLDEST Kiwanis Club in western Jamaica and the second oldest on the island recently marked its 50th year of service to the parish of St James with a glitzy banquet at Montego Bay’s Grandiosa Hotel.
In true Kiwanian style, the spotlight was focused on others, as the club used the opportunity to celebrate and recognise four members of the Montego Bay community for their contributions to the growth and development of the city, as well as service to their communities.
Vilma Campbell, principal of Chetwood Memorial Primary School, was presented with the Kiwanis Club of Montego Bay’s 50th anniversary award in Education Award for her work at the primary level, while the 50th anniversary Youth Award went to Sandals Resorts International’s management trainee, André Cleghorn, who designed and implemented several programmes for inner-city youths in his home community of Canterbury. The Business Leader Award went to Anthony Pearson, managing director of Lloyd’s Department store, for 50 years of service to the city in the field of commerce, and the 50th anniversary Spirit of Service Award went to a Kiwanian who is also a life member of the Lay Magistrates’ Association of Jamaica and proprietor of Verney House Hotel, Ernest Sterling.
Two members of the club, Pino Maffesanti and Vernal Campbell were also honoured for 50 years of unbroken membership. They were presented with the Kiwanis International Legion of Honour Award by visiting Governor of Eastern Canada and the Caribbean District of Kiwanis International Allen Ure, who was the night’s guest speaker.
The elegant affair included the installation of Allan Causwell as the 2016 -2017 Lieutenant Governor for Division 25, as well as the officers and directors for the Kiwanis Club of Montego Bay.
Teisha Pinnock was named Kiwanian of the Year.
The club which has a rich history of service, has in the past completed impressive projects, including construction of the Flankers, Maffesanti, Bruceshall and Mt Salem basic schools in the parish.