In the 2021 – 2022 Lionistic year, the Anguilla Lions club is observing forty years of service to the community. While Lionism started with a male only club, the Anguilla Lioness Club quickly followed. This club was chartered by twenty five visionary women – and among them were Mrs. Gloria Kelsick, Mrs. Janice Hodge, Mrs. Celestine John, Mrs. Vernice Webster, Mrs. Andrea Busby, Mrs. Grethel Connor, Mrs. Joycelyn (Joyce) Richardson, Mrs. Ernie Hodge-Carty and Ms. Ermine Edwards of blessed memory. In fact, Mrs. Gloria Kelsick was the first president of that club and when the clubs eventually merged many of these women became active and vibrant members of the Anguilla Lions Club.
Today the Anguilla Lions Club still benefits from the wisdom, leadership and institutional knowledge of Lions Janice, Celestine and Lion Ernie, now a Melvin Jones Fellow (MJF) which is the highest honour bestowed on any member of Lions International. Many of these women have distinguished themselves through their service locally, regionally and internationally as members of the Lionistic movement. Locally, we continue Lion Ermine Edward’s legacy through a Scholarship Award because of her passion for education.
Among the many duties that they perform, these Lion women called to service – tutor, minister and mentor, and have laid the foundation for those who now come behind.
It is important that we understand that it was the vision of women who were committed to service – that continue the inspiration of the club to reach the needy and less fortunate within the community. Forty years later, women continue to be the backbone of the Anguilla Lions Club which is evidenced by the many women presidents who have led the organisation over the years.
On this International Women’s Day, the Anguilla Lions Club takes this opportunity to acknowledge the service and leadership of all women in Lionism especially those who began as Lionesses. We also take this opportunity to extend a wonderful International Women’s Day to all.
Written by
Lion President Jocelyn Johnson
2021-2022
Recommitted to Service: Moving Forward Together in Lionism
