Solicitor general lauds Lions for service

SOLICITOR GENERAL Nicole Foster-Pusey has commended members of the International Association of Lions Clubs in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands on the contribution they have made to national development.

Delivering the keynote address at the Centennial Anniversary Gala of the Lions Clubs at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel on October 14, FosterPusey noted that Lions have been challenged to help 100 million persons worldwide through projects focusing on youth, hunger, vision, the environment and diabetes.

She said that by providing service in these areas, Lions are helping Jamaicans achieve the Vision 2030 goals of creating a healthy, prosperous and natural environment.

She congratulated the Lions of Jamaica for having founded the Nicole Foster-Pusey

Heart Foundation and the Diabetes Association some 40 years ago, and informed that the HPV vaccine [being administered to grade-seven girls in Jamaican schools] was developed with funding from the Lions Medical Research Foundation in Brisbane, Australia.

District Governor Sherwin Greenidge, who was visiting from Barbados, brought greetings on behalf of the other regions and urged the Lions to continue serving for another 100 years.

Eight individuals and organisations were presented with Centennial Awards for their contribution to the work of Lions in Jamaica over the years. These were Patrick Simmonds – for bringing Lionism to Jamaica; Peter Bangerter – charter member of the first club in Jamaica; Milton Pinnock – Charter President of Lions Club of Mona; Dr Winston Newell – for voluntary dental service; Impact Trading Company – main sponsor of Mandeville Lions Men Who Cook fundraiser; Custos William Shagoury – supporter of Clarendon Lions Club; Environmental Foundation of Jamaica – facilitating funding for reforestation of more than 80 hectares in the Blue Mountain Forest Reserve.